Maple News reports that Ontario has issued 21 invitations to apply under its Entrepreneur Stream as part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The draw was held on August 26, and it targeted candidates who had submitted their Expressions of Interest (EOIs) between November 22, 2019, and August 21, 2020.
To be eligible for this round, candidates needed to score between 144 and 200 points under the EOI ranking system. This marks the fourth entrepreneur-focused draw in 2020, with a total of 91 invitations issued to date, signaling Ontario’s consistent efforts to attract entrepreneurial talent amid evolving economic priorities.
The Entrepreneur Stream is designed for individuals who wish to establish or acquire a business in Ontario. Selected candidates first receive a support letter for a temporary work permit, enabling them to set up operations under a formal performance agreement. Once they meet the agreed-upon business conditions—such as investment thresholds and job creation targets—they become eligible for a provincial nomination, a critical step toward Canadian permanent residency.
Recent reforms have made the stream more accessible. Entrepreneurs proposing businesses within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) now need a minimum net worth of $800,000 (previously $1.5 million) and must invest at least $600,000 (down from $1 million). Proposals outside the GTA require a net worth of $400,000 (reduced from $800,000) and a minimum investment of $200,000 (previously $500,000).
In another notable update, Ontario lowered the business experience requirement. Entrepreneurs now need at least 24 months of full-time experience as a business owner or senior manager within the last 60 months, a reduction from the previous 36-month requirement. These changes reflect Ontario’s responsiveness to market demand and its efforts to remain competitive in attracting global entrepreneurial talent.
Candidates who meet all program requirements and successfully execute their business plans, including job creation for Canadians and permanent residents, are well-positioned to transition to permanent resident status. Ontario’s continued invitation rounds indicate strong demand and a proactive stance in bolstering economic development through immigration initiatives.
Maple News will continue to provide updates on Ontario’s immigration strategies as jurisdictions adapt to attract skilled and innovative newcomers.