OINP: Entrepreneur Stream
May 7, 2025
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) facilitates the immigration of individuals who will benefit Ontario's economy. Among its various streams, the Entrepreneur Stream is specifically designed for individuals with business experience and capital who intend to start a new business or buy an existing one in Ontario. Successful applicants receive a nomination from the Ontario government, which enhances their application for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This blog post will provide a detailed overview of the OINP Entrepreneur Stream, including its eligibility criteria, application process, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions.
Detailed eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the OINP Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet specific requirements concerning their business experience, net worth, investment, and language proficiency.
Business Experience: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of business experience within the 60 months preceding the submission of their expression of interest (EOI). This experience must include either:
At least 36 months of experience as an owner or co‑owner of a business. An active role in the management and operations with at least 10 % ownership is considered. Alternatively, 100 % ownership shared between the applicant, their spouse/common‑law partner, and/or dependent children for at least 36 of the past 60 months is also acceptable.
At least 36 months of experience as a senior manager. This entails direct involvement in the day‑to‑day operations and decision‑making of a company. Claiming senior management experience is not permitted if the applicant owned more than 10 % of the same business during the same period.
Net Worth: Applicants must possess a minimum net worth, which varies depending on the location of the proposed business within Ontario:
If the proposed business is located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the minimum net worth required is $800,000 CAD.
If the proposed business is located outside of the GTA, the minimum net worth required is $400,000 CAD.
If the proposed business is in the information and communications technology (ICT) or digital communications sector, regardless of location, the minimum net worth required is $400,000 CAD. The net worth must be legally obtained and verifiable. Failure to provide satisfactory evidence to verify personal net worth and source of funds may result in the refusal of the application.
Investment: Applicants must make a minimum personal investment in the proposed business, which also varies based on the business location and sector:
For businesses located within the GTA, the minimum investment required is $600,000 CAD.
For businesses located outside of the GTA, the minimum investment required is $200,000 CAD.
For businesses in the ICT or digital communications sector, regardless of location, the minimum investment required is $200,000 CAD. The investment must be made from the applicant's own funds
Business Proposal: Applicants must have a business proposal that meets specific criteria:
The business must have the potential for economic benefit to Ontario. The proposed business must be operated for the primary purpose of earning profits by providing products and/or services and have strong potential for sustained commercial success.
The applicant must demonstrate active and ongoing participation in the management of the business.
The business must create at least one permanent full‑time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (if located within the GTA). A full‑time equivalent (FTE) job means a position of at least 30 hours per week on average and 1,560 hours per year. Independent contractors and shareholders with 10 % or more ownership are not considered part of the job creation requirement.
The business must create at least one permanent full‑time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (if located outside the GTA, unless it is an existing business to be purchased). If purchasing an existing business outside the GTA, the business must maintain all existing jobs and create at least one additional permanent full‑time job. Franchises may be considered eligible businesses if well‑established (ability to expand, sound financial track record, in operation for at least 60 months (five years)). The application must include evidence of support from the franchisor.
Exploratory Visit (Strongly Recommended): While not explicitly mandatory for all applicants at the EOI stage based on the provided sources, conducting an exploratory visit to research business opportunities is strongly recommended.
Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in either English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in each of the four abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). This must be proven through a recognized language test such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF Canada taken within the two years preceding the EOI submission.
Intent to Reside: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to reside permanently in Ontario.
Step‑by‑step application process
Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission: Eligible candidates must first register an expression of interest through the OINP e‑Filing Portal. This involves providing information about their business experience, net worth, investment plans, and business proposal.
EOI Assessment and Scoring: The OINP assesses and scores EOIs based on various factors, including business experience, investment, job creation potential, and language proficiency. Candidates with competitive scores may receive an invitation to apply (ITA).
Invitation to Apply (ITA): Successful candidates will receive an ITA in their OINP e‑Filing Portal account. The ITA will specify the stream under which the invitation was issued and the deadline for submitting a full application.
Full Application Submission: Within the specified timeframe (currently 14 calendar days), invited applicants must submit a complete online application through the OINP e‑Filing Portal. This includes providing detailed information and supporting documents to substantiate the claims made in the EOI. A non‑refundable application fee is also required.
Application Assessment: The OINP reviews the submitted application and supporting documents to ensure that the applicant meets all eligibility criteria and that the business proposal is viable and will provide economic benefit to Ontario. This stage may include an interview with the applicant.
Performance Agreement: If the application is approved in principle, the OINP will require the applicant to sign a performance agreement outlining the commitments related to establishing or acquiring and operating the business in Ontario, including investment and job creation targets.
Work Permit Application: Following the signing of the performance agreement, the OINP will issue a nomination letter, and the applicant can then apply to IRCC for a temporary work permit to establish their business in Ontario.
Business Establishment and Monitoring: Once the applicant arrives in Ontario on a work permit, they must establish or acquire and operate the business as outlined in their business proposal and performance agreement. The OINP monitors the progress of the business.
Nomination for Permanent Residence: If the applicant meets the terms of the performance agreement within the stipulated timeframe (typically 18‑20 months), the OINP will issue a nomination for permanent residence.
Permanent Residence Application: With the OINP nomination, the applicant can then apply to IRCC for permanent residence under the provincial nominee class.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information in the EOI or application is a serious offense that can result in the refusal of the application and a ban from applying to the OINP in the future. This includes concealing relevant information.
Incomplete Application: Failing to provide all required documents or complete all sections of the online application can lead to delays or refusal.
Inconsistent Information: The information provided in the EOI must be consistent with the information in the full application and supporting documents. Material differences can result in refusal.
Non‑Viable Business Proposal: The business proposal must demonstrate commercial viability and potential for economic benefit to Ontario. Insufficient market research or a poorly developed business plan can be detrimental.
Failure to Meet Financial Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate that they possess the required net worth and can make the minimum investment from their own legally obtained funds. Inadequate documentation to verify the source of funds can lead to refusal.
Not Actively Managing the Business: Upon arrival in Ontario, the applicant must actively and continuously manage the business. Passive investment will not meet the program requirements.
Failure to Meet Performance Agreement Terms: Not fulfilling the commitments outlined in the performance agreement, such as investment and job creation targets within the specified timeframes, will result in the refusal of the nomination for permanent residence.
Insufficient Language Proficiency: Failing to demonstrate the required language proficiency through a valid language test can lead to ineligibility.
FAQs
Does the OINP Entrepreneur Stream require an exploratory visit? While not explicitly mandatory for all applicants at the EOI stage based on the provided sources, conducting an exploratory visit to research business opportunities is strongly recommended.
What is the processing time for the OINP Entrepreneur Stream? Processing times can vary. Applicants should refer to the official OINP website for the most up‑to‑date estimates.
Is there a points system for the OINP Entrepreneur Stream? Yes, the OINP uses a points‑based system to assess EOIs submitted under the Entrepreneur Stream.
What types of businesses are eligible under the OINP Entrepreneur Stream? Generally, new businesses or the purchase of existing businesses with the potential for economic benefit to Ontario are eligible. However, certain types of businesses may be ineligible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream offers an immigration pathway for experienced entrepreneurs to establish or acquire a business in Ontario and eventually obtain permanent residency. By carefully understanding the eligibility criteria, diligently following the application process, and avoiding common pitfalls, aspiring business owners can leverage this opportunity to contribute to Ontario's economy and build a prosperous future in the province. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the official OINP website and program guides for the most current and comprehensive information.
References
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