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OINP Entrepreneur Stream

SIIS Canada  /  Canada Immigration  /  Provincial Nominee Programs  /  Ontario  /  OINP Entrepreneur Stream

OINP Entrepreneur Stream

OINP Entrepreneur Stream

The Entrepreneur Stream is an immigration stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

Stage 1

  • Register an expression of interest by email
  • If invited, submit an online application
  • You and your business partner (if applicable) attend a mandatory in-person interview at the OINP office in Toronto
  • If your stage 1 application is successful, you must sign a performance agreement

Stage 2

  • We issue a temporary work permit support letter so that you can apply to IRCC for a temporary work permit
  • Establish your business - you have 20 months to implement your business plan and submit a final report
  • If your business meets all requirements, we ask you for documentation to make sure you are eligible for nomination for permanent residence.

Mandatory Requirements

1. Business experience

You must have at least 24 months of full-time business experience in the last 60 months.

2. Net worth

If your proposed business will be located:

  • within the Greater Toronto Area (City of Toronto and Durham, Halton, York and Peel regions) you must have a minimum net worth of 800,000 CDN.
  • outside of the Greater Toronto Area, you must have a minimum net worth of $400,000 CDN.

3. Personal investment funds and minimum equity

If your proposed business will be located:

  • within the Greater Toronto Area, you must make a minimum personal investment of $600,000 CDN and control at least one-third of the equity in the business
  • outside of the Greater Toronto Area, you must make a minimum personal investment of $200,000 CDN and control at least one-third of the equity in the business

4. Active involvement

You must be actively involved, on an ongoing basis, in the management of the business.

5. Capital investment purpose

The primary purpose of investing capital in the business must be to make a profit. It must not be to derive interest, dividends or capital gains.

6. Job creation

If the business will be located inside the Greater Toronto Area, you must create at least two permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents

7. Additional requirements if purchasing an existing business

If you plan to purchase an existing business:

  • you must make at least one business-related visit to Ontario within 12 months from the date of registering an Expression of Interest
  • the business being purchased must have been in continuous operation by the same owner(s) for the previous 60 months
  • ownership of the business must be completely transferred to the applicant or any business partner
  • you must use at least 10% of your personal investment towards improving or expanding the business in Ontario
  • you must keep all permanent full-time employees that worked in the business prior to the transfer of ownership