NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
International Entrepreneur Category
The International Entrepreneur stream of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLNP) is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who possess the financial resources and management experience required to establish and operate a business in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Program Requirements
- Express Entry Profile: Not required.
- Connection to Province: Not required.
- Job Offer: Not required.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum of CLB 5.
- Level of Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Work Experience: Minimum of 2 years managing/owning a business or 5 years as a senior business manager.
- Investment Requirement: Personal net worth of at least $600,000 CAD and a minimum business investment of $200,000 CAD.
Language Proficiency
Candidates must demonstrate English or French language proficiency at a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5.
Education
Applicants are required to have completed education equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma. Credentials obtained outside Canada must be verified through an Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA).
Work Experience
Applicants must have substantial managerial experience, evidenced by at least two years of active business ownership-management or over five years as a senior business manager, to successfully establish and manage a business in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Investment Requirement
Applicants must showcase a personal net worth of at least $600,000 CAD and commit to investing a minimum of $200,000 CAD in purchasing or establishing a business in the province.
Application Procedure
The program operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Candidates must submit an EOI via the PNP’s online service, which opens periodically throughout the year. EOIs are assessed and ranked, and the most competitive candidates are invited to apply.
Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates must submit a detailed application, including a $1,000 CAD application fee, an Audit Report, and a Business Establishment Plan outlining their entrepreneurial goals. If the application is accepted, candidates are required to attend an in-person interview in Newfoundland and Labrador and sign a Business Performance Agreement, specifying their business commitments.
Successful applicants receive a work permit authorization letter to apply for a Canadian work permit, allowing them to start their business in Newfoundland and Labrador. Following the successful operation of the business as per the agreement, candidates can seek a Provincial Nomination.
Once nominated, candidates may apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent residency.
