On November 4, 2024, Ontario officially closed its Entrepreneur Stream, marking the end of this pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The decision follows a prior pause on new applications that began on December 4, 2023, and introduces regulatory amendments designed to support the wind-down of the program.
While new applicants can no longer enter this stream, current applicants—those who have already submitted their business plans and demonstrated intent to invest in Ontario—will still have the opportunity to proceed under revised program criteria
1. Updated Regulations and Eligibility Changes
The processing of current applications under the Entrepreneur Stream will be impacted by regulatory changes made by Ontario. These modifications, which are detailed in Ontario Regulations 439/24 (General) and 438/24 (Approvals under the OINP), establish new standards that make clear how the province will assess and handle continuing applications. In order to comprehend the exact legal revisions, applicants are advised to research these regulations on Ontario’s e-Laws website.
2. Impact on Current Applications
All applications that are currently in progress will still be evaluated in accordance with the updated standards, even though the Entrepreneur Stream is no longer open to new applicants. Crucially, the revised rules maintain applicants’ pledges to launch and expand their enterprises in Ontario. As long as their business commitments comply with the new rules, candidates who have already started the process of establishing their firms may still be eligible for permanent residency (PR) nomination.
For instance, candidates whose company strategies already in place promise to improve Ontario’s economy by investing, innovating, or creating jobs are likely to have their applications taken into consideration based on those efforts.
3. Next Steps for Affected Applicants
In the coming days, Ontario’s immigration department will be contacting all current applicants and their authorized representatives. This outreach will provide more detailed information about how each application will proceed and what applicants should expect next. Specific instructions will be shared to clarify the updated evaluation criteria and to guide applicants through any additional steps they may need to take to align with the revised program requirements.
4. Ongoing Support and Inquiries
For applicants who have questions about the program changes or need assistance with their applications, Ontario’s immigration department is offering direct support. Applicants are encouraged to reach out via email at business.immigration@ontario.ca for help with navigating the changes or understanding their eligibility under the updated criteria.
Why the Entrepreneur Stream Closure Matters
The Entrepreneur Stream’s termination signifies a change in Ontario’s immigration program’s emphasis. The province may be looking to reallocate resources toward other channels that more closely match labour market demands and economic priorities in light of the amended laws designed to efficiently wind down this stream.
Existing applicants may rest assured that their applications will continue to be reviewed, respecting their business goals and investments made with the goal of boosting Ontario’s economy. In order to facilitate a seamless transition under the new framework, the Ontario government is still committed to helping these people by offering clear direction and specialised tools.
For Business-Minded Immigrants Seeking Alternative Pathways
While the Entrepreneur Stream is closed, prospective business immigrants can explore other options within Canada. The federal government’s Start-Up Visa Program, as well as provincial entrepreneur streams in British Columbia, Alberta, and other provinces, continue to welcome entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, capital, and commitment to contributing to Canada’s economy.
Final Thoughts
The closure of Ontario’s Entrepreneur Stream represents a significant change, especially for entrepreneurs who had hoped to leverage Ontario’s business landscape to establish their enterprises. For existing applicants, Ontario’s commitment to processing applications under revised criteria is a welcome step, ensuring that their efforts and intentions to build a business in Ontario will be respected.
