Provincial Business Programs: PNP Immigration Streams for International Entrepreneurs and Investors

Different provinces and territories in Canada offer several immigration streams specially designed for international entrepreneurs and investors under their own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These streams are designed to attract entrepreneurial talent, innovation and investment from abroad and into the different provinces and territories across the country.

The Provincial Business Programs are a combination of different business immigration streams offered under different provinces or territories’ PNPs for foreign entrepreneurs and investors who want to establish, acquire or purchase a business in the chosen region.

Successful applicants from these streams are granted provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence to the government body of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

There are some general requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible for different business immigration streams under each PNP.

What are the Common Requirements for the Provincial Business Programs?

• The most general requirement for different business streams is that the applicant must submit a detailed business plan. The business plan must include in-depth research into economic opportunities present in the chosen province and the predetermined goals of the business.
• All business immigration streams require applicants to be actively involved in establishing and operating the proposed business in the province or territory.
• Applicants will be required to have a minimum net worth and make a certain amount of investment determined by different Provincial Business Programs. 
• All business establishments will be required to meet the conditions specified in their Business Performance Agreement to obtain provincial nomination.
• However, not all business streams require applicants to make an exploratory visit to the province or make a refundable good-faith deposit with the provincial or territorial government.
• In addition, relevant business management and ownership experience is required for all streams.
• However, the minimum required business experience varies with each business immigration stream. 
• Also, all streams have different benchmark requirements for age and language proficiency. 

New Brunswick Provincial Business Programs (NBPNP)

Entrepreneurial Stream (NBPNP): This stream is for international entrepreneurs and investors who want to establish or acquire a business in New Brunswick. 

Applicants must invest $250,000 in the business and own 33.33% of voting shares. Applicants must also be actively involved in business operations. 

Applicants will also be required to make an exploratory visit to the province to apply for this stream. Successful applicants will receive the provincial nomination and be invited to apply for permanent residency.

Succession Connect Pilot Program (NBPNP): This new pilot program aims to match and connect immigrants with established businesses in New Brunswick.

Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream (NBPNP): This stream offers an immigration pathway for international graduates with a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) that have an operational business in the province for at least 1 year. 

Applicants must also have 100% ownership of the business and receive a salary that meets the Low-Income Cut-Off. 

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Nova Scotia Provincial Business Programs (NSNP)

Entrepreneur Stream (NSNP): This stream is for international entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in the province of Nova Scotia. 

International entrepreneurs must have relevant experience and a personal net worth of at least $600,000. They will also be required to invest at least $150,000 to establish the business. 

The business must be in operation for at least 1 year before applicants can qualify for permanent residence.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (NSNP): This stream is for international entrepreneurs who want to own and operate a business in Nova Scotia. International graduates must be from a designated learning institution in Nova Scotia or community college. 

Applicants will also be required to own and operate a business in the province on a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to qualify for provincial nomination. 

Applicants must own at least 1/3rd of the business and create at least 1 full-time job opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

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Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Business Programs (NLPNP)

International Entrepreneur Category (NLPNP): This category facilitates the province to nominate eligible international entrepreneurs interested in owning and operating a business in the province. Applicants must make an exploratory visit before applying. 

Applicants will receive a temporary work permit to establish their business and meet the terms set in the Business Performance Agreement. Once the terms are met, they can apply for permanent residency.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Category (NLPNP): This category is for international graduates from Memorial University or the College of North Atlantic. International Graduates must have completed a 2-year study program and have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit. 

Graduates must also have at least 1 year of business management and ownership experience and own 33.33% of the established or acquired business. 

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Prince Edward Island Provincial Business Programs (PEI PNP)

Business Impact Category (PEI PNP): This category is for international entrepreneurs and investors with a minimum net worth of $600,000 and the capacity to make an investment of at least $150,000 in an existing and operational business. 

• The above category has 1 active stream: the Work Permit Stream which allows international entrepreneurs to work in Canada on a temporary work permit to establish their business. 
• If they meet the requirements of their business performance agreement, they will receive the provincial nomination for permanent residence.

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Yukon Business Program (YNP)

Business Nominee (YNP): The Yukon Business Nominee stream is for international entrepreneurs and investors who want to acquire and manage a business in the Yukon. 

International entrepreneurs with sufficient experience in business ownership and management and who have a net worth of $500,000 are eligible. They must invest at least $300,000 for the first 2 years and own 33.33% of the business.

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Northwest Territories Business Program (NTNP)

Business Stream (NTNP): The Northwest Territories Business Stream is for international entrepreneurs and investors who want to acquire and establish a business in the territory. 

The business must contribute to economic development by the way of job creation in the territory. International entrepreneurs must have a net worth of at least $500,000 and invest a minimum of $300,000. They are also required to own 1/3rd or 33.33% of the acquired business. 

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