The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream gives experienced owners and senior managers the opportunity to launch or buy a business in Ontario. By investing in a viable enterprise and creating local jobs, applicants can earn a provincial nomination for permanent residence after meeting their Performance Agreement terms.
Official Government page:
👉 OINP Entrepreneur Stream — Government of Ontario
Program Overview
The stream operates in two stages:
- Stage 1 — Application & Work Permit: High-scoring EOI candidates receive an ITA, attend an interview, and if approved, sign a Performance Agreement to obtain a work permit support letter.
- Stage 2 — Nomination: After 18–20 months of operating the business and meeting all terms, applicants may be nominated for permanent residence.
Process guide:
👉 How the Entrepreneur Stream Works — OINP
Eligibility & Investment Requirements
Investment & Ownership
- Minimum investment: CAD 600,000 in the GTA; CAD 200,000 outside the GTA or in ICT/digital communications anywhere in Ontario
- Ownership: at least 33.3% equity
Experience
- Minimum 24 months full-time business ownership or senior management in the last 60 months
Job Creation
- GTA businesses: create at least 2 permanent full-time jobs
- Outside GTA / ICT: create at least 1 permanent full-time job
Net Worth
- GTA: CAD 800,000 minimum
- Outside GTA / ICT: CAD 400,000 minimum
Full criteria:
👉 Eligibility Criteria — OINP Entrepreneur Stream
What Provincial Officers Look For
- Economic benefit: job creation, investment, innovation
- Commercial viability: credible research and realistic financials
- Operator fit: your management track record and sector alignment
- Regional priorities: contributions to key sectors and communities
- Thresholds met: investment, ownership, job targets
- Active management & residency in Ontario
- Sustainability beyond the 18–20 month performance period
OINP uses a 200-point scoring system covering concept quality, investment, human capital, and adaptability.
👉 Scoring System — OINP
Why a Strong Business Plan Is Essential
- Commercially sound: verifiable market research, competitor mapping
- Financially viable: detailed investment allocation, revenue & cash-flow projections
- Ontario-aligned: innovation, hiring, regional growth
- Time-bound: milestones achievable within 18–20 months
- Operator-linked: roles and responsibilities matched to your background
A rigorous plan strengthens your EOI score and improves your chances of receiving an ITA.
The Role of The Biz Plans
At The Biz Plans, we build OINP-ready plans grounded in how you will actually operate in Ontario. For financing, acquisition or expansion work outside the immigration stream, consult our Toronto business plan writer. Our models are built with CPA-level rigor and tuned to provincial criteria.
Led by Atul Jagga, CPA (Ontario), RCIC-IRB, MBA (Finance, UBC) — 5+ years with a leading immigration law firm, 10+ years in corporate finance (incl. RBC & BMO advisory), and 10+ years as fractional CFO. Author of the Business Plan Essentials series.
- Ontario market sizing and competitor analysis
- 3–5 year financial projections with defendable assumptions
- Hiring & wage plans aligned to cash flow and local labour data
- Milestones mapped to the 18–20 month Performance Agreement
- Evidence checklist for counsel submissions and interviews
How to Apply — OINP Entrepreneur Stream
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the e-Filing Portal.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your EOI ranks high.
- Prepare a comprehensive business plan and supporting documents.
The Biz Plans can create your OINP-compliant plan. - Attend an interview with OINP officials.
- Sign the Performance Agreement if approved.
- Apply to IRCC for a temporary work permit and operate your business.
- After 18–20 months, submit your final performance report.
- Receive an OINP nomination and apply for PR.
Process overview:
👉 Application Process — OINP Entrepreneur Stream
Additional Resources
Ready to Build Your OINP Plan?
We craft Ontario-aligned plans with CPA-built financials and clear hiring timelines to meet Performance Agreement terms.