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OINP Entrepreneur Stream

Pathway to permanent residence for entrepreneurs starting or buying a business in Ontario

Program Overview

The OINP Entrepreneur Stream is designed for entrepreneurs from outside Canada who want to start a new business or buy an existing one in Ontario. This two-stage process involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), followed by an application, interview, and performance agreement. Successful applicants receive a temporary work permit to establish their business within 20 months, and upon meeting program requirements, they can be nominated for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

OINP Entrepreneur Stream

This program provides a pathway for experienced entrepreneurs to establish a business in Ontario and obtain permanent residence through a two-stage process involving an Expression of Interest and business establishment.

Important: Businesses must provide material economic benefit to Ontario, comply with legal requirements, and not fall under the list of ineligible business types.

Two-Stage Nomination Process

1

EOI Submission

Register an Expression of Interest by email with business concept and personal qualifications.

2

Application & Interview

If invited, submit an online application and attend a mandatory in-person interview in Toronto.

3

Business Establishment

Receive a temporary work permit and establish your business in Ontario within 20 months.

4

Nomination

Submit a final report; if requirements are met, receive nomination for permanent residence.

Expression of Interest (EOI) System

EOI Components

  • 1Self-declared score (up to 126 points)
  • 2Business concept score (up to 74 points, minimum 37 required)
  • 3Supporting documents to validate EOI information
  • 4EOI commitments become part of the performance agreement

Selection Process

  • 1EOIs ranked based on total score (max 200 points)
  • 2Top-ranked candidates invited to apply
  • 3Invitations based on program needs and EOI pool ranking
  • 4No fee for EOI submission

Business Requirements

General Business Requirements

  • Profit-driven through sale of goods/services
  • Compliance with federal, provincial, and municipal laws
  • Permanent business (no project-based or seasonal businesses)
  • Maintain a place of business in Ontario at all times

Ineligible Businesses

  • Automated car washes, laundromats, pawnbrokers
  • Payday loan businesses, scrap/tire recycling
  • Pornography-related businesses
  • In Greater Toronto Area: existing franchises, gas stations, bed and breakfasts

Application Assessment Process

Documentation

  • 📄Supporting documents to validate EOI information
  • 📄Business plan aligned with EOI commitments
  • 🌐Translations for non-English documents

Assessment Steps

  • 1Submit complete application with supporting documents
  • 2Mandatory in-person interview in Toronto
  • 3Sign performance agreement if approved

Important Program Notes

Compliance

  • ⚠️Business must comply with all legal and regulatory requirements
  • ⚠️Ineligible businesses cannot be nominated

Timelines

  • ⏰20 months to establish business and submit final report
  • ⏰IRCC makes final decision on permanent residence

How We Can Help You

Comprehensive eligibility assessment for OINP Entrepreneur Stream
Guidance on EOI submission and business concept scoring
Assistance with business plan development
Support with preparing supporting documentation
Preparation for the mandatory in-person interview
Representation throughout the application process
Business establishment guidance in Ontario
Ongoing support until permanent residence approval

Start Your Ontario Business Immigration Journey

Our experienced consultants specialize in the OINP Entrepreneur Stream and can guide you through every step of the EOI, application, and business establishment process.

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