Ontario Entrepreneur Stream (OINP)

Establish, Buy, or Grow Your Business in Canada’s Economic Heart.
Applications scheduled to open 30 May 2026

The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream is designed to support individuals from outside Canada who are looking to implement a new business idea or buy an existing business in Ontario. This stream provides a pathway for entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the heart of Canada’s economy, allowing them to be nominated for permanent residence once their business has been successfully established in the province. It aims to drive innovation and job creation across both the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and regional communities.

How It Works?

The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream operates on a "performance-based" model, meaning you are nominated for permanent residency only after you fulfill your business commitments.

Expression of Interest (EOI): You register an online profile where you are ranked against other candidates based on a points-based system (Human Capital, Investment, and Business Concept).
Invitation & Interview: High-ranking candidates are invited to submit a full application. This stage includes a mandatory interview to discuss your business plan and experience.
Performance Agreement: If approved, you sign a legal agreement with Ontario outlining your investment targets and the number of jobs you must create.
Work Permit & Establishment: Ontario issues a support letter for a temporary work permit. You move to Ontario and have 20 months to establish your business and meet the terms of your agreement.
Nomination for PR: Once you prove that your business is fully operational and all targets are met, Ontario nominates you for Canadian Permanent Residency.

Eligibility

Minimum net worth: Only $400,000 (for businesses located outside the GTA)
Minimum investment: Only $200,000 (for businesses located outside the GTA)
Minimum language proficiency: CLB 4 (Basic IELTS)
Business Experience: At least 2 years of relevant experience
Opening Date: Applications scheduled to open 30 May 2026
Active Management: Intention to settle in Ontario and actively manage the business

Advantages

Pathway to PR: Turn your business journey into Canadian Permanent Residency.
Top Province Access: Establish a business in Canada's most populous and economically diverse province.
Lower Thresholds: Competitive net worth and investment requirements for regional locations.
High Demand Opportunity: A rare chance to secure a spot in a high-demand immigration stream.

FAQ's

Do I need to have a specific level of education to apply?

While there is no strict minimum education requirement to enter the pool, having a post-secondary credential (such as a degree or diploma) will significantly increase your "Human Capital" points, making your Expression of Interest (EOI) more competitive.

Can I start any type of business I want?

Most legal businesses are allowed, but they must be "permanent" and operate year-round. Seasonal businesses (like a summer-only resort) or project-based businesses are not eligible. Additionally, the business must be intended to make a profit from the sale of goods or services, not just to earn interest or capital gains.

How much of the business do I need to own?

To qualify for the OINP, you must own and control at least one-third (33.3%) of the equity in the business. If you are applying with a business partner, you must still maintain this minimum ownership percentage.

What counts as "Business Experience"?

You must have at least 24 months of full-time experience in the last 60 months. This can be as a Business Owner (where you owned at least 33.3% of the company and were actively involved) or as a Senior Manager (where you had primary decision-making authority and managed day-to-day operations). You cannot combine these two roles to meet the 24-month requirement; you must choose one.

Is there a language requirement?

Yes. You must demonstrate a minimum proficiency of CLB 4 (Canadian Language Benchmark) in either English or French. This is a relatively basic level of proficiency, but you must provide official test results (like IELTS or CELPIP) before you can be nominated for Permanent Residency.

Is it better to buy a business or start one?

You can, but there are extra rules: the business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the last 60 months, and you must prove that you intend to grow the business. You are also required to create at least one or two new full-time jobs in addition to keeping all the existing staff.

Get In Touch

Ready to Launch Your Dream Startup?

Reach out for a free consultation where we'll guide you through the Startup Visa Program, EB-2 NIW Startup Program, Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream, and our other services.

+1 (416) 700-7091

info@migrates.ca