Ontario Entrepreneur Stream

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream is designed to attract individuals who are looking to implement a new business initiative or buy an existing business in Ontario.

Successful applicants will obtain a temporary work permit support letter based on a performance agreement to establish the business in Ontario. If the investment and job creation agreements outlined in the performance agreement are adhered to, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to be nominated by the OINP for Canadian permanent resident status. The OINP Entrepreneur Stream operates on an ‘Expression of Interest’ model, whereby eligible participants must be invited to apply before they may submit a complete application.

Eligibility Criteria for Ontario Entrepreneur Stream :

• Applicant should have at least 24 months of full-time business experience in the past five years. The experience must be as an owner, operator or senior manager of a business.
• Applicant should possess a minimum net worth of $800,000 if the proposed business is in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). If the proposed business is outside of the GTA, the minimum net worth requirement is $400,000.
• Applicant should invest at least $600,000 in a business in Ontario and acquire at least 33% share if the business is in the GTA. If the business is outside the GTA, the applicant must invest at least $200,000 and have at least 33% ownership of the business.
• Applicant must create a minimum of two full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent resident if a business is in GTA. If the business is outside the GTA, the applicant must create at least one job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Ineligible Businesses:

Ontario will not process applications where there is a risk of little to no long-term economic benefit to the province. Consequently, the proposed business cannot be included in the following list of ineligible businesses.

Ineligible Businesses 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
• Payday loan and related businesses
• Businesses which have been previously owned/operated by current or former OINP business stream nominees

Ineligible Businesses outside the GTA

• Tire Recycling
• Scrap Metal Recycling
• Pawnbrokers
• Holding Companies
• Laundromats
• Automated Car Wash Operations
• Payday loan and related businesses
• Businesses which have been previously owned/operated by current or former OINP business stream nominees

Assistance by Winny Immigration:

As an ICCRC authorized expert and with an expertise of about forty years, Winny Immigration can ease the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream application by providing precise guidance in preparation of Business Plan and further detailed documentation till Permanent Residency Application.