Ontario OINP Entrepreneur Stream | Canada PR | Unican

🇨🇦 Ontario · Canada

Ontario OINP
Entrepreneur Stream

For experienced business owners and senior managers ready to build in Canada's largest economy — Ontario. Highest financial thresholds of the four provincial streams, with unmatched access to Toronto's global business hub.

Provincial Nominee Program 12–16 Months to Work Permit Work Permit → PR

Eligibility at a glance

Net Worth

from CAD 400K

Investment

from CAD 200K

Ownership

33.3%+

Language

CLB 4

Experience

24 months

Jobs

1 full-time

Check My Eligibility →

Requirements

What you need to qualify

💰

Net Worth

CAD 800K (GTA) / CAD 400K (outside GTA)

CAD 800,000 for businesses within the Greater Toronto Area. CAD 400,000 outside the GTA or in the ICT sector. Must be verified by a qualified third-party professional such as a chartered accountant.

🏢

Investment

CAD 600K (GTA) / CAD 200K (outside GTA)

CAD 600,000 within the GTA. CAD 200,000 outside the GTA or in the ICT sector. Must be personal investment — not from third parties. At least 10% must go toward improving or expanding the business.

📊

Ownership

33.3% minimum

You must hold at least one-third of equity in the business. You must also be actively involved in day-to-day management — passive investment is not eligible.

💼

Business Experience

24 months

At least 24 months of full-time business ownership or senior management experience within the last 5 years. Must be active management — not passive investment.

🗣️

Language

CLB 4

English or French. Not required to submit an EOI, but mandatory at the time of nomination. IELTS (General), CELPIP, or TEF accepted. Tests must be valid at both EOI and application stages.

👥

Job Creation

2 jobs (GTA) / 1 job (outside GTA)

Full-time, permanent positions for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Jobs must be maintained for at least 10 months. If purchasing an existing business, all pre-existing jobs must also be preserved.

The Process

From application to permanent residence

Assessment & Business Plan

We assess your profile against Ontario's EOI scoring matrix (200 points) and develop a business concept aligned with Ontario's economic priorities. GTA vs outside-GTA strategy is determined at this stage.

4–8 weeks

Ontario Visit & EOI Submission

A mandatory visit to Ontario must be completed before or within 12 months of your EOI registration. Your EOI is then submitted — candidates are ranked by score and top profiles receive an Invitation to Apply.

1–4 months

Full Application Submission

Upon receiving an ITA, you have 90 days to submit your full application — detailed business plan, net worth verification, financial documents, credentials, and evidence of your Ontario visit.

Within 90 days of ITA

In-Person Interview & Performance Agreement

A mandatory in-person interview at OINP's offices in Ontario assesses your business model, plan, and experience. If approved, you sign a Performance Agreement outlining your investment and job creation commitments.

2–4 months

Work Permit & Business Establishment

You receive a work permit support letter and arrive in Ontario within 12 months. You then have 20 months to establish your business, deploy your investment, create the required jobs, and reside in Ontario for 75% of this period.

20 months to establish

Final Report, Nomination & PR

Between 18–20 months after arrival, you submit a Final Report demonstrating all Performance Agreement commitments are met. Ontario nominates you and you apply for federal permanent residence within 6 months.

6 months to PR

Questions

Common questions

What is the difference between GTA and outside GTA? +

The Greater Toronto Area includes the City of Toronto and the regions of Durham, Halton, York, and Peel. Businesses in the GTA require CAD 800K net worth and CAD 600K investment. Outside the GTA, thresholds drop to CAD 400K net worth and CAD 200K investment — making it accessible to a much wider range of entrepreneurs.

Can I apply with a business partner? +

Yes — OINP allows one foreign national business partner. Both partners must independently meet all minimum requirements, including net worth and investment thresholds. The EOI score used is the lower of the two partners' scores.

Can my family come with me? +

Yes. Your spouse is eligible for an open work permit and dependent children can study in Ontario. The whole family can arrive together once your work permit support letter is issued.

What happens if I don't meet my Performance Agreement? +

If you fail to meet the commitments in your Performance Agreement within the 20-month timeframe — such as not deploying the full investment or not creating the required jobs — OINP will not issue a provincial nomination and your pathway to PR through this stream will be closed.

Also Consider

Related programs

Ready to explore Ontario OINP?

Tell us about your background — we'll assess your profile and tell you honestly where you stand.

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Ontario OINPEntrepreneur Stream