Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program: Details About OINP Canada

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Canadian Immigration

The Canadian immigration program for the province of Ontario is designed for business owners and senior managers who wish to invest in the establishment, acquisition, and operation of a business in this region. Applicants can bring their spouse and children under 22 years old to live with them in Ontario.

Ontario is one of the most dynamic and developed provinces in Canada and North America. It is not only a leading economic, political, cultural, and service center in Canada but also home to the capital city of Ottawa and the provincial capital of Toronto – a city renowned for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

The quality of life in Ontario is among the highest in the world, with per capita income ranking at the top in Canada (according to data from the Canadian Department of Economics, 2018). It is a major educational hub, with prestigious universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of Ottawa, York University, and Carleton University, excelling in fields such as medicine, law, journalism, technology, and international economics.

Ontario also boasts numerous large libraries, modern art centers, and facilities for higher education and research. With its strategic geographic location, Ontario effectively connects with the provinces of Manitoba, Québec, and New York (USA), offering numerous business and development opportunities.

Time to Residency

9 months

Minimum Investment

200.000 CAD

Type of Investment

Entrepreneur

Visa-free Countries

Freedom to travel to 187 countries and territories

Benefits of the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Investing in and fulfilling commitments with the province of Ontario will provide the opportunity to become a Permanent Resident, with benefits equivalent to those of Canadian citizens.
Once Permanent Resident status is achieved, the family can apply for Canadian citizenship when eligible.
The children of the applicant can attend public schools for free up to the end of secondary education (high school). Once the family has Permanent Resident status (PR), the children will also be able to attend university with tuition fees as local residents.
The entire family can freely live, study, and work in the province of Ontario, Canada, enjoying all the benefits and services that the region provides.

Advantages of the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Only requires high school graduation.
No need for relevant industry experience related to the investment.
No requirement to prove English language proficiency when applying.
No age limits, suitable for a wide range of applicants.
No need for a deposit.
No requirement for the business in Canada to achieve profit.
Ontario is a major center for economics, services, politics, culture, and education in Canada. With two major cities, Ottawa and Toronto, the province offers top-quality living standards and per capita income in Canada.

Requirements for the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Applicant Requirements

Business owners/senior managers must have at least 2 years of management experience within the last 5 years.
Total net worth must be at least CAD 400,000 (~VND 6.8 billion).
Must meet security and health background requirements.

Investment Requirements:

Invest a minimum of CAD 200,000 (~VND 3.4 billion) in a business.
Have a feasible business plan that can bring economic benefits to the province of Ontario.
The business must be operational and create at least 1 job for Canadian citizens within 18 months.

Process for the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Step 1: Assess and prepare documents to ensure all program requirements are met.
Step 2: Travel to Ontario for a site visit, familiarize yourself with the local environment and market.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Ontario provincial government, indicating your intention to participate in the program.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the province, then submit a complete application as required.
Step 5: Return to Ontario for an interview with the provincial authorities to confirm information and investment plans.
Step 6: If approved, submit a work permit application to the federal government.
Step 7: After receiving the work permit, move to Canada to make the investment and operate the business.
Step 8: When eligible, apply for Permanent Resident status.

Main Costs

3.500 CAD: Application Fee
No deposit required

Processing Time

Depending on each application, the Government of Canada reviews cases individually, typically within 30-60 days.
The time may vary based on the applicant's submission of additional required documents.

Documents for the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Personal Identification Documents: Passport and other identification documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates,...
Documents Related to Status in Canada: Documents proving residency status if currently living or working in Canada.
Employment Offer Letter (if applicable): If you have received a job offer letter, prepare a copy and relevant information.
Documents Related to Residence in Ontario (for Human Capital Category): Documents proving current or planned residence in Ontario
Educational Certificates, Diplomas, and Transcripts: Include diplomas and certificates from educational institutions.
Employment History: Provide reference letters from previous employers, including details about job start and end dates, positions, duties, and salary.
Proof of Immigration History and Status
Language Proficiency Test Results (English or French)
Documents Proving Financial Capacity to show that you have sufficient funds to live and work in Ontario.
Supporting Documents for the Human Capital Category (for Entrepreneur Stream): Documents related to your investment plan and ability, including proof of skills and experience.
Investment Documents (for Entrepreneur Stream): Documents proving the investment and business plan in Ontario.

Frequently asked questions about the Canada immigration program – Ontario Province

What makes the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Entrepreneur Stream unique?

The OINP Entrepreneur Stream requires investors to establish or purchase an existing business in Ontario, with a minimum investment ranging from CAD 200,000 to CAD 600,000 depending on the business location and sector. What sets Ontario apart is its emphasis on innovation and sustainable job creation rather than merely the size of the investment. Additionally, the province does not require a government deposit; instead, applicants are nominated for Permanent Residency (PR) once their business demonstrates effective and ongoing operations.

How can an Ontario investment immigration application stand out in the EOI scoring process?

The OINP EOI system prioritizes candidates with feasible, innovative business plans that positively impact the local economy. Sectors such as information technology, logistics, education, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and professional services typically receive higher scores. Moreover, applicants with over three years of management experience, English proficiency at CLB 4 or higher, and a genuine commitment to residing in Ontario earn additional points in the ranking system.

After approval, what must investors do to secure Permanent Residency (PR)?

Once an applicant receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and a temporary work permit, they must operate their business in Ontario for at least 18–20 months, meeting agreed-upon targets for revenue, employment, and local economic contribution. Upon fulfilling the conditions in the Performance Agreement, the province will issue a PR nomination. Partnering with an experienced advisory firm specializing in OINP can help align the business plan with real market conditions and significantly improve approval chances.

Second Citizenship Consulting: Canada Investment Immigration in Ontario Province

Second Citizenship is proud to be Vietnam’s leading brand in international investment immigration consulting, with over a decade of experience successfully assisting thousands of clients in relocating to Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Currently, the Entrepreneur Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is temporarily closed to new applications, according to the official announcement from the Ontario government. However, this remains an attractive pathway for international entrepreneurs once the program reopens, focusing on starting or acquiring a business in Ontario.

Second Citizenship will assist you in tracking program updates, preparing application documents, developing a viable business plan, and getting ready for submission when the Ontario Investment Immigration Program resumes. Contact us today for a free consultation — let us accompany you on your journey to build a new life in Canada.

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