Business PNP-Ontario - Global Bridge

Business - PNP Ontario

Overview: Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is the province’s economic immigration program. It works in partnership with the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The OINP recognizes and nominates people for permanent residence who have the skills and experience the Ontario economy needs, and the Government of Canada makes the final decision to approve applications for permanent residence.

For entrepreneurs from outside of Canada interested in starting a new business or buying an existing business in Ontario. It gives an entrepreneur the opportunity to be nominated for permanent residence once their business has been established in Ontario.

Eligible for OINP-Business Program

You must demonstrate that you will be actively managing the business in Ontario. Active management means you are accountable for the day-to-day operations of the business. Active management must occur at the place of business in ON.
Have intention to live in Ontario.

Personal Requirements

In order to be eligible under the Entrepreneur Immigration stream, you must have been lawfully admitted in the country where you currently reside.
You must have at least a minimum of $400,000 (or, $800,000 for GTA except for IT industry) in personal net worth. Your personal net worth must be legally obtained and verifiable.
You must have a minimum of more than two years of experience as an active business owner-manager or a senior manager in the last five years. If you have experience as a business owner and as a senior manager, you must choose only ONE to use for your application.
There is no mandatory minimum requirement for education.

Business Requirements

The OINP will only consider registrations to establish or purchase and improve a business that contributes to the economic growth of the Province.
The OINP will consider registrations to establish a new business, purchase an existing business, form a partnership with an existing business, and partner with a local or foreign entrepreneur to establish a new business.
Existing Franchises in Ontario are ineligible. New foreign franchises expanding into Ontario may be accepted.

Eligible Personal Investment

You must demonstrate that you will make an eligible personal investment of at least $200,000 (or, $600,000 for GTA except for IT).
You have 20 months from the date you arrive in Ontario to implement your business and meet all commitments under your performance agreement.

Minimum Job Creation Requirements

You must demonstrate that you will create at least one permanent, new full-time job (or, 2 for GTA) for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. The job must be created within the first 20 months of establishing or acquiring the business. The jobs must be filled for at least 10 months and must be paid at the median wage level for the position.

Purchasing an Existing Business

Make at least one business-related visit to Ontario within 1 year from the dated of registering an Expression of Interest.
The business being purchased must have been in continuous operation by the same owner(s) for the previous 5 years.
Ownership of the business must be completely transferred to the applicant or any business partner.
At least 10% of personal investment must be put towards improving or expanding the business in Ontario.
Must keep all permanent full-time employees that worked in the business prior to the transfer of ownership.