The Ontario Entrepreneur stream is an integral component of the Business Streams within the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) operated by the province of Ontario. This stream is specifically designed to attract experienced business owners or senior business managers who wish to establish themselves in the province. To be considered eligible for this stream, applicants must demonstrate their intention to either start a new business or purchase an existing one in which they will actively participate in the day-to-day management. This stream provides a valuable pathway for experienced business professionals to gain expedited consideration for Canadian permanent residency and establish their business in the province of Ontario.
Eligibility criteria for the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream program
The Ontario Entrepreneur stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has the following requirements for applicants:
It is designed for experienced business owners or managers who wish to establish a business in Ontario, and meet the specified requirements for investment, net worth, and business management experience.
Investment
The Ontario Entrepreneur stream requires a significant financial commitment from the applicant, the specifics of which vary depending on the location and type of the proposed business. For businesses located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the applicant must have a minimum net worth of $800,000 CAD and make a minimum personal investment of $600,000 CAD, while also holding at least one-third of the equity in the business. For businesses located outside of the GTA, the applicant must have a minimum net worth of $400,000 CAD and make a minimum personal investment of $200,000 CAD, while also holding at least one-third of the equity in the business. For businesses in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT)/Digital Communications sector, the applicant must have a minimum net worth of $400,000 CAD and make a minimum personal investment of $200,000 CAD. It is important to note that the proposed business cannot be on the list of ineligible businesses.
Work experience
To be considered eligible for the Ontario Entrepreneur stream, the applicant must possess a minimum of 24 months of full-time business experience within the past 60 months. The experience must be in an active role, where the applicant was involved in the day-to-day operations of the business, rather than just a passive investor. Additionally, the applicant must commit to actively participate in the management of the proposed business in Ontario and must hold at least one-third equity in the business.
Business plan
Prospective candidates must submit a comprehensive business proposal for their proposed venture in Ontario as part of the application process. The proposed business must demonstrate its ability to create at least two permanent, full-time positions for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Language proficiency
Applicants for this stream must possess valid language test scores that demonstrate proficiency at or above Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 in English. This requirement must be met as part of the official application to the OINP, though it is not necessary to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Residency Requirement
During the time spent establishing their business in Ontario, applicants are required to reside in the province for a minimum of 75% of the time.
Business Partner
A prospective candidate may submit their application in collaboration with a single, permissible business partner provided that both parties fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria.
The Ineligible Types of Businesses
List of ineligible types of business in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) |
Existing franchises in Ontario (new foreign franchises expanding into Ontario are permitted) |
Gas stations |
Tire recycling |
Scrap metal recycling |
Pawnbrokers |
Bed and breakfasts |
Holding companies |
Laundromats |
Automated car wash operations |
Pay day loan and related businesses |
Businesses which have been previously owned/operated by current or former OINP business stream nominees |
List of ineligible types of business outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) |
Tire recycling |
Scrap metal recycling |
Pawnbrokers |
Holding companies |
Laundromats |
Automated car wash operations |
Pay day loan and related businesses |
Businesses which have been previously owned/operated by current or former OINP business stream |
How is the Ontario Entrepreneur stream application procedure?
The Ontario Entrepreneur stream operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, where candidates who meet the minimum requirements can submit their profile and EOI through the ONe-key account on the OINP e-Filing Portal. Once the profile is submitted, candidates will be assigned a score and ranked against one another using the Ontario Entrepreneur Ranking system. The highest-ranking candidates will be invited to submit a formal application to the stream.
Upon receiving an invitation to apply, candidates have 90 days to submit all required information and documents, including a detailed business plan and an assessment of their personal net worth, completed by a qualified third party. The Ontario Entrepreneur stream charges a non-refundable application fee of $3,500 CAD per applicant. Note that if the application is complete, candidates are required to attend a mandatory in-person interview at the OINP offices in Ontario, at their own expense.
If the application is approved, candidates will be required to sign a Performance Agreement with the OINP and will receive a work permit support letter which allows them to apply for a temporary work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Certain business categories are eligible for LMIA-exempt work permits, allowing them to work in Canada while establishing their business.
Once in Canada, candidates have a maximum of 20 months to implement their business plan. Between 18 to 20 months, they must submit a final report to the OINP, which serves as a request for nomination. If the report is approved, they will receive an official provincial nomination. With a provincial nomination, candidates can apply for Canadian permanent residence by submitting a paper-based application by mail to the appropriate application center.
Ranking System for the Ontario Entrepreneur stream
Scoring Sections | Points |
Experience Factors | 50 |
Investment Factors | 100 |
Human Capital Factors | 20 |
Total Points Available | 170 |
Experience Total Duration
Experience Total Duration | Points |
Business Owner | |
Less than 24 months | Not eligible |
24 – 47 months | 13 |
48 – 59 months | 19 |
60 months | 25 |
Senior Manager (Business Management) | |
Less than 24 months | Not eligible |
48 – 59 months | 19 |
60 months | 25 |
Total Points Available | 25 |
Past Specific Experience |
Past Specific Experience | Points |
No | 0 |
Yes: 1 past specific experience | 15 |
Yes: 2 past specific experience | 25 |
Yes: 3 past specific experience | 35 |
Total Points Available | 35 |
Personal Net Worth
Personal Net Worth | Points |
If your proposed business will be within the GTA | |
Less than $800,000 | Not eligible |
$800,000 to $2,499,999 | 5 |
$2,500,000 or more | 10 |
If your proposed business will be outside the GTA OR If your proposed business will be in the ICT/Digital Communications sector (regardless of location) | |
Less than $400,000 | Not eligible |
$400,000 to $999,999 | 10 |
$1,000,000 or more | 15 |
Total Points Available | 15 |
Investment Amount
Investment Amount | Points |
If your proposed business will be within the GTA | |
Less than $600,000 | Not eligible |
$600,000 to $1,499,999 | 10 |
$1,500,000 to $2,999,999 | 15 |
$3,000,000 or more | 20 |
If your proposed business will be outside the GTA OR if your proposed business will be in the ICT/Digital Communications sector (regardless of location) | |
Less than $200,000 | Not eligible |
$200,000 to $499,999 | 15 |
$500,000 to $799,999 | 20 |
$800,000 or more | 25 |
Total Points Available | 25 |
Job Creation
Job Creation | Points |
1 for outside GTA or ICT/Digital Communications sector | 3 |
3-4 jobs | 5 |
5 or more jobs | 7 |
Total Points Available | 7 |
Business-Related Visits to Ontario
Business-Related Visits to Ontario | Points |
No | 0 |
Yes | 6 |
Total Points Available | 6 |
Business-Related Visits to Ontario
Business-Related Visits to Ontario | Points |
No | 0 |
Yes | 6 |
Total Points Available | 6 |
Targeted key sector
Significant Economic Benefit and Key Sector | Points |
Unsatisfactory/Unclear | 0 |
Fair | 5 |
Good | 10 |
Total Points Available | 10 |
Business Location
Business Location | Points |
CMA with a population of 175,000 or more | 0 |
CMA or CA with a population greater than 100,000 but less than 175,000 | 5 |
Other location with a population of 100,000 or below | 10 |
Total Points Available | 10 |
Job Creation
Creation of N0C 0, A or B Jobs | Points |
0 NOC 0, A or B job(s) | 0 |
1 NOC 0, A or B job(s) 5 | 5 |
2 or more NOC 0, A or B job(s) 7 | 7 |
Total Points Available | 7 |
Education
Level of Education | Points |
No post-secondary education | 0 |
Post-secondary degree or diploma – two-year | 5 |
Post-secondary degree or diploma – three-year | 10 |
Total Points Available | 10 |
Language Ability
Official Language Ability | Points |
None or minimal (CLB 3 or below) | 0 |
Basic understanding (CLB 4) | 5 |
Intermediate and advanced (CLB 5 or higher) | 10 |
Total Points Available | 10 |
Contact Vizard
If you are interested in investment opportunities in Canada, contact Vizard Immigration, a professional immigration firm, for assistance. Our experienced team can provide you with guidance and information on the various investment options available in Canada, as well as assist you with the application process and representation before Canadian immigration authorities.
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