To qualify, applicants must:

• Be 21 to 59 years of age;
• Provide a business plan with supporting financial documentation verified by a recognized third-party professional (applicants are solely responsible for payment of associated fees related to obtaining these documents);
• Have a minimum of Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential verified by an Education Credential Assessment (ECA), taken in the last five years prior to the date the EOI is submitted.
• Want to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador while owning and actively managing a local business that has the potential to create significant economic benefit to Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Have at least $600,000 CAD in unencumbered net business and personal assets that can readily be transferred to Canada;
• Be able to invest at least $200,000 CAD of their own money to establish a business in the Newfoundland and Labrador with a minimum ownership of 33.3 per cent, or $1 million in equity investment;
• Demonstrate ability to create at least one full-time equivalent job for local population (permanent residents and Canadian citizens);
• Demonstrate that the business is a for-profit entity with the primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services;
• Have at least two years’ experience actively managing and owning a business (25 percent minimum ownership) in the last five years OR 5 or more years’ experience in a senior business management role in the last ten years;
• Have a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French (acceptable tests are Canadian English Language Proficiency Program (CELPIP) General Test, or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), General Training Test; or Test d’evaluation de francais (TEF);
• Complete an online Expression of Interest (EOI); and
• Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Conduct an Exploratory Visit:

Prospective entrepreneurs must visit Newfoundland and Labrador before applying. This visit helps applicants understand the local business environment and identify potential opportunities

Application Process

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI to the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP). This includes a summary of your business proposal and qualifications.
2. Invitation to Apply: If your EOI is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for the program.
3. Application Submission: Submit a complete application, including your business plan, proof of exploratory visit, and financial documents.
4. Interview: Attend an interview with NLPNP officials to discuss your business proposal and plans.
5. Approval and Nomination: If approved, you will receive a provincial nomination, allowing you to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).