Maple News reports that Ontario has officially closed its Entrepreneur Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), marking a significant policy shift in the province’s approach to business immigration.
The move was formalized on November 4, nearly a year after the province paused new applications to the stream in December 2023. Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development confirmed that changes are underway to wind down the stream entirely.
Despite the closure, candidates who had already submitted applications will not be left in limbo. According to Maple News, the OINP will continue processing existing submissions under updated guidelines. Eligible candidates can still be nominated for permanent residence, provided they fulfill previously agreed-upon commitments to launch or grow businesses in Ontario.
Current applicants and their authorized representatives can expect direct communication from the OINP in the coming days. This outreach will outline next steps and procedural guidance on continuing their immigration journey under the existing rules.
Meanwhile, British Columbia is ramping up its efforts to welcome skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held two separate invitation rounds on November 5 and 6, targeting both innovators and skilled workers.
These draws underscore British Columbia’s proactive use of its PNP allocations, tailoring selections to meet labor market needs and support economic development across the province. While specific numbers were not released, this steady pace of invitations suggests strong momentum in the province’s 2024 immigration strategy.
Though Ontario’s decision may reflect shifting priorities or performance evaluations of the entrepreneur pathway, British Columbia’s ongoing draw activity signals continued provincial interest in attracting entrepreneurial and skilled talent.
As Canada’s provinces adapt their immigration strategies, such updates from Ontario and British Columbia offer insights into broader national trends in economic immigration, particularly around innovation, job creation, and regional economic support.