Ontario Investor Program

The Ontario Investor or Entrepreneur stream is an immigration stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It is designed for entrepreneurs from outside Canada who are interested in starting a new business or buying an existing business in Ontario. It gives an entrepreneur (and up to one foreign national business partner) the opportunity to be nominated for permanent residence once their business has been established in Ontario.

The Ontario Investor Stream application is a two-stage process:

Stage 1

• Register an expression of interest.
• If invited, submit an online application.
• Attend interview.
• If application is successful, sign a performance agreement.

Stage 2

• Apply for a temporary work permit.
• Establish your business – you get 20 months to implement your business plan and submit a final report.
• If all requirements are met, submit documentation to ensure eligibility for nomination for permanent residence.

To become eligible under OINP, you must demonstrate:

• Business experience – 24 months of full-time business experience in the last 60 months.
• Net worth – If your business is to be located in GTA, you must have a minimum personal net worth of $800,000. If your business is outside of GTA, you must have a minimum personal net worth of $400,000
• Personal investment funds and minimum equity – If your business is to be located in GTA, you must make a minimum personal investment of $600,000. If your business is outside of GTA, you must make a minimum personal investment of $200,000
• Must be actively involved in the management of the business.
• The business must be to make a profit.
• Job creation – Depending on the location you must create at least one permanent full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• With some additional requirements if you are purchasing an existing business.

For more information or to determine your eligibility, please contact our office to get an expert advice.