Ontario Entrepreneur Immigration: The OINP Stream Is Closed, Here Is What to Do Next
Ontario closed its Entrepreneur Stream in November 2024, and the OINP now runs a new stream for workers with job offers. If you planned to start a business in Ontario for PR, you still have options elsewhere. We match them to your money, language and business idea.
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What happened to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream?
The OINP Entrepreneur Stream stopped taking new applications and closed in November 2024. Its own totals show 91 entrepreneur nominations in 2024.
Ontario has since rebuilt the program. The OINP website now says the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream has launched and all other streams are closed.
Will Ontario bring it back?
Ontario has not published a replacement entrepreneur stream. Its OINP page says more changes are coming, so we watch the program updates. Until a stream with published rules opens, nobody can apply for an Ontario entrepreneur nomination.
Why look beyond Ontario
- Open business streams exist: nine provinces and territories publish rules for entrepreneurs
- Lower entry outside big cities: Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories start at $100,000 invested outside their main cities
- One shared goal: run a real business, then earn a nomination for PR
Who should read this?
An honest check before you plan around Ontario.
You are affected if
- You planned to start or buy an Ontario business and earn a nomination
- You have $250,000 or more in net worth and want a business route to PR
- You are comparing provinces for business immigration
A different route may fit if
- You have a job offer in Ontario, which the Workforce Priority stream covers
- You are a self-employed physician, which the same stream covers
- You want to work in Canada first and apply through Express Entry
A job-based route may fit better. See the skilled-worker PNP or Express Entry.
What is open in Ontario now
Ontario nominates, and IRCC makes the final decision on permanent residence. This is the current state of the OINP, taken from its official pages.
Entrepreneur Stream
Closed to new applications since November 2024. No Expression of Interest or application can be submitted under it. See the business PNP options →
Workforce Priority stream
The one stream the OINP lists as launched. It is for skilled foreign workers with a qualifying job offer, and your employer starts the process in the employer portal. Read the Ontario skilled-worker guide →
Self-employed physicians
The same stream lets eligible self-employed physicians apply without a job offer. Read the Ontario guide →
Every other stream
The OINP lists its previous streams as closed, including the graduate, Human Capital Priorities and Skilled Trades streams. See Express Entry →
What to watch
The OINP says more changes are coming. We follow its program updates and tell clients if an entrepreneur option appears. Compare the open business provinces →
Planned on Ontario?
Tell us your money, language and business idea. We show you which province fits best.
Where entrepreneurs can go instead
British Columbia
Base needs $600,000 net worth and $200,000 invested. Regional needs $300,000 and $100,000. You are scored out of 200 points, and CLB 4 applies. Read the BC guide →
Alberta
Four streams: Rural ($300,000 net worth, $100,000 invested), Graduate, Foreign Graduate and Farm ($500,000 equity). CLB 4 to 7 depending on the stream. Read the Alberta guide →
Nova Scotia
Net worth $600,000 in Halifax or $400,000 elsewhere, with $150,000 or $100,000 invested. CLB 5. Read the Nova Scotia guide →
New Brunswick
Net worth $500,000, $150,000 invested, 65 of 100 points and CLB 4. Read the New Brunswick guide →
Newfoundland and Labrador
$600,000 in assets, $200,000 invested and CLB 5, plus a route for local graduates. Read the NL guide →
Prince Edward Island
$600,000 net worth and $150,000 invested, ranked on a 200-point grid. Ask us for the current invitation status first. Read the PEI guide →
Read the full guides
Each page covers the requirements, the steps, the costs and a self-check. Yukon and the Northwest Territories have guides too.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
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Ontario entrepreneur immigration FAQs
Is the OINP Entrepreneur Stream still open?
No. It stopped accepting new applications and closed in November 2024. The OINP now lists the Ontario Workforce Priority stream as launched and all other streams as closed.
Can I still get an Ontario nomination as an entrepreneur?
No. There is no open Ontario stream for entrepreneurs. The Workforce Priority stream is for skilled foreign workers with a job offer and for self-employed physicians.
What happens to applications filed before the closure?
The OINP handles them under its own rules. Check your OINP e-Filing portal for the status of your file, and ask your representative or the OINP about next steps.
Will Ontario launch a new entrepreneur stream?
Ontario has not published one. Its OINP page says more changes are coming, so we monitor the program updates and tell clients if an entrepreneur option appears.
Which provinces still take entrepreneurs?
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba publish business streams. Each has its own money, language and business rules, and PEI is rarely inviting business candidates right now.
Can I run a business in Ontario without a nomination?
Some federal work permit routes exist for business owners, such as the C11 entrepreneur permit, but they do not lead straight to PR. Ask us whether one fits your plan.
Is there a federal business immigration program?
No federal business program is open right now. The Start-Up Visa program is closed to new applications, which is why the provincial streams matter.
How do I get started with Amir Ismail and Associates?
Book a Strategy Consultation with Amir Ismail, RCIC R412319. We compare the open business provinces against your money, language and business idea.