Stream Still Active — Not Affected by 2026 Overhaul
OINP Entrepreneur Stream — Open for Business Immigration
The Entrepreneur stream is separate from the 2026 OINP overhaul that consolidated the other nine streams into Ontario Workforce Priority. It continues to operate for foreign nationals who want to invest in and actively manage a business in Ontario.
What is the OINP Entrepreneur Stream?
The Entrepreneur stream is Ontario’s pathway for experienced business owners and senior managers who plan to establish a new business or acquire an existing business in Ontario. Unlike the Workforce Priority stream, it does not require a job offer — you are the employer. Successful applicants receive a temporary work permit to build the business, then apply for provincial nomination once the business is operational.
Eligibility criteria
Personal requirements
- Minimum 3 years full-time business experience (as business owner OR senior manager) within the last 5 years
- Minimum net personal worth: CAD 800,000 (GTA business) or CAD 400,000 (outside GTA)
- Minimum personal investment: CAD 600,000 (GTA) or CAD 200,000 (outside GTA) — or CAD 200,000 for ICT sector regardless of location
- Must control at least 1/3 equity of the Ontario business (or invest CAD 1M+ for lower equity)
- Language: CLB 5 (English or French)
Business requirements
- Business must be for-profit and operate in Ontario
- Must create 2 permanent full-time jobs (GTA) or 1 job (outside GTA) for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Applicant must be actively involved in day-to-day management
- Certain industries excluded (payday loans, pawnbroking, adult entertainment, gas stations without associated real estate, coin laundries, franchises of foreign chains)
How the application process works
- Expression of Interest (EOI) — Submit an EOI through the OINP portal with your business concept, investment, experience, and language details.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA) — Ontario invites top-scoring EOIs to submit a full application.
- Full Application + Performance Agreement — Sign an agreement committing to specific business milestones (investment, jobs, timeline).
- Temporary Work Permit — After approval, receive a 2-year LMIA-exempt work permit to establish the business.
- Business Establishment (up to 20 months) — Operate the business and meet Performance Agreement milestones.
- Nomination — Once milestones are verified, receive OINP nomination and apply for federal PR (6-month deadline).
How this differs from Workforce Priority
| Feature | Entrepreneur | Workforce Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer required? | No — you create the business | Yes (except physician) |
| Investment required? | Yes ($200K–$800K+) | No |
| Points-based selection? | Yes — EOI scoring | Yes — 130-point grid |
| Language minimum | CLB 5 | CLB 4-6 by pathway |
| Post-nomination PR route | Non-EE only | EE for TEER 0-3 / physicians |
| Time to PR | 2-3 years typically | 6-24 months |
Frequently asked questions
Was the Entrepreneur stream affected by the May 2026 OINP overhaul?
No. O. Reg. 47/26 revoked the nine job-offer and Express Entry-aligned OINP streams. The Entrepreneur stream operates under a separate regulatory framework and continues to accept EOIs.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
Yes. Most applicants apply from outside Canada, then travel to Ontario on the LMIA-exempt work permit to establish the business.
Can I buy an existing business?
Yes, but you must retain the existing employees, meet the job-creation and investment requirements, and make substantive improvements to the business — passive investment doesn’t qualify.
Talk to a licensed RCIC. Business immigration is document-intensive and requires precise structuring. Book a consultation with Dimple Verma (RCIC-IRB #R708308) to review your fit.