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. 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.