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NSNP Ent. UP
What is NSNP Ent. UP?
NSNP Ent. UP is the abbreviated term for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program – Entrepreneur Stream. It is a business immigration pathway under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that allows experienced business owners and senior managers to start or buy a business in Nova Scotia and permanently settle in Canada.
Unlike direct permanent residency, this program starts with a temporary work permit. After successfully operating your business for at least 12 months, you may be nominated for permanent residency.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program – Entrepreneur (Updated)
The Nova Scotia Provincial nominee program for entrepreneurs is a work permit program. It is meant for experienced business owners who want to become permanent residents of Nova Scotia, Canada. However, to do so, the Candidate must commence a new business or purchase an existing one and actively engage in that business’s day-to-day management. After completing a year in that business, the Candidate can be nominated for the Permanent Resident status.
Let’s break it down:
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NSNP =
Nova Scotia Nominee Program – This is the provincial
immigration program for the province of Nova Scotia.
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Ent. =
Entrepreneur – Refers to the Entrepreneur Stream of the NSNP, which targets experienced business owners or senior business managers who wish to live in Nova Scotia.
- UP = Most likely shorthand for Update or Updated Pathway (often used in internal notes, dashboards, or document headings)
Who is it for?
This program is designed for individuals who:
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Want to establish or purchase a business in Nova Scotia.
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Are actively involved in day-to-day business operations.
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Are financially capable and have a net worth of CAD $600,000+.
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Are looking for a pathway to permanent residency in Canada through entrepreneurship.
Whether you're from the U.S., U.K., Australia, or Germany, if you're a seasoned business leader, NSNP Ent. UP could be your fast track to living and working in Canada.
What is the NSNP Entrepreneur Stream?
This stream allows foreign nationals to:
- Move to Nova Scotia,
- Start a new business or buy an existing one,
- Actively manage the business,
- Eventually apply for permanent residence if the business runs successfully for at least 1 year.
NSNP Ent. UP Eligibility Criteria (2025)
To qualify for NSNP Ent. UP, you must meet the following criteria:
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement |
| Age | 21 years or older |
| Net Worth | At least CAD 600,000 in legally obtained assets |
| Investment | Minimum CAD 150,000 to start/buy a business in Nova Scotia |
| Business Experience | 3+ years as owner/5+ years as senior manager in the last 10 years |
| Language Proficiency | CLB 5 in English or French (IELTS/TEF accepted) |
| Education | Minimum high school diploma |
| Intent | Must live in Nova Scotia and actively manage the business |
Net worth must be verified by an approved third-party financial evaluator.
Basic Requirements (as of 2025):
- Net worth of at least CAD $600,000.
- Minimum investment of CAD $150,000.
- At least 3 years of business ownership experience or 5+ years in a senior business management role.
- Commitment to live in Nova Scotia.
- Operate the business actively.
Documents Required For NSNP Ent Program:
- Passport for each family member.
- English and/or French language assessment for the principal applicant (and spouse, if applicable)
- Confederation’s Self Assessment form completed and signed by the principal applicant.
- Completed Business Plan Builder.
- Resume and reference letters for both principal applicant and spouse
- Schedule 4A and supporting net worth documents
- Completed NSNP 400 form (attached)
- The narrative document, explaining how the principal applicant and spouse legally accumulated/earned their combined net worth
- Proof of education (e.g., diplomas)
- Proof of applicant’s or spouse’s full-time employment in NS for min. 1 year (on a valid Work Permit), if applicable
- Proof of applicant’s or spouse’s attendance at a post-secondary institution in NS, if applicable
- Proof of close adult relatives (parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew) living in NS as a PR or Canadian citizen for a minimum 1 year, if applicable
- Details of the NS business to be purchased through succession, if applicable
- Confederation’s Professional Services Agreement, completed and signed by the applicant.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Business Plan & Net Worth Evaluation
- Interview with NSOI Officials
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Apply for a Work Permit
After receiving a Letter of Support, apply to IRCC for a work permit.
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Establish Business in Nova Scotia
Operate your business for at least 12 months.
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Nomination for PR
If successful, you'll be nominated for permanent residency under the NSNP.
Score points based on experience, education, language, etc.
If ranked high enough, you’ll be invited by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
Submit a verified net worth report and a viable business plan.
Conducted in-person (or virtually) to evaluate your proposal and intentions.
Why Nova Scotia for Business Immigration?
Nova Scotia offers multiple advantages to immigrant entrepreneurs:
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Lower business costs compared to other Canadian provinces
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Growing sectors in tourism, tech, healthcare, and the ocean economy
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Supportive ecosystem, including government incentives and business mentoring
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High quality of life and access to top educational institutions
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Strategic location with easy access to the U.S. and Europe
Points Grid – NSNP Ent. UP
| Selection Factor | Maximum Points |
| Age | 10 |
| Education | 25 |
| Language Proficiency | 35 |
| Business Experience | 35 |
| Net Worth | 10 |
| Investment | 15 |
| Business Succession Bonus | 10 |
| Regional Preference | 10 |
Applicants need at least 67 out of 100 points to be eligible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting an incomplete or vague business plan.
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Overestimating passive investment — you must actively manage the business.
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Failing to document net worth correctly.
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Choosing businesses that don’t align with Nova Scotia’s economic needs.
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Ignoring language and education requirements.
Recent Updates for 2024–2025
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Priority to business succession applicants (buying local businesses)
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Shorter processing time with streamlined documentation process.
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More draws per year in the EOI system.
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New sectors added to the regional development list (e.g., clean energy, logistics).
What are the benefits of NSNP?
Affordable Professional Fees: $5,000 at the start and $5,000 after receiving the nomination.
Low Initial Investment:
- $5,000 (initial)
- $5,000 (upon ITA)
- ~$3,800 (net worth verification)
- $45,000 (after interview)
- Minimum $150,000 to invest in a business (after work permit).
Fast Processing: Quick provincial processing and federal processing in 9–12 months.
Family Benefits:
- Free public school education (K–12)
- Free medical services
- Spouse can get an open work permit
Post-Secondary Tuition: Paid at international rates until PR is granted.
Final Thoughts
If you're a skilled business professional looking to move to Canada, the NSNP Ent. UP stream offers a practical, low-barrier, and rewarding way to gain permanent residency while contributing to a dynamic provincial economy.
With lower investment thresholds, a supportive government, and a clear path to citizenship, Nova Scotia welcomes entrepreneurs who are ready to invest, manage, and succeed.
Tools & Resources
- Nova Scotia Immigration Official Website
- Designated Net Worth Verifiers
- Business Planning Resources – NSBI
- Registered Immigration Consultants (RCICs) for tailored advice
