The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Success Initiative (OINP: ESI) makes it easy for entrepreneurs to find a business match in Ontario and apply to move for more.
The OINP Entrepreneur Stream is a pathway for experienced international entrepreneurs to move for more to Ontario by starting a new business or buying an existing one. This means you can come to Ontario as a temporary resident and if, after 20 months, you meet program requirements, you can be nominated for permanent residence in Canada.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is the province of Ontario’s economic immigration program to attract the skills and experience Ontario needs. In partnership with the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it is a pathway to permanent residence in Canada.
About the ESI
The Entrepreneur Success Initiative is a two-year initiative supported by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development and is administered by Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC).
The Entrepreneur Success Initiative is for entrepreneurs who are interested in immigrating to Canada by establishing a new business or buying and growing an existing business outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Through the Entrepreneur Success Initiative, TBDC provides qualified entrepreneurs with the following services:
Support to identify business opportunities in Ontario that align with interests and experience (for example: opportunities to create a new business or to purchase an existing business).
Assistance to apply to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream, including facilitating access to complimentary legal services to support the process.
Complete applications submitted to the Entrepreneur Stream under the Initiative will be processed on a priority basis.
About TBDC
TBDC (the Toronto Business Development Centre) is the administrator of the OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative and provides tailored services to help entrepreneurs identify business opportunities in Ontario and apply to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream.
TBDC is Ontario’s oldest incubator and has built a reputation for helping businesses innovate and grow through access to best-in-class mentorship, investment, and resources – and we are experts in economic immigration. Launched in 1990 by the City of Toronto and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, TBDC’s mission has always been to support business venture formation, job creation, and economic growth.
OINP: ESI Process Flow
1Apply to OINP:ESI
Complete the ESI qualification form and find out if you are eligible to participate.
2OINP:ESI Application Acceptance
Applications are processed within 5-6 weeks. Once accepted, you are assigned a TBDC Advisor.
3Work with TBDC
Work one-on-one with TBDC to:
Explore business interests and experience
Identify prospective business creation and purchase opportunities outside the GTA.
Find a suitable business opportunity matches
4Register an EOI
Work with TBDC and our complimentary legal services to develop and register an expression of interest (EOI) to the Entrepreneur Stream.
5Stage 1: Application to Entrepreneur Stream
Register an Expression of Interest (as developed above with TBDC)
If invited, submit an online application
You and your business partner (if applicable) attend a mandatory interview
If your stage 1 application is successful, you must sign a performance agreement
6Stage 2: Application to Entrepreneur Stream
The Government of Ontario issues a temporary work permit support letter so you can apply for a temporary work permit from the Government of Canada.
Establish your business – you have 20 months from the date you arrive in Ontario to implement your business plan and submit a final report.
If your business meets all requirements, we ask you for documentation to make sure you are eligible for nomination for permanent residence.
How to Apply for OINP : ESI
STEP 1
Complete the ESI contact form
STEP 2
Book a 15-minute exploratory call with a TBDC Advisor
STEP 3
Begin your move for more!
OINP: ESI Eligibility
Industry leading Partners to help your startup grow