Nova Scotia Launches New Business Immigration Streams

Nova Scotia is launching two new business immigration streams to attract international entrepreneurs and to retain international graduates of provincial universities and colleges.

“The launch of the Entrepreneur Stream and the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream will attract, and help retain, entrepreneurs who create new jobs here in Nova Scotia,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Bringing more entrepreneurs here will strengthen the Nova Scotian economy.”

The Entrepreneur Stream aims to attract those who want to start or buy, and actively manage, a business in Nova Scotia. The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream provides an immigration opportunity for students who have graduated from a Nova Scotia university or community college and have started their own business.

“To grow as a province by making it easier for business to create new jobs, Nova Scotia needs more people, more investment and more entrepreneurs,” said Robert Batherson, chair of the board of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. “These changes under the Provincial Nominee Program will give businesses of all sizes the chance to grow with the help of new Canadians.”

“We’re excited that the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is the first of its kind in the country,” said Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. “These two new business streams have been carefully developed using best practises from around the world to ensure they have the maximum economic benefit for Nova Scotia.”

Both streams will open Jan. 1.