Immigration to Ontario for entrepreneurs
People who plan to buy an existing or create a new business in Ontario can immigrate through the Entrepreneur stream.
The Entrepreneur stream of Ontario’s provincial program is designed for business people who are ready to invest in an existing or new business in the province.
Eligibility
To qualify to immigrate through the Entrepreneur stream, you must meet the following requirements:
- have worked for at least 24 months within the last 60 months as a business owner or senior manager;
- have a net worth of:
- $400,000 CAD if the business is located outside of Toronto or relates to IT;
- $800,000 CAD in other cases;
- invest in the business:
- $200,000 CAD if the business is located outside of Toronto or relates to IT;
- $600,000 CAD in other cases;
- own at least one-third of the business and actively participate in the management of the company;
- create jobs:
- at least one if the business is located outside of Toronto or relates to IT;
- at least two in other cases;
- demonstrate proficiency in English or French at level 4 on the CLB scale;
- for those buying an existing business: make at least one business trip to Ontario in the 12 months before applying.
How to apply
The process of obtaining a permanent residency for entrepreneurs is divided into two stages. In the first stage, the candidate submits an application, in case of approval, an interview is required. In the second stage, Ontario issues a letter of support, with which the candidate must apply for a work permit, then the entrepreneur is given 20 months to develop their business in the province, and only after that they have the opportunity to get a permanent residency.
You can apply for the entrepreneurial stream at Ontario’s online portal.
Businesses outside of Toronto
Entrepreneurs who want to do business outside of Toronto and its suburbs (Greater Toronto Area) can take advantage of the Entrepreneur Success Initiative. This is a support program through which the Toronto Business Development Centre will help applicants to immigrate through the Entrepreneur stream. Launched in 2022, the Entrepreneur Success Initiative aims to attract 100 entrepreneurs.
What support does the Business Development Centre provide:
- introduces entrepreneurs to business opportunities and communities in Ontario, depending on the business, personal interests, and professional experience of the candidate;
- helps entrepreneurs fill out an application for participation in the Entrepreneur stream;
- helps candidates who have received an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
If you are interested in immigration with the Toronto Business Development Centre support, you can contact them through their official website. Please note that you still need to meet the Entrepreneur stream eligibility requirements outlined above.
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To learn about other Ontario provincial program streams, see the article "Immigration to Ontario — Canada's provincial program".
