OINP: Entrepreneur Stream Guide
For all other changes, or to correct a data entry error (for example, you misspelled your name):
- complete and save a Change of personal information form
- send the completed form by email as an attachment to business.immigration@ontario.ca
- use the subject line “Application Change Notice – [File number]”
- if you are requesting a correction to your name or date of birth, please also include a copy of the personal details page of your passport to validate your request
Please note: We will not accept requests to completely change a name or date of birth.
Sign a performance agreement
If your stage 1 application (including your interview) is successful, you will be asked to sign a performance agreement with the Government of Ontario.
The performance agreement will outline the commitments that must be met in order to be nominated for permanent residence. The document will include, but may not be limited to:
- a description of your business
- investment amounts and timelines
- number and types of jobs to be created for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- mandatory business milestones and achievements
- timeframes for commitments
If your stage 1 application is unsuccessful
If your application is unsuccessful, we will let you know by email. If you think we made an error in our decision that led to your application being refused, you may ask for an internal review.
To request an internal review:
Send an email to internalreview-revisioninterne@ontario.ca. You must email us within:
- 30 calendar days of receiving your notice of refusal if you live in Canada
- 60 calendar days of receiving your notice of refusal if you live outside of Canada
In your email, explain how:
- on the date you submitted your application, you met all requirements
- an error we made resulted in your application being unsuccessful
Do not include any new information that you did not include in your original application, unless that information was not reasonably available to you at the time you submitted your application.
New information that you did not include in your application because of an oversight will not be considered.
Internal review requests must be sent by email. We will not accept requests by mail, fax or in-person.
Get a temporary work permit
After you sign the performance agreement, we will issue a letter of confirmation enabling you and your business partner (if applicable) to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a temporary work permit. This letter constitutes Ontario’s support for you and your family to move to Ontario to start the business.
IRCC is responsible for issuing all work permits in Canada.
Establish your business
During the time you are establishing your business you must check in with us on a regular basis. Refer to the Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide to learn more about these requirements.
1. Arrive in Ontario
You must arrive in Ontario with your valid temporary work permit within 12 months from the date you received your letter of confirmation from the OINP.
You must tell us you have arrived in Ontario within seven days of getting here.
2. Build your business
Once you get to Ontario, you have 20 months from the date you arrive to implement your business and meet all commitments under your performance agreement.
You must ensure that the required permanent full-time jobs are continuously filled for at least 10 months, up to the day you submit your final report.
OINP officers will monitor your business to make sure you stay on track to meeting your obligations under your performance agreement. You will also be required to provide quarterly reports and a final report to OINP.
3. Submit a final report
You must submit your final report to us between 18 and 20 months after you arrive in Ontario.
Get nominated for permanent residence
After we confirm that your new business has met the commitments outlined in the performance agreement, we will ask you for supporting documentation (please refer to the Entrepreneur Stream Application Guide) to ensure you (and your business partner) meet the nomination requirements listed below.
1. Language
You must be able to listen, read, write and speak English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4.
For English tests, the OINP accepts:
- International English Language Testing (IELTS) (General Training test only)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) (General test only)
For French tests, the OINP accepts:
- Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF)
- Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada)
Learn more about the English and French language tests
2. Residency
You must be physically living in Ontario for 75 per cent of the time during which you are establishing your business.
3. Active management
You must be actively involved in the day-to-day management activities of your business.
