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Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP): Your Gateway to Business Immigration in Canada

Introduction

Ontario, the most populous province in Canada, is renowned for its diverse economy, vibrant cities, and excellent quality of life. The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) offers multiple pathways for business immigrants to establish and grow their enterprises in this thriving province. At Bridge to Canada, we specialize in providing comprehensive immigration services to help you navigate the OINP with ease and confidence. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring your business immigration journey is smooth and successful.

Why Choose Ontario?

Ontario is an attractive destination for business immigrants for several reasons:

  • Robust Economy: Ontario boasts a diverse and robust economy, with key sectors including finance, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.
  • Strategic Location: Home to major cities like Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario offers strategic access to North American and global markets.
  • Quality of Life: The province offers excellent healthcare, education, and recreational facilities, contributing to a high standard of living.
  • Supportive Business Environment: Ontario provides numerous incentives, resources, and support programs for entrepreneurs and investors.

Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) Overview

The OINP is designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors who can contribute to Ontario’s economy. The program consists of several streams tailored to meet the province’s labor market and economic development needs.

Streams Under the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

  1. Entrepreneur Stream
  2. Corporate Stream
  3. Investor Stream
  4. Human Capital Category
  5. Employer Job Offer Category
  6. Business Category

Alberta Opportunity Stream

The Alberta Opportunity Stream is aimed at skilled workers who are already working in Alberta and wish to obtain permanent residency. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have a valid work permit.
  • Meet specific language requirements.
  • Have a minimum education level equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
  • Work in an eligible occupation in Alberta.

Entrepreneur Stream

The Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at individuals from outside Canada who wish to start a new business or buy an existing business in Ontario. Key requirements include:

  • Net Worth: Minimum of CAD 800,000 if the business is located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or CAD 400,000 if located outside the GTA.
  • Investment: Minimum investment of CAD 600,000 within the GTA or CAD 200,000 outside the GTA.
  • Business Ownership: Must own at least one-third of the business.
  • Job Creation: Must create at least two full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents within the GTA or one full-time job outside the GTA.

Corporate Stream

The Corporate Stream is designed for international corporations looking to expand into Ontario or buy an existing business in the province. Key requirements include:

  • Global Revenue: The corporation must have a minimum of CAD 150 million in global revenue.
  • Investment: Minimum investment of CAD 5 million in an Ontario business.
  • Job Creation: Must create at least five full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents per key staff member proposed for nomination.

Investor Stream

The Investor Stream targets high net-worth individuals willing to invest in Ontario businesses. Although this stream is currently paused, it aims to attract significant investment to boost economic growth and job creation in the province.

Human Capital Category

This category targets skilled workers, including those with job offers in Ontario, international graduates, and French-speaking skilled workers. The Human Capital Category includes streams such as:

  • Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
  • Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
  • Masters Graduate Stream
  • PhD Graduate Stream

Employer Job Offer Category

This category is for foreign workers with a job offer in Ontario. It includes streams like:

  • Foreign Worker Stream
  • International Student Stream
  • In-Demand Skills Stream

Business Category

The Business Category includes the Entrepreneur and Corporate streams, focusing on attracting business investments and creating jobs in Ontario.

Cost and Processing Time

Understanding the costs and processing times involved in the OINP is crucial for planning your immigration journey.

Cost

  • Entrepreneur Stream: The application fee is CAD 3,500 per applicant. Additional costs include business investment (minimum CAD 200,000 to CAD 600,000) and net worth verification fees.
  • Corporate Stream: The application fee is CAD 3,500 per key staff member. Other costs include the required business investment (minimum CAD 5 million) and potential legal and consulting fees.
  • Human Capital and Employer Job Offer Categories: Application fees range from CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,000 depending on the specific stream.
  •  

Processing Time

  • Expression of Interest (EOI) Processing: Submitting an EOI is the first step, and it typically takes 1-2 months for initial assessment.
  • Application Processing: Once invited to apply, the full application process can take 4-12 months for the Entrepreneur and Corporate streams. For other categories, processing times vary from 2-6 months.
  • Permanent Residency: After receiving a provincial nomination, the federal processing for permanent residency can take an additional 6-12 months.
  •  

How Bridge to Canada Can Help

At Bridge to Canada, we understand that navigating the OINP can be complex and time-consuming. Our team of experienced immigration consultants and legal experts is here to assist you every step of the way. Here’s how we can help:

  • Personalized Consultation: We provide one-on-one consultations to understand your specific needs and objectives.
  • Eligibility Assessment: We assess your eligibility for various OINP streams and recommend the best pathway for you.
  • Application Preparation: Our team helps you gather and prepare all necessary documents, ensuring your application is complete and accurate.
  • Business Plan Development: For the Entrepreneur Stream, we offer expert advice and assistance in developing a comprehensive and viable business plan.
  • Legal Support: Our legal experts provide support throughout the application process, addressing any legal issues that may arise.
  • Ongoing Support: We offer continuous support even after your application is submitted, keeping you informed of any updates and helping you with any additional requirements.

Success Stories

At Bridge to Canada, we have helped numerous clients achieve their dream of immigrating to Ontario through the OINP. Here are a few success stories:

  • Michael and Laura: Michael, an experienced entrepreneur, and his wife Laura successfully immigrated to Ontario through the Entrepreneur Stream. With our help, they developed a comprehensive business plan and secured the necessary funding to launch their tech startup in Toronto.
  • Raj: Raj, a skilled IT professional, secured a job offer from a leading tech company in Ottawa and applied through the Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker Stream. We assisted him in gathering all required documents and preparing his application, leading to a successful nomination and permanent residency.

Conclusion

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program offers a range of pathways for business immigrants, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled workers looking to establish themselves in Canada. At Bridge to Canada, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of the OINP and achieve your immigration goals.

If you’re ready to start your business journey in Ontario, contact Bridge to Canada today for a personalized consultation and expert guidance.

Contact Bridge to Canada

For personalized assistance with your Canadian business immigration journey, contact Bridge to Canada today.

Take the first step towards securing your Canadian permanent residency and a prosperous future by reaching out to Bridge to Canada. Let us help you turn your business ambitions into reality in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

What are the specific eligibility criteria for the Entrepreneur Stream under the OINP?

To qualify for the Entrepreneur Stream, you must have a minimum net worth of CAD 800,000 if your business is within the GTA or CAD 400,000 if it’s outside the GTA. You also need to invest at least CAD 600,000 within the GTA or CAD 200,000 outside the GTA and create at least two full-time jobs within the GTA or one job outside the GTA.

 

How does the OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system work for the Entrepreneur Stream?

The EOI system requires you to submit a profile outlining your business experience, net worth, and proposed business plan. EOIs are scored based on various factors, and the highest-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply.

 

What is the minimum personal net worth verification process for the Corporate Stream?

The Corporate Stream requires a minimum of CAD 150 million in global revenue for the corporation and a minimum investment of CAD 5 million in an Ontario business. The personal net worth of key staff is also verified through a third-party service provider approved by the OINP.

 

Can I apply for the OINP if I am already residing in another Canadian province?

Yes, you can apply for the OINP if you are residing in another Canadian province, but you must demonstrate your intent to reside and operate your business in Ontario.

 

How long does the OINP Entrepreneur Stream processing take from EOI submission to nomination?

The EOI assessment typically takes 1-2 months. After receiving an invitation to apply, the application review can take 4-12 months. Following a successful application, it takes an additional 6-12 months for federal permanent residency processing.

 

What are the language proficiency requirements for the Entrepreneur Stream?

There is no mandatory language requirement for the Entrepreneur Stream, but proficiency in English or French can improve your EOI score and support your business operations in Ontario.

 

How does the OINP support international students who want to start a business in Ontario?

The OINP offers the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, which is designed for graduates from Ontario post-secondary institutions. This stream provides a supportive framework for young entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in the province.

 

What types of businesses are considered eligible under the OINP Entrepreneur Stream?

Eligible businesses must create significant economic benefit for Ontario, such as job creation for Canadians. Certain types of businesses, like those involved in property rental, real estate development, and some financial services, may not be eligible.

 

What are the job creation requirements for the Corporate Stream under the OINP?

The Corporate Stream requires the creation of at least five full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents per key staff member proposed for nomination.

 

Can I change my business plan after submitting my OINP application?

Any significant changes to your business plan after submission must be communicated to the OINP. The program will review the changes to ensure they still meet the program’s requirements and economic benefit criteria.

 

What are the net worth verification fees for the OINP Entrepreneur Stream?

The net worth verification fees can vary depending on the third-party financial service provider used, but it typically ranges from CAD 2,500 to CAD 3,000.

 

What happens if I fail to meet the terms of my Performance Agreement in the Entrepreneur Stream?

Failure to meet the terms of your Performance Agreement can result in the withdrawal of your nomination, affecting your eligibility for permanent residency. It is crucial to adhere strictly to the conditions outlined in your agreement.

 

Are there any restrictions on the types of investments that can be made under the Entrepreneur Stream?

Yes, passive investments and speculative ventures are generally not considered eligible. The investment must be active and create economic benefits such as job creation for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

 

Can my spouse work in Ontario while I am on a temporary work permit under the Entrepreneur Stream?

Yes, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work in any occupation in Ontario while you manage your business.

 

How does the OINP align with federal immigration programs, such as Express Entry?

The OINP Human Capital Category includes an Express Entry stream. Candidates who meet the criteria can receive a nomination from Ontario, providing additional points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

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