The Ontario Entrepreneur Program, formerly offered through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), is closed to new applicants. Entrepreneurs researching business immigration to Ontario should understand the program’s closure before relying on its former investment requirements or application process.This guide explains what happened to the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream, how it previously worked, what existing applicants should consider, and which immigration options may be worth assessing today.
Important: Ontario Entrepreneur Stream is closedThe former OINP Entrepreneur Stream is no longer available for new applications. Its historical requirements are included below for reference only.If you are beginning your immigration planning, explore business immigration options in Canada or complete the CanadaPass free immigration assessment to identify pathways that may fit your circumstances.
Is the Ontario Entrepreneur Program Still Open?
No. New applicants cannot apply through the former Ontario Entrepreneur Stream.The closure happened in stages. Ontario suspended intake in December 2023, announced that it would wind down and close the stream in November 2024, and scheduled the Entrepreneur category’s regulatory revocation for July 1, 2026.
When Did the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream Close?
The following timeline distinguishes the intake suspension from the later regulatory changes:
| Date | What changed |
|---|
| December 4, 2023 | Ontario suspended acceptance of new Entrepreneur Stream expressions of interest and applications. |
| November 4, 2024 | Ontario announced amendments to wind down and close the stream, with separate arrangements for applications already in process. |
| July 1, 2026 | The Entrepreneur category was scheduled for revocation under Ontario’s amended regulations. |
Ontario’s
2024 OINP program updates documented the suspension and wind-down announcements. The closure process had therefore begun well before 2026.The later revocation date appears in the
historical Ontario regulation governing OINP nomination categories.
What Was the Ontario Entrepreneur Stream?
The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream was a
provincial immigration pathway for experienced business owners and senior managers who planned to establish or purchase a business in Ontario.It connected business development with a potential provincial nomination. Applicants needed to actively manage their business and meet the applicable program obligations before progressing toward permanent residence.The former process generally involved:
- Registering an expression of interest.
- Receiving an invitation and submitting an application.
- Completing the provincial assessment.
- Signing a performance agreement setting out business commitments.
- Establishing or acquiring and operating the business.
- Meeting the applicable requirements for nomination.
- Applying to the federal government for permanent residence after nomination.
It was designed around active business operation. Purchasing an investment or owning shares alone did not complete the immigration process.
Historical Ontario Entrepreneur Program Requirements
The requirements below belonged to the former stream. They cannot be used to submit a new application today.They remain useful for understanding older articles, previous applications and the financial structure of the program.
| Historical requirement | Former requirement |
|---|
| Business experience | At least 24 months as a business owner or senior manager within the preceding 60 months |
| Minimum net worth for a business in the Greater Toronto Area | CAD $800,000 |
| Minimum net worth for a business outside the Greater Toronto Area | CAD $400,000 |
| Minimum investment for a business in the Greater Toronto Area | CAD $600,000 |
| Minimum investment for a business outside the Greater Toronto Area | CAD $200,000 |
| Minimum business ownership | At least one-third of the business |
| Language requirement before nomination | CLB 4 in English or French in all four abilities |
The former rules included a sector exception for information and communications technology or digital communications businesses: minimum net worth of CAD $400,000 and minimum investment of CAD $200,000, regardless of location.Job creation requirements generally included two permanent, full-time positions in the Greater Toronto Area or one outside it. The specified technology sectors had a one-job requirement regardless of location. These positions were intended for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.These criteria are recorded in the
historical Ontario Entrepreneur Stream eligibility regulation.
Net Worth and Investment Were Different Requirements
Net worth represented the applicant’s financial position. Investment represented qualifying money committed to establishing and operating the business.Neither figure was a government application fee, and meeting a financial threshold did not guarantee nomination or permanent residence.For financial planning today, begin with the requirements of the immigration pathway you are actually considering. The former Ontario figures should not be used as a general budget for every Canadian business immigration program.
What Should Existing Ontario Entrepreneur Stream Applicants Do?
People who previously submitted an application need to distinguish their existing file from the closure of new intake.When Ontario announced the wind-down in November 2024, it stated that applications already in process would continue under updated regulations and that applicants and their representatives would receive further instructions.That announcement does not establish the current outcome of an individual file. Existing applicants should review their latest OINP correspondence, application status, agreements and any instructions issued specifically to them.Useful steps include:
- Confirming the current stage and status of the application.
- Reviewing outstanding document requests and deadlines.
- Keeping contact information current.
- Checking how business commitments or changes affect the file.
- Reviewing work permit expiry dates and immigration status separately.
A pending provincial application should not be treated as permission to remain or work in Canada.If you need help understanding your existing file, you can
book a CanadaPass consultation for an individual review.
Did Ontario Replace the Entrepreneur Stream?
Ontario introduced the Ontario Workforce Priority stream during its 2026 OINP redesign. Its eligibility is centred on qualifying employment, with a specific route for eligible self-employed physicians.According to the official
Ontario Workforce Priority stream requirements, skilled foreign workers generally need a qualifying Ontario job offer. The self-employed physician provision has its own requirements.This means a business owner cannot assume that opening a company, purchasing a business or employing themselves creates eligibility under Workforce Priority.Any employment-based option needs to be assessed against its own applicant, employer and job offer requirements.
Can You Still Buy or Start a Business in Ontario?
Establishing or acquiring a business in Ontario may still be commercially possible, subject to the applicable legal, tax, licensing and other requirements. However, the immigration strategy must be assessed separately.Three questions should be answered before committing substantial funds:
- Can you legally establish or acquire the proposed business?
- What immigration status would authorize your intended activities in Canada?
- Is there a realistic permanent residence pathway for your circumstances?
Registering a corporation does not itself provide a work permit or permanent residence.Our guide to
business registration in Canada covers the business setup side. If you are considering an acquisition, also review
buying a business and moving to Canada, while assessing immigration eligibility before entering a purchase agreement.
What Immigration Options Should Entrepreneurs Consider Now?
The appropriate route depends on your business background, intended destination, available capital, language ability and immigration objectives.For some applicants, a provincial business pathway may be worth investigating. Others may need to assess a temporary work permit strategy or a skilled immigration route.Start with our broader guide to
Canadian business immigration programs to understand how these options differ.
Provincial Entrepreneur Programs Outside Ontario
Entrepreneurs willing to establish and operate a business elsewhere in Canada can investigate provincial programs according to their profile and the province’s current intake conditions.Relevant CanadaPass guides include:
Our
provincial entrepreneur programs overview provides a starting point for comparing destinations. Confirm the current rules and intake status of a specific stream before relying on its requirements.Your intended residence also matters. A provincial immigration plan should reflect where you genuinely intend to live and operate the business.
Business-Related Work Permit Options
Depending on the circumstances, an entrepreneur may need to assess whether a Canadian work permit category could support their proposed business activities.Our
International Mobility Program guide explains the broader framework for work permits that may be exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment.Business ownership alone does not establish eligibility. The proposed activities, applicant’s role and requirements of the specific permit category need to be assessed.Temporary work authorization and permanent residence should also be planned separately.
Quebec Business Immigration
Quebec has its own immigration selection system. Applicants genuinely interested in living there may wish to investigate its business immigration categories.Our
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program guide introduces one category to investigate. Eligibility, language requirements, financial conditions and intake arrangements need to be checked against current rules.A Quebec immigration strategy should reflect a genuine intention to settle in Quebec.
Skilled Immigration Pathways
Business owners and senior managers may also have professional experience relevant to skilled immigration.Depending on their qualifications, work history and language results, assessing
Canada’s Express Entry system may be worthwhile.The assessment should consider the actual duties performed and how the experience meets the applicable program requirements. Holding a business title alone is insufficient to determine eligibility.
What About the Canada Start-Up Visa?
The federal Start-Up Visa is a separate program with its own status and requirements. Entrepreneurs should review our updated
Canada Start-Up Visa program guide before treating it as an alternative.Previous eligibility under one business program does not establish eligibility under another.
How to Choose Your Next Immigration Strategy
Before selecting a business or destination, clarify:
- Whether Ontario is essential or you are open to other provinces.
- Your business ownership and senior management experience.
- Your language ability.
- The capital available for business operations and family settlement.
- Whether you intend to start, purchase or expand a business.
- Whether you need temporary work authorization, permanent residence or both.
- Your timeline and willingness to actively manage the business.
These answers help determine which options deserve a detailed review.You can complete the
CanadaPass free immigration assessment to share your background and objectives. For advice about a proposed business, an existing application or a specific immigration strategy,
book a consultation with CanadaPass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the Ontario Entrepreneur Program in 2026?
No. The former OINP Entrepreneur Stream is closed to new applicants. Its historical requirements do not provide a route to submit a new application.
When did Ontario close the Entrepreneur Stream?
Ontario suspended intake on December 4, 2023, and announced the wind-down and closure on November 4, 2024. The Entrepreneur category’s regulatory revocation was scheduled for July 1, 2026.
What was the minimum investment?
The former minimum investment was generally CAD $600,000 for a business in the Greater Toronto Area and CAD $200,000 outside it. Certain technology and digital communications businesses had a CAD $200,000 minimum regardless of location.These are historical figures for the closed stream.
Can I get permanent residence by buying a business in Ontario?
Buying a business does not automatically provide permanent residence. You need to qualify under an applicable immigration pathway and obtain any authorization required for your activities in Canada.
Is Ontario Workforce Priority a new entrepreneur program?
Workforce Priority is primarily an employment-based stream, with a specific provision for eligible self-employed physicians. General business ownership does not create eligibility under that stream.
What happens if I already applied to the Entrepreneur Stream?
Your next steps depend on your file’s current status and the instructions Ontario has issued to you. Review your latest correspondence and obtain an individual assessment if the effect of the closure is unclear.
Do I have to use a business immigration program because I own a company?
No. Your broader profile may justify assessing other routes, including skilled immigration. The suitable strategy depends on your qualifications and objectives.
Discuss Your Current Options With CanadaPass
The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream’s closure changes the options available to new applicants. A useful next step is to assess your immigration eligibility alongside your business plans before making financial commitments.Complete our
free immigration assessment or
book a CanadaPass consultation to review your background, intended destination and possible next steps.
