If you have a business idea, or are in position to purchase an existing business in Ontario, then the Entrepreneur Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) could be the Canadian immigration option for you.
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.
Ontario Entrepreneur Stream eligibility criteria
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.
Factor | Criteria |
---|---|
Experience | At least 24 months of full-time business experience in the last 60 months as a business owner or as a senior manager. |
Net worth | If the proposed business is located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): C$800,000. If the proposed business is located outside the GTA: C$400,000. If the proposed business is in the ICT/Digital Communications sector: $400,000, regardless of location. |
Personal investment | If the proposed business is located in the GTA: C$600,000 + minimum equity ownership of 33.3%. If the proposed business is located outside the GTA: $200,000 + minimum equity ownership of 33.3%. If the proposed business is ICT/Digital Communications sector: $200,000 + minimum equity ownership of 33.3%, regardless of location. |
Job creation | If the proposed business is located in the GTA: At least two permanent, full-time jobs for Canadian citizens / permanent residents. If the proposed business is located outside the GTA or if the proposed business is ICT/Digital Communications sector: At least one permanent, full-time jobs for Canadian citizens / permanent residents. |
Exploratory visit | Individuals who plan on purchasing an existing business must make at least one business-related visit to Ontario in the last 12 months prior to the date the application was submitted. |
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