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Updated on May 28, 2024
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The Ontario government suspended its Entrepreneur Stream on December 4, 2023. It is not currently accepting new applications or issuing new expressions of interest for the program.
The Entrepreneur Success Initiative has also ended.
Under the OINP Entrepreneur Stream, the immigration authorities of Canada’s most populated province invite registered eligible candidates to apply for a temporary work permit, allowing them to establish the business in Ontario. If the terms of a Performance Agreement are met, successful applicants may then apply for provincial nomination, which is the next step on the way to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
The OINP Entrepreneur Stream thus leads to permanent residence, but only after certain conditions are met. Moreover, eligible candidates must first be invited to apply before they may make an application. Invitations are issued on the basis of a unique points system.
Do you prefer to learn by video? For a detailed overview of the Ontario Entrepreneur stream, we recommend this video guide from Deanne Acres-Lans, founder of Canada Abroad, an immigration consultancy based in Ontario, and one of Moving2Canada’s trusted partners:
Individuals wishing to apply to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream may do so alone, or with a business partner. In order to be eligible, candidates must meet the minimum requirements for all of the factors listed below. In cases where candidates intend to apply with a business partner, both persons must meet all the criteria for each factor.
Eligible candidates are assigned a score and ranked according a unique OINP Entrepreneur Stream points system. Up to 200 points are available, with the system divided into three broad categories: human capital factors (up to 80 points), investment factors (up to 46 points), and business concept (up to 76 points).
If the applicant has a business partner, both persons must meet the appropriate criteria/thresholds outlined below.
The maximum number of points for the human capital factors section is 80 points.
If the candidate has both business ownership and senior management experience in 24 of the past 60 months, he or she must choose either the business owner or senior managerial experience.
Candidates with high growth business experience or export trade business experience may obtain points under the specific experience factor, if that experience was gained in the last 60 months.
Though level of education is not an eligibility factor to enter the pool of candidates, it is nonetheless rewarded under the points system.
Similarly, language ability is rewarded, even though it is not necessary to enter the pool.
The maximum number of points for the investment factors section is 46 points.
Personal net worth includes all assets and those of the applicant’s spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, less any liabilities, including mortgages and personal debts.
The minimum investment amount must be derived from personal net worth.
Only those individuals who plan on purchasing an existing business are obliged to make an exploratory visit to Ontario. However, points are available to all candidates for this factor.
The maximum number of points for the business concept section is 74 points. You must score at least 37 out of 74 points to be eligible for the program.
You must describe how your proposed business will generate revenue and profit, and how the business will be viable and have the potential for sustained commercial success under your management.
You must provide an effective market entry strategy to show how your proposed
business will be successful in Ontario.
You can claim points if you are able to explain how your business will bring significant economic benefit to Ontario. Examples of economic benefit include introducing new technology, developing new products or services, increasing exports, and producing new research and development.
You may also receive points if your business fits into a key sector. The following key sectors have been defined as economic priorities for Ontario:
You must provide a breakdown of how you intend to allocate your capital investment to grow and expand the proposed business.
Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) and Census Agglomeration (CA) data is used to divide business locations into three broad categories based on population size.
Jobs created must be paid at the prevailing wage rate and must consist of a minimum of 1,560 hours of paid employment per year.
Job creation in skilled areas is rewarded as follows.
Individuals wishing to apply to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream should note that:
Approved applicants (and business partner, if applicable) are required to sign a Performance Agreement, outlining the commitments required in order to be nominated for permanent resident status. The Performance Agreement must be unique to the application.
The Performance Agreement includes:
The required permanent full-time jobs created by the new business be created and remain filled for at least 10 months up to the date that the Final Report is submitted.
Applicants who ultimately fail to satisfy the business commitments outlined in the Performance Agreement will not be eligible for nomination by Ontario, meaning that they will be unable to apply for permanent resident status.
Once the Performance Agreement has been have signed by the applicant(s), Ontario will issue a Letter of Confirmation so that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can issue a temporary work permit. Applicants must arrive in Ontario with their valid temporary work permit issued by IRCC within one year of the date of the Letter of Confirmation.
After arrival in Ontario, applicants have up to 20 months to implement the business plan and meet all commitments made under the Performance Agreement. Then, a Final Report must be submitted to the OINP between 18 and 20 months after arrival in Ontario. The Final Report is meant to show that all Performance Agreement objectives have been satisfied.
Once the Performance Agreement objectives have been met, applicants should be ready to apply for provincial nomination, and then permanent residence. In order to receive a nomination, individuals must:
Once nominated, the federal government reviews admissibility requirements, including security and medical background checks.
The OINP will not accept applications if the proposed business falls into one of the following categories.
Do you need assistance in preparing an application for Canadian permanent residence? If so, view our Book an Immigration Consultant page to see Moving2Canada’s list of recommended, accredited representatives who can assist you in your goals.
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