The Ontario entrepreneur stream offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the province.
In 2023 already, there have been multiple draws and Ontario has invited a number of entrepreneurs for permanent residency in Canada.
Ontario Entrepreneur Stream: 2023 Draws
| Date | Invitations Issued | Minimum score range |
| 28-07-2023 | 11 | 134-151 |
| 12-05-2023 | 14 | 135-178 |
| 31-03-2023 | 13 | 139-159 |
| 27-01-2023 | 10 | 137-162 |
Ontario Entrepreneur Stream: Financial Requirements
Net Worth:
- If your proposed business is located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), you must have a minimum net worth of $800,000.
- For businesses outside the GTA, the minimum net worth requirement is $400,000.
- If your proposed business falls under the categories of ICT or digital communications, the minimum net worth needed is $400,000, regardless of the business location within the province.
Investment and Ownership:
- If your business is in the GTA, you are required to invest at least $600,000 and own a minimum of 33 per cent of the business.
- For businesses outside the GTA, the investment amount is at least $200,000, with the same ownership requirement of at least 33 per cent.
- In case your proposed business belongs to the ICT or digital communications sector, you must invest at least $200,000 and hold at least 33 per cent ownership, regardless of the business’s location within the province.
Ontario Entrepreneur Stream: Non-Financial Requirements
Business Experience:
- You must have a minimum of 24 months of full-time business experience as an owner or senior manager within the past 60 months.
Job Creation:
- If your proposed business is situated inside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), you are obligated to create two full-time job positions for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in the company.
- For businesses located outside the GTA or in the ICT/digital communications sectors, you are required to create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Exploratory Visit:
- If you are planning to purchase an existing business, you must make an exploratory visit to Ontario within the 12 months prior to your application.
Language Proficiency:
- You must have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 in either English or French.
Residency:
- You are expected to physically reside in Ontario for at least 75% of the time that you are actively managing the business.
Business Geeks can help you with your OINP application process. Contact us and know more.
