Ontario Provincial Nominee Program – Entrepreneur Stream
Ontario is Canada’s most populous province. It is also one of the best places to do business in the world. In order to attract more highly skilled technology talents to start their business in Ontario, the investment amount could be lower if the proposed business is in the ICT sector, or locates outside the Greater Toronto Area.
Ontario is Canada’s most populous province. It is also one of the best places to do business in the world. In order to attract more highly skilled technology talents to start their business in Ontario, the investment amount could be lower if the proposed business is in the ICT sector, or locates outside the Greater Toronto Area.
Eligibility
Personal Requirements
- Age: No age limit
- Net Asset:
- Have a net worth of at least CAD 800,000, which may include spouse’s assets (if the proposed business will be located within the Greater Toronto Area), or
- At least CAD 400,000 (if the proposed business will be located outside of the Greater Toronto Area or the proposed business will be in the ICT/Digital Communications sector)
- Management Experience: Achieved in the past 5 years, at least 2 years of business management or senior management experience
- Education: No minimum requirement
- Language: Meet the minimum requirement of CLB 4 in English or French, which is required only at the time of nomination.
- Scoring: The total score is 200 points. EOI system is required.
Business and Investment Requirements
- Invest at least CAD 600,000 to establish an eligible new business or purchase and improve an existing business in Ontario (if the proposed business will be located within the Greater Toronto Area), or at least CAD 200,000 (if the proposed business will be located outside of the Greater Toronto Area or the proposed business will be in the ICT/Digital Communications sector).
- Actively participates in day-to-day operations and management of the company in Ontario and creates at least two full-time positions for permanent residents or citizens of Canada (if the proposed business will be located within the Greater Toronto Area), or at least one full-time position for permanent residents or citizens of Canada (if the proposed business will be located outside of the Greater Toronto Area or the proposed business will be in the ICT/Digital Communications sector).
- If purchasing an existing business, the business must have been operated by the current owner for at least 5 years, and an exploratory visit is required.
- Own at least 1/3 of the business
- Operate the business for a minimum of 18 consecutive months
- Principal applicant must demonstrate Ontario residence for at least 75% of the time.
Accompanying Family Members
- Your spouse or common-law partner, and
- Your dependent child under 22 years old
Application Process:
FAQ
1. What kinds of roles will be considered as a senior manager?
Your role must have included senior decision-making responsibilities in areas such as Operations, Sales, Finance, Marketing, Distribution, Human Resources, Research and Development, etc. and you must have managed the day-to-day operations of the business in whole or in part.
2. If I purchase an existing business in Toronto, do I need to preserve all existing permanent full-time staff in that business?
Yes, you must maintain them at a minimum the current wage levels and employment terms of existing staff.
3. Do I still need to create new jobs?
Yes, you still need to create 1 or 2 additional permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents depending on your business location.
More Information
