Business Immigration
Ontario
Experienced entrepreneurs want to invest and actively manage a business in the province
Business management experience
Net worth
$800,000 (inside GTA)
Investment
$600,000 (inside GTA)
Active operation
Ownership
Job creation
Exploratory Visit
Language
Residential area
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee the applicant will receive the invitation. Please refer the application process. Applicant must fulfill all terms set out in the Business Performance Agreement to be nominated for provincial nomination.
Process timeline of investing, selecting, reviewing and submitting for provincial nomination
between applicant with Provincial and Federal Government
Exploratory Visit
Have an exploratory visit to the province to research and explore investment opportunities 12 months prior to submission.Mandatory if purchasing a business
Profile submission
Create an expression of interest profile on OINP e-Filing Portal when eligible. The profile is scored and ranked.Profile valid for 12 months
Provincial invitation
Depending on allocation quota, candidates with the highest EOI scores in the pool will be invited to submit the investment application.
Submit application within 90 days
Interview
Applicant and partner (if any) attend an interview (online) to discuss the business plan, work experience and other relevant matters.
Investment decision
Application approved, the investor signs the Business Performance Agreement with the province, committing to fulfill all requirements.
Work permit
The province provides a Letter of support for the applicant to complete their work permit application for business investment.Arrive in Ontario within 12 months
Business establishment
After arrival, implement the business plan and send a progress report every 6 months and the final report after 18 - 20 months.20 months in business operation
Decision of Nomination
After fulfilled all commitments, applicant receives Nomination Certificate to support the application for permanent residence to IRCC.IRCC reviews in 15 - 19 months
Get PR Status
Application approved, the applicant gets Permanent Resident status after landing or confirming on IRCC Portal.Confirmation valid within 12 months
If a work permit is due to expire within 30 days, the province may issue a letter of support for the work permit extension.
An invitation to apply does not guarantee the application will be approved or the applicant will be issued the Nomination Certificate or granted permanent resident status.
Crucial elements affect the decision
* Figures may be rounded for presentation purposes, please refer to federal or provincial government websites for the most accurate information.
Benefits the applicant and their accompanying family members are entitled to when becoming permanent residents
Family-friendly
The immigration application includes the applicant's spouse and children
Work and study
Have legal status to operate the business under business immigration program
Medical
Access to high-quality modern public health care as same as Canadian
Education
Free or lower tuition for children depends on the level of education
Benefits
Access to social benefits as same as Canadian
Mobility right
Live and work anywhere under Permanent Resident status
Sponsorship
Ability to sponsor relatives if the conditions are met
Naturalization
Ability to obtain citizenship if residency conditions are met
Important requirements the applicant should note
List of Ineligible Businesses
- Automated car wash business or laundromats
- Holding company
- Pawnbrokers
- Pay day loan and related businesses
- Scrap metal or tire recycling
- Production, distribution or sale of pornographic products or services
- Businesses that have been previously owned or operated by a current or former OINP nominee applicant
If located inside Greater Toronto Area (including City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, York or Peel)
- Operating franchises in Ontario
- Gas stations
- Bed and Breakfasts
Basic requirements
- Net worth after debt deduction of at least $800,000 CAD if located inside GTA area, or $400,000 if elsewhere or in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) or Digital Communications industry, assessed by an OINP-approved designated agency (KPMG LLP, MNP LLP or Deloitte Forensic Inc.)
- At least 24 months of full-time work experience within the last 60 months as a business owner or senior business manager
- Intend to live permanently in Ontario
Language
Minimum CLB 4 at the time of nomination, assessed by 1 of 4 language proficiency tests within the last 2 years:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General)
- Pearson Test of English - Core (PTE-Core)
- Test d'évaluation de français (TEF)
- Test de connaissance du français Canada (TCF Canada)
Investment requirements
- At least $600,000 if located inside GTA, or $200,000 if elsewhere or in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) or Digital Communications industry
- Hold a 33.33% ownership
- Only consider business expenses for establishment and operation, not include cash or equivalents, working capitals, wage payments made to applicant and family members
- Applicant may partner with another OINP business stream applicant, Canadian or Permanent Resident
Purchasing the business
- Must visit the province within 12 months prior to submission of an expression of interest
- The business must be operated by the same owner in Ontario for 5 years, not in bankruptcy, has been never owned by an OINP business stream nominee
- The business ownership must be completely transferred to the applicant and applicant-partner (if any)
- Keep the same employment terms and working conditions for current employees, and create 1 - 2 positions as required
- Have a plan to expand or improve the business with at least 10% of personal investment
Business requirements
- Have active and ongoing involvement in the day-to-day management of the business in Ontario
- Create 2 full-time positions for Canadian or Permanent Resident if located inside GTA or 1 position if elsewhere, not including the applicant and family members for each primary applicant in case of sharing ownership
- Generating profits by selling products or providing services instead of passive investment
- Fully comply with federal and provincial laws and regulations in employment, labor, immigration
- Operate on a permanent basis, not project-based or seasonal
- Maintain a place of business in Ontario at all time
- Physically live in Ontario for 3/4 of the time while implementing the business
- Meet all commitments as agreed in Business Performance Agreement
