Ontario Investor Program

Overview of the Ontario Investor Program (OINP Entrepreneur Stream)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers an Entrepreneur Stream for foreign investors and entrepreneurs interested in establishing or acquiring a business in Ontario. This program provides a pathway to Canadian PR for individuals who can demonstrate a significant economic contribution to the province through job creation and investment.

Eligibility Requirements for the Ontario Investor Program

The Entrepreneur Stream has specific requirements depending on the type of business (new or existing) and its location in Ontario:

New Business Requirements:

Minimum Business Experience: At least two years of full-time experience as a business owner or senior manager within the past five years.
Net Worth: A minimum net worth of CAD $400,000 to $800,000, depending on the business location and type.
Minimum Investment: An investment of CAD $200,000 to $600,000, depending on the business location and type, with at least one-third ownership.
Job Creation: Creation of at least one to two full-time, permanent jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Language Proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or equivalent in English or French.
Physical Presence: The entrepreneur must be actively involved in managing the business and reside in Ontario for at least 75% of the time during the business establishment period.

Existing Business Requirements:

All the requirements listed above for new businesses.
The business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner(s) for at least 60 months before purchase.
The entrepreneur must fully transfer ownership from the previous owner(s) to themselves, a business partner (if applicable), or third-party investors.
All existing permanent full-time jobs must be preserved, and there must be a demonstrated plan for business growth.

Application Process for the Ontario Investor Program

Expression of Interest (EOI): Prospective applicants submit an EOI to the OINP, outlining their business plan, investment, and proposed economic contributions to Ontario.
Invitation to Apply: Based on their EOI score, selected applicants receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Application Submission: Applicants submit a full application, including a detailed business plan, proof of net worth, investment plans, and language proficiency results.
Interview and Business Establishment: After a successful interview, selected applicants sign a Performance Agreement and are issued a temporary work permit to establish their business. Once the terms of the Performance Agreement are met, applicants may apply for a provincial nomination for PR.

Exploratory Visit

Applicants for both new and existing businesses are encouraged to make an exploratory visit to Ontario to understand the local business environment and explore investment opportunities. This visit provides valuable insights into potential markets, networking, and establishing business contacts.

Advantages of the Ontario Investor Program

The Ontario Investor Program is an excellent option for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to establish or expand a business in Ontario. This program offers a pathway to PR based on economic contributions, job creation, and long-term commitment to the province. LevLaw assists clients in developing comprehensive business plans, securing EOI submissions, and meeting all criteria outlined in the Performance Agreement.

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