Nova Scotia Nominee Program Application for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 80

Transcription

1 For Office of Immigration Use Only NSNP ID #: Date: 1741 Brunswick Street, Suite 110A P.O. Box 1535 Halifax, NS B3J 2Y3 Ph: (902) Fax: (902) Nova Scotia Nominee Program Application for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 80 This form should be completed and signed by the Economic stream nominee (Principal Applicant) after he/she has submitted the Registration for Residency Refund Form NSNP 70 and has met the residency requirement of living for 12 consecutive months in Nova Scotia within 18 months of landing. The applicant and accompanying dependents should still be residents at the time of application and assessment. The NSNP 80 form and supporting information must be submitted to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI). Original form is required. Electronic or faxed copy will not be accepted. If approved, the Residency Refund will be issued in the form of a cheque in the name of the Principal Applicant and sent to the Nova Scotia residential address listed below. It will likely take at least six weeks, and often longer, to assess the form once submitted and another two to four weeks if the application is approved to process the refund. Nominee Contact Information Name of Nominee Nominee ID# (if known) Residential Address (Notify NSOI if this address changes) City/Town Postal Code Telephone numbers address Date of Landing in Canada 12-month residency period to be assessed (dd/mm/yy to dd/mm/yy) Application for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 80 (Revised Oct ) Page 1 of 3

2 Description of Residency and Settlement (attach separate sheet) On a separate sheet(s) of paper, please describe the residency and settlement period for you and all landed dependents, giving precise dates whenever possible. (When you and your family arrived; where you have lived; how you have settled: are you employed? starting a business? In studies?) If you or your dependents have been outside Nova Scotia, please provide specific details of all travel. Sign and date this document and attach it to this application. Supporting Documentation I confirm that I have attached relevant and factual supporting documentation to demonstrate proof of residency and settlement in Nova Scotia. This may include, but is not limited to, combinations of any of the items on the following list. For most documents, copies are acceptable. NSOI reserves the right to request originals for inspection: Passport and other documents indicating the location and duration of all travel outside of Nova Scotia within the stated Nova Scotia 12-month residency period, with accompanying documentation to explain reasons for extended travel; Evidence of local employment in Nova Scotia (e.g., Revenue Canada tax assessments, pay stubs, T4 statements, letter from employer); Evidence of business ownership and related activities within the province (e.g., Revenue Canada tax assessments, Registry of Joint Stock Companies certificate, business website, promotional materials, articles about the business, financial records); Property deeds, apartment/housing leases and rental agreements; Utility bills; Nova Scotia driver s licence (both sides) and Health Card; Registration of children at a local school or daycare facility with confirmation of participation in the form of a letter from the school or daycare; Evidence of nominee enrolment in educational, training, language or settlement programs with confirmation of participation in the form of a letter from a program administrator; Bank statements from chequing or credit card accounts displaying regular local transactions; Insurance documents for home, household belongings or vehicle; Vehicle registrations; Community or other third-party corroboration (e.g., participation on volunteer boards, in recreation groups, or in faith organizations). Application for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 80 (Revised Oct ) Page 2 of 3

3 Nominee Declaration and Signature I declare that my family and I have settled in Nova Scotia and are still residents. My landed dependents and I have resided in the province on a regular basis for 12 consecutive months within 18 months from the date of my landing in Canada. I declare that the information provided in this report is truthful, complete and correct. I understand that any false statements or concealment of information may disqualify me from receiving the Residency Refund or require me to reimburse all refunds received. I declare that my landed dependents and/or I (check one option below): Have not left Nova Scotia during the residency period Have traveled outside Nova Scotia during the residency period Name of Nominee [Family name, given name(s)] Signature Date (dd/mm/yy) Release of Information For purposes of evaluating the program, and my participation in it, I consent to the Province of Nova Scotia collecting such information as is required to confirm and evaluate my eligibility for the Residency Refund. I authorize the Province of Nova Scotia to make enquiries of any persons, corporations, not-forprofit organizations, or federal and provincial agencies or departments as it deems necessary to collect and share information in order to administer and monitor the Residency Refund. I understand that the collection, use, sharing, retention and destruction of all documentation and information provided pursuant to my participation in the Residency Refund are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Initial here Date (dd/mm/yy) For Office of Immigration use only Residency Refund: $100,000 Signature of Review Officer Date (dd/mm/yy) Approved Not approved Signature of Director of Programs Date (dd/mm/yy) Application for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 80 (Revised Oct ) Page 3 of 3

4 For Office of Immigration Use Only NSNP ID #: Date: 1741 Brunswick Street, Suite 110A P.O. Box 1535 Halifax, NS B3J 2Y3 Ph: (902) Fax: (902) Nova Scotia Nominee Program Registration for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 70 This form should be completed and signed by the Economic stream nominee (Principal Applicant) and submitted to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) within 12 months of date of landing in Canada. Name of Nominee Nominee ID# Date of Landing in Canada Date of Arrival in Nova Scotia Residential Address (Notify NSOI if this address changes) City/Town Postal Code This address is (check one): Temporary Permanent Telephone numbers address The phone numbers above are My own Not my own If you chose Not my own number, provide the name of the account holder and their relationship to you, e.g., family, friend, agent, etc. Selection of Residency Refund Option I confirm that I want to participate in the Residency Refund Option of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program. I have read and understand the terms and conditions of the Residency Refund Option as outlined in the NSNP Fact Sheet: Residency Refund Option for Economic Stream Nominees. I understand that in order to participate in the Residency Refund Option, I am required to waive my entitlement to participate in the Business Mentor Program. Registration for Residency Refund Form NSNP 70 (Revised Oct. 15, 2009) Page 1 of 2

5 Waiver I understand that by signing this waiver, I am waiving my entitlement to participate in the Business Mentor Program. I understand that this waiver cannot be revoked. I understand that I am giving up all the benefits associated with the Business Mentor Program. This means that I will not be matched with a Nova Scotia Business Mentor; I will not be offered employment by a Business Mentor; and I will not receive any other benefits that I may have received by choosing to participate in the Business Mentor Program. After signing this waiver, I cannot change my mind and choose to participate in the Business Mentor Program at a later time. I agree that I have read this waiver and understand it. I have had the opportunity to get independent legal counsel if I so desired it before signing this waiver. Signature Name of Nominee [Family name, given name(s)] Please print clearly Signature Date (dd/mm/yy) For Office of Immigration use only Approved Not approved Signature of Review Officer Date (dd/mm/yy) Signature of Director of Programs Date (dd/mm/yy) Registration for Residency Refund Form NSNP 70 (Revised Oct. 15, 2009) Page 2 of 2

6 1741 Brunswick Street, Suite 110A P.O. Box 1535 Halifax, NS B3J 2Y3 Ph: (902) Fax: (902) Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Fact Sheet Residency Refund Option for Economic Stream Nominees The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration has introduced a new post-landing option for Economic stream nominees living in Nova Scotia in an effort to meet their settlement needs, as well as help them stay and succeed in Nova Scotia. The new Residency Refund is aimed at landed Economic stream nominees who have settled in Nova Scotia and who want to choose an option other than the Business Mentor Program to build their experience and their networks within Nova Scotia s marketplace. Nominees who decide that they do not need the Business Mentor Program can instead register for the Residency Refund. This registration qualifies them to later apply for a refund of the $100,000 economic contribution, without interest, after providing proof that they and their landed dependents are residing in Nova Scotia and have been for at least the previous 12 consecutive months. Nominees can only select one post-landing option. They cannot participate in both the Business Mentor Program and the Residency Refund option. Nominees who do not reside in Nova Scotia with their landed dependents are disqualified from participation in either the Business Mentor Program or the Residency Refund option. Who Qualifies for the Residency Refund? To qualify, nominees (who are the principal applicants) must meet the following criteria: Must be a nominee approved under the NSNP Economic stream who has been issued a permanent resident visa, has landed in Canada and is living in Nova Scotia at the time of application and assessment of their request for the Residency Refund. Must NOT have already started or completed a Business Mentor Program employment contract. Started means that the employment contract has been signed by both parties under the Business Mentor Program. Must provide documentary evidence satisfactory to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration that they (and their accompanying dependents) have resided in Nova Scotia on a regular basis for a minimum of 12 consecutive months within 18 months from the date of landing in Canada AND that they are still living in Nova Scotia. Residency Refund Fact Sheet (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 1 of 5

7 To confirm that the condition of residency has been met, the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration will require documentary evidence. For most items copies are acceptable. NSOI reserves the right to request originals for inspection. Evidence can include, but is not limited to, a combination of the following: Passport and other documents indicating the location and duration of all travel outside of Nova Scotia within the stated Nova Scotia 12-month residency period, with accompanying documentation to explain reasons for extended travel Evidence of local employment in Nova Scotia (e.g., Revenue Canada tax assessments, pay stubs, T4 statements, letter from employer) Evidence of business ownership and related activities within the province (e.g., Revenue Canada tax assessments, Registry of Joint Stock Companies certificate, business website, promotional materials, articles about the business, financial records) Property deeds, apartment/housing leases and rental agreements Utility bills Nova Scotia driver s licence (both sides) and Health Card Registration of children at a local school or daycare facility with confirmation of participation in the form of a letter from the school or daycare Evidence of nominee enrolment in educational, training, language or settlement programs with confirmation of participation in the form of a letter from a program administrator Bank statements from chequing or credit card accounts displaying regular local transactions Insurance documents for home, household belongings, or vehicle Vehicle registrations Community or other third-party corroboration (e.g., participation on volunteer boards, in recreation groups, or in faith organizations) The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration reserves the right to request additional information to confirm residency. Residency Refund Fact Sheet (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 2 of 5

8 Applying for Residency Refund The nominee is considered for the Residency Refund through the following process: Step 1: Step 2: The nominee receives a permanent resident visa from Citizenship and Immigration Canada and arrives in Nova Scotia. The nominee reports to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. The nominee must contact the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration shortly after landing, preferably within one month of landing. At that time, the nominee will be asked to provide copies of passport and landing documents. Step 3: The nominee selects and registers for the Residency Refund. The nominee must complete the Registration for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 70 and submit it to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. This form must be submitted within the first year of landing. If the nominee does not initiate either the Residency Refund option or the Business Mentor employment contract within one year of the date of landing, he/she will forfeit participation in either option. This time limit may only be extended with the written permission of the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. The Form NSNP 70 contains a waiver indicating that by selecting the Residency Refund, the nominee agrees to forfeit participation in the Business Mentor Program. Step 4: Step 5: The nominee and his/her family establish themselves in the province. After 12 months of living in Nova Scotia within 18 months from the date of landing, the nominee applies for the Residency Refund. The nominee completes the Application for Residency Refund Request - Form NSNP 80 and submits it to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration, attaching all the necessary supporting documentation. Only the original of the Form NSNP 80 (with the nominee s original signature) will be accepted. An electronic or faxed copy of the form will not be accepted. If the nominee does not meet the 12-months-of-consecutive-residency test within 18 months of landing, he/she will forfeit entitlement to the refund. This 18-month time limit may only be extended with the written permission of the Nova Scotia Office Immigration. The Application for Residency Refund Request - Form NSNP 80 will be reviewed by staff of the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. The office reserves the right to request additional information and/or request an in person interview before making a decision on the refund request. Residency Refund Fact Sheet (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 3 of 5

9 If the documentation supports the request, the nominee will be issued a refund of $100,000 in the form of a cheque payable to the nominee. The cheque will be sent to the nominee s Nova Scotia residence. Nominees who cannot satisfy the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration that they have complied with the program criteria, or who engage in misrepresentation or fraud, will not receive the refund. How to Obtain Additional Information Nominees can obtain additional information by reviewing materials on the Residency Refund option available on our website at or by contacting the office at: Nova Scotia Office of Immigration 1741 Brunswick Street Suite 110A, PO Box 1535 Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada, B3J 2Y3 Tel: Toll Free in NS: Fax: nsnp@gov.ns.ca Residency Refund Fact Sheet (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 4 of 5

10 Nova Scotia Nominee Program Overview of Economic Stream Post-Landing Options Nominee receives permanent resident visa, lands in Canada, and settles in Nova Scotia Nominee reports to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (advisably within one month of landing) Nominee selects the Business Mentor Program OR the Residency Refund Option (no later than one year after date of landing) Business Mentor Program Nominee receives a six-month employment contract with an approved Nova Scotian company/business Mentor in a middle management position for a minimum salary of $20,000. The employment contract must be initiated within one year of landing. Residency Refund Option Nominee settles in the province with his/her family. Nominee must provide evidence satisfactory to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration that he/she (and family) is still residing in the province AND that he/she has resided in Nova Scotia on a regular basis for a minimum period of 12 consecutive months. The one-year residency requirement must be met within 18 months from the date of landing in Canada. If qualified, the nominee receives a Residency Refund of $100,000 without interest. Nominee and family continue to live in Nova Scotia Residency Refund Fact Sheet (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 5 of 5

11 Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Residency Refund Option for Economic Stream Nominees Frequently Asked Questions for NOMINEES As of Oct. 6, What is the Residency Refund option? 1741 Brunswick Street, Suite 110A P.O. Box 1535 Halifax, NS B3J 2Y3 Ph: (902) Fax: (902) It is a new post-landing option for Economic nominees approved under the NSNP. Nominees who qualify can apply for a refund of the $100,000 economic contribution, without interest. They must provide satisfactory evidence that they have been living in Nova Scotia on a regular basis for a minimum of 12 consecutive months within 18 months from the date of landing in Canada and still be living in Nova Scotia at the time their application for the Residency Refund is assessed. 2. Who qualifies for the Residency Refund option? The Residency Refund is available to immigrants who meet the following criteria: Must be a nominee approved under the NSNP Economic stream who has been issued a permanent resident visa, has landed in Canada, and is living in Nova Scotia. Must NOT have already started or completed a Business Mentor Program employment contract. Must provide documentary evidence satisfactory to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration that they (and their accompanying dependents) have resided in Nova Scotia on a regular basis for a minimum of 12 consecutive months within 18 months from the date of landing in Canada AND still be living in Nova Scotia. 3. Why was the Residency Refund option introduced? It was introduced in response to feedback received from nominees and stakeholders. The Residency Refund provides a new option that may better meet the needs of some nominees and assist with their settlement in Nova Scotia. 4. How long do I have to live in Nova Scotia to qualify for the Residency Refund? To qualify, you and your accompanying dependents must have lived in Nova Scotia for 12 consecutive months within 18 months from the date of landing and still be living in Nova Scotia at the time your application for the Residency Refund is assessed. Residency Refund FAQ for Nominees (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 1 of 7

12 5. Is there a time limit to qualify for the Residency Refund? Yes. You must demonstrate that you and your accompanying dependents have lived in Nova Scotia for at least 12 consecutive months. The 12-month residency must be met within 18 months after landing. 6. Can I receive an extension to the 18-month time limit? The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration reserves the right to grant an extension in exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis. You will need to submit a written request outlining the reasons why you have not completed your 12-month residency within the 18- month time limit. Please outline where you and your family have been residing, your travels, etc. Extensions will not be granted to individuals who have not been living in the province within the first year (12 months) after landing. 7. If I qualify for the Residency Refund, how much money will I receive? If you qualify for the refund, you will receive $100,000 payable to you in Canadian dollars. 8. If I qualify for the Residency Refund, how will I receive the money? The refund payment will be issued by cheque and mailed to your Nova Scotia residence. Wire transfers will not be used. 9. Will I receive interest on the $100,000? No. You will not receive interest on the $100, Do I qualify for the Residency Refund if I have not participated in the Business Mentor Program and have already lived in Nova Scotia for almost 12 consecutive months since landing? If you have been living in Nova Scotia, you may already meet the requirements for residency. You may complete both the Registration for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 70 and the Application for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 80 and submit them to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration for assessment. 11. Do I qualify for the Residency Refund if my family (accompanying dependents) has lived in Nova Scotia for 12 consecutive months but I haven t? The principal applicant must provide evidence of residency in Nova Scotia. Exceptional situations where the principal applicant has commitments outside of Nova Scotia will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Residency Refund FAQ for Nominees (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 2 of 7

13 12. Do I qualify for the Residency Refund if I have lived in Nova Scotia for 12 consecutive months but my family (accompanying dependents) hasn t? As a general policy, the answer is no. However, on a case-by-case basis, the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration may grant exceptions depending on your family circumstances and the reasons for your family not living in the province. If your dependents are living in another province, however, this indicates that your family s ordinary residence is not in Nova Scotia and would disqualify you from the Refund. Note, however, that if dependents are attending university out of Nova Scotia it will not normally negatively effect eligibility for the Residency Refund. Dependents who are not yet in school and those in elementary and secondary school would normally be expected to be in Nova Scotia. Similarly, if dependents are serving in the military outside of Nova Scotia or Canada it will not normally negatively effect eligibility for the Residency Refund. 13. Can I participate in both the Business Mentor Program and the Residency Refund? No. You cannot participate in both options. 14. Do I qualify for the Residency Refund if I have started but not yet completed a Business Mentor employment contract with a Nova Scotia company? No. You cannot apply for the Residency Refund if you have already started a Business Mentor employment contract. Started means that an employment contract has been signed. 15. Do I qualify for the Residency Refund if I have already completed a Business Mentor employment contract with a Nova Scotia company? No. You cannot apply for the Residency Refund if you have already completed a Business Mentor employment contract. 16. Do I qualify for the Residency Refund if I was not satisfied with my Business Mentor employment contract? No. You can only apply for the Residency Refund if you have not already started a Business Mentor employment contract. 17. How and when do I register for the Residency Refund? You must complete and submit the Registration for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 70 to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration within the first year of landing. If you do not initiate either the Residency Refund option or the Business Mentor employment contract within one year of the date of landing, you will forfeit participation in either option. This time limit may only be extended with the written permission of the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. The Form NSNP 70 contains a waiver indicating that by selecting the Residency Refund, you agree to forfeit any participation in the Business Mentor Program. Residency Refund FAQ for Nominees (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 3 of 7

14 18. Once I have registered for the Residency Refund, can I later switch to the Business Mentor Program option? No. The Registration for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 70 contains a waiver indicating that by selecting the Residency Refund, you agree to forfeit any participation in the Business Mentor Program. 19. How and when do I apply for the Residency Refund? After 12 months of living in Nova Scotia within 18 months from the date of landing, you may apply for the Residency Refund. You must complete and submit the Application for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 80 to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration confirming that you have met the criteria for the Residency Refund. Please attach all necessary supporting documentation. Only the original of the NSNP 80 form (with the nominee s original signature) will be accepted. An electronic or faxed copy of the form will not be accepted. 20. Why must I complete two forms (the Registration for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 70 and the Application for Residency Refund - Form NSNP 80)? The registration form (NSNP 70) lets the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration know of your intent to seek the refund at a future date. It also removes you from the pool of nominees who are seeking a business mentor. The application form (NSNP 80) lets the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration know you believe you have met the requirements of 12 months of consecutive residency, are still living in Nova Scotia, have gathered the necessary documentary evidence and are now eligible to receive the $100,000 refund. 21. How long will it take to receive the Residency Refund? The amount of time required to assess and process the refund will depend on a number of factors such as your family s individual circumstances; whether your documentation is complete and clear; whether an interview is required, etc. This will likely take no less than six weeks. It will often take longer, particularly if assessment volumes are high or an applicant provides unclear or incomplete documentation. If your application is assessed and approved, it may take an additional two to four weeks after approval for the refund cheque to be mailed to you. Do not make plans for the refund money that are tied to a specific date. The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration cannot guarantee you will receive the refund at a particular time. You can speed up the process for yourself and others by submitting an application with clear, well-organized documentation. In particular, be sure to be thorough when filling out the Description of Residency and Settlement section. Providing specific dates of significant events - travel outside Nova Scotia, moving to a new residence, beginning or ending a course, class, or job for you or a family member, etc. Residency Refund FAQ for Nominees (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 4 of 7

15 22. Do I have to wait 18 months after landing to apply for the Residency Refund? You don t have to wait 18 months to apply for the refund. You can apply whenever you have accumulated 12 consecutive months of residency in the province, provided that this occurs before the end of the 18 th month after landing and you and your accompanying dependents are still living in Nova Scotia. 23. What documentation do I have to provide to prove my residency? To confirm that the condition of residency has been met, the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration will require documentary evidence. For most items, copies are acceptable. NSOI reserves the right to request originals for inspection. Evidence can include, but is not limited to, a combination of the following: Passport and other documents indicating the location and duration of all travel outside of Nova Scotia within the stated Nova Scotia 12-month residency period, with accompanying documentation to explain reasons for extended travel Evidence of local employment in Nova Scotia (e.g., Revenue Canada tax assessments, pay stubs, T4 statements, letter from employer) Evidence of business ownership and related activities within the province (e.g., Revenue Canada tax assessments, Registry of Joint Stock Companies certificate, business website, promotional materials, articles about the business, financial records) Property deeds, apartment/housing leases and rental agreements Utility bills Nova Scotia driver s licence (both sides) and Health Card Registration of children at a local school or daycare facility with confirmation of participation in the form of a letter from the school or daycare Evidence of nominee enrolment in educational, training, language or settlement programs with confirmation of participation in the form of a letter from a program administrator Bank statements from chequing or credit card accounts displaying regular local transactions Insurance documents for home, household belongings, or vehicle Vehicle registrations Community or other third-party corroboration (e.g., participation on volunteer boards, in recreation groups, or in faith organizations) 24. Will I be asked to attend an interview? You may be asked to attend an interview so that staff of the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration can ask for clarification on your application for the Residency Refund. 25. What happens if I can t prove that I have lived in Nova Scotia for 12 consecutive months within 18 months of landing? If you cannot provide evidence of 12 months of consecutive residency within 18 months of landing or you and your accompanying dependents are no longer living in Nova Scotia at the time your application is assessed, you will forfeit entitlement to the refund. This 18-month time Residency Refund FAQ for Nominees (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 5 of 7

16 limit may only be extended with the written permission of the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. If you cannot satisfy the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration that you have complied with the program criteria, or if you engage in misrepresentation or fraud, you will not receive the refund. 26. Can I travel outside of Nova Scotia within my 12 consecutive months of residency? Yes. You can travel within the 12-month residency period. However, your absences from the province should not be for extended periods of time and should be clearly documented. If your travel indicates that you have been away from the province for many months during the 12-month residency, you may be disqualified from receiving the Residency Refund. 27. What amount of travel outside of Nova Scotia is allowable without jeopardizing my Residency Refund? Nominees should document all out-of-province travel, but there is no need to advise the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration beforehand of infrequent short trips. Generally speaking, though, advance notification should be provided for any single trip expected to last 30 days or longer. In addition, once a nominee has accumulated six weeks of travel time - either in a single trip or series of trips - no further out-of-province travel should be undertaken without first consulting with the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. Reasonable and justifiable travel over the limit of six accumulated weeks will not jeopardize the Residency Refund if prior notice has been given and approval granted. 28. Can I receive the Residency Refund immediately upon arrival in Nova Scotia to start a business? No. You and your accompanying dependents must have lived in Nova Scotia for 12 consecutive months and still be living in Nova Scotia to qualify for the Residency Refund. 29. Should I use an immigration representative to help me register and apply for the Residency Refund? There is no need to use an immigration representative to register and apply for the Residency Refund. The forms and the instructions are available free of charge on the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration website. If you have questions, you can contact the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration for clarification. 30. Is the Business Mentor Program still in operation? Yes. Economic nominees can still participate in the Business Mentor Program. Residency Refund FAQ for Nominees (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 6 of 7

17 31. How can I get additional information? Information on the Residency Refund option is available on our website at You can also contact the office at: Nova Scotia Office of Immigration 1741 Brunswick Street Suite 110A PO Box 1535 Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada B3J 2Y3 Tel: Toll free in NS: Fax: nsnp@gov.ns.ca Residency Refund FAQ for Nominees (Revised Oct. 6, 2008) Page 7 of 7

18 1741 Brunswick Street, Suite 110A P.O. Box 1535 Halifax, NS B3J 2Y3 Ph: (902) Fax: (902) Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Residency Refund Option for Economic Stream Nominees Frequently Asked Questions for BUSINESS MENTORS As of October 12, 2007 Is the Business Mentor Program still in operation? Yes. Eligible immigrants nominated under the Economic stream of the NSNP are still entitled to participate in the Business Mentor Program. The program continues to be an option. However, a new option called the Residency Refund has been introduced to provide nominees with an alternative to the Business Mentor Program after landing in Canada. What is the Residency Refund option? It is a new post-landing option for Economic nominees approved under the NSNP. Nominees who qualify can apply for a refund of the $100,000 economic contribution, without interest. They must provide satisfactory evidence that they have been living in Nova Scotia on a regular basis for a minimum of 12 consecutive months within 18 months from the date of landing in Canada and that they are still living in Nova Scotia. Who qualifies for the Residency Refund option? The Residency Refund is available to immigrants who meet the following criteria: Must be a nominee approved under the NSNP Economic stream who has been issued a permanent resident visa, has landed in Canada, and is living in Nova Scotia. Must NOT have already started or completed a Business Mentor Program employment contract. Must provide documentary evidence satisfactory to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration that they (and their accompanying dependents) have resided in Nova Scotia on a regular basis for a minimum of 12 consecutive months within 18 months from the date of landing in Canada AND that they are still living in Nova Scotia. Residency Refund FAQ for Business Mentors Page 1 of 3

19 Why was the Residency Refund option introduced? It was introduced in response to feedback received from nominees and stakeholders. The Residency Refund provides a new option which may better meet the needs of some nominees and assist with their settlement in Nova Scotia. What impact will the Residency Refund have on my Business Mentor application? If your company has started or completed an employment match, there will be no impact. The match goes on as before. By started, the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration means that an employment contract has been signed under the Business Mentor Program. If your company has applied to become, or is approved, as a Business Mentor but has not yet been matched, there may be some impact. We anticipate that many nominees will select the Residency Refund. Therefore, fewer nominees may choose to participate in the Business Mentor Program. As stated in our guidelines, approval under the Business Mentor Program does not guarantee that a company will be matched with a nominee. Can nominees participate in both the Business Mentor Program and the Residency Refund? No. They cannot participate in both options. As well, they cannot select the Residency Refund if they have already started or completed a Business Mentor employment contract. Do nominees qualify for the Residency Refund if they have already completed a Business Mentor employment contract with my company? No. Nominees cannot apply for the Residency Refund if they have already completed a Business Mentor employment contract. Do nominees qualify for the Residency Refund if they have started but not yet completed a Business Mentor employment contract with my company? No. Nominees cannot apply for the Residency Refund if they have already started a Business Mentor employment contract. Started means that an employment contract has been signed under the Business Mentor Program. Do nominees qualify for the Residency Refund if they are not satisfied with their Business Mentor employment contract with my company? No. Nominees can only apply for the Residency Refund if they have not already started or completed a Business Mentor employment contract. Residency Refund FAQ for Business Mentors Page 2 of 3

20 Should my company still apply to become a Business Mentor? Yes, if you meet the criteria posted in the application guide, you should consider applying. We still require viable companies to provide mentorship and a six-month employment contract to those nominees who select this option. Will the Business Mentor Program eventually end? Yes, but not until all immigrants nominated under the NSNP Economic stream have been processed overseas, have received their permanent resident visa, have landed in Canada and have made their decision regarding which option, the Business Mentor Program or the Residency Refund, they prefer. Please note that the Economic stream stopped accepting new applications in July An entrepreneurial stream will replace the Economic stream and will not contain a Business Mentor component. When will the Business Mentor Program end? When all the Economic nominees have landed in Canada and have made their decision regarding which option, the Business Mentor Program or the Residency Refund, they prefer. Although it is difficult to predict a specific timeline, we anticipate that the program will continue for at least two more years. How can I get additional information? Information on the Residency Refund option is available on our website at You can also contact the office at: Nova Scotia Office of Immigration 1741 Brunswick Street Suite 110A PO Box 1535 Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada B3J 2Y3 Tel: Toll free in NS: Fax: nsnp@gov.ns.ca Residency Refund FAQ for Business Mentors Page 3 of 3