The government of Ontario has authority to nominate certain applicants for Canadian permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The OES business program is aimed at individuals from outside Canada who want to start a business or buy an already existing business in Ontario. Those who are approved for the program will be nominated for Canadian permanent residence. Once nominated, an applicant qualifies to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
The initial Expression of Interest registration can be submitted online. For more information, click here.
There are a number of steps that need to be followed in order to apply under the OES business program:
Stage 1
Step 1: Make Sure You Satisfy all Criteria and Requirements
Step 2: Complete and Submit an Online Expression of Interest (EOI)
Step 3: Invitation to Apply
Step 4: Submit Your Online Application
Step 5: Application Assessment
Step 6: Sign Performance Agreement
Stage 2
Step 7: Before You Arrive: Temporary Work Permit
Step 8: After You Arrive: 20 Months For Business Establishment
Step 9: Nomination for Permanent Residence
Step 10: Application For Permanent Residence, Plus Three Years of Monitoring
Step 1: Make Sure You Satisfy all Criteria and Requirements
Ontario suggests candidates thoroughly self-evaluate before registering an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Primarily this should include making sure you meet minimum requirements, but candidates are strongly advised to visit the province to assess business opportunities and make local contacts.
Ontario also publishes the following list of ineligible businesses:
Ineligible Businesses Inside Greater Toronto Area
- Existing Franchises in Ontario (new foreign franchises expanding into Ontario are permitted)
- Gas Stations
- Tire Recycling *
- Scrap Metal Recycling *
- Pawnbrokers *
- Bed and Breakfasts
- Holding Companies *
- Laundromats *
- Automated Car Wash Operations *
- Pay Day Loan and related businesses *
- Businesses which have been previously owned/operated by current or former OINP business stream nominees *
* Star indicates businesses that are also ineligible outside Greater Toronto Area
Step 2: Complete and Submit an Online Expression of Interest (EOI)
An EOI is a document by which the applicant states an intention to immigrate to the province of Ontario under the OES. The EOI is filled out online. The applicant is assessed and given a score using a points system. The EOI must be filled out accurately and honestly. Points are awarded based on:
- Business experience
- Personal Net worth
- Amount of Intended investment
- Number of jobs to be created
- Whether you completed an Exploratory Visit to Ontario
- Whether your business is in one of the following sectors:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Financial Services
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Information and Communications Technology
- Life Sciences
- Mining
- Tourism
- Water Technology
- The National Occupation Classification of the position your employment falls under.
- Education
- Language Abilities
An EOI is a document by which the applicant states an intention to immigrate to the province of Ontario under the OES. The initial EOI registration can be submitted online. For more information, click here. The applicant is assessed and given a score using a points system. The EOI must be filled out accurately and honestly. Points are awarded based on:
- The purpose and objectives of the business.
- What the business will be selling.
- How the business will operate.
- Who the customers will be.
- How the business will achieve its objectives.
- Challenges the business may face.
- A description of how the challenges will be overcome.
Step 4: Submit Your Online Application
There is a $3,500 application processing fee. Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
Step 5: Application Assessment
Once the fee and all required documents are received, the application will be assessed. Some applicants may be required to attend a mandatory interview.
Step 6: Sign Performance Agreement
If your application is approved, you will be asked to sign a Performance Agreement. The Performance Agreement will outline the rules that must be followed in order for you to be nominated for permanent residence.
Step 7: Before You Arrive: Temporary Work Permit
Once you sign the Performance Agreement, you will be sent a Letter of Confirmation. This letter will allow you to apply for a Temporary Work Permit from the Canadian government. If you meet all the relevant criteria of the Canadian federal government, you will receive a Temporary Work Permit.
Step 8: After You Arrive: 20 Months For Business Establishment
Once you obtain a temporary work permit, you should move to Ontario and begin establishing your business as soon as possible. You must inform the immigration processing office of your arrival in Ontario within 7 days of arrival. Within 18 months of arriving in Ontario, you must submit a report showing that you are abiding by all the rules of the OES and the terms of your performance agreement.
Step 9: Nomination for Permanent Residence
If your report is approved, you will be nominated for permanent residence by the Ontario government. The holder of a nomination certificate may submit an application for Canadian permanent residence to the federal government as long as the nominee continues to abide by the performance agreement and the requirements of the OCS mentioned above.
Step 10: Application For Permanent Residence, Plus Three Years of Monitoring
If you obtain permanent residence, you will be monitored for an additional period of 36 months to make sure that you continue to abide by all the rules of the OES and the terms of your performance agreement.
Dependants
The following dependants of key staff members can be included in an application under Ontario Entrepreneur Stream:
- Spouse or Common Law Partner
- Dependent children who are:
- Younger than 22 and do not have a spouse or common law partner OR
- Older that 22 and are dependent on their parents due to physical or mental illness.
- Dependent children of dependent children.
