Ontario has recently issued 1,696 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence to candidates in the Express Entry pool. This provincial nomination program draw targeted applicants with profiles in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The focused draw was for candidates with work experience as general practitioners, family physicians, nursing coordinators and supervisors, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. These healthcare occupations fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 31102, 31300, 31301, 32101, and 33102.
To be eligible for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) through this stream, candidates had to meet certain criteria. This included having an active Express Entry profile, scoring above 350 on the Comprehensive Ranking System, possessing at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada or abroad, and showing English or French language ability of CLB 7 or higher.
Provincial nominee programs like Ontario’s are beneficial for Express Entry candidates. Obtaining a provincial nomination gives applicants an additional 600 points toward their total score. This significantly boosts their chances of receiving an invitation to apply in a future Express Entry draw.
The September 26 Ontario draw brings the total number of invitations issued in 2022 to 6,415. It demonstrates the province’s focus on addressing local labour market needs through strategic immigration programs. Healthcare workers are currently in high demand across Canada, so this draw targeted applicants who can help fill these roles.
In addition to Express Entry-linked streams, Ontario also operates the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Entrepreneur Stream. This pathway helps experienced business owners obtain permanent residence by starting a new company or purchasing an existing one in the province.
On September 25, Ontario invited 10 entrepreneur candidates to apply. They had scores between 136 and 163 points in the stream’s unique ranking system. To qualify, these individuals had to meet financial requirements related to personal net worth and investment amounts.
Ontario is a popular destination for immigrants to Canada, largely thanks to job opportunities in major cities like Toronto. The province actively works to select innovative, skilled individuals who can integrate successfully both economically and socially. By conducting regular draws, Ontario aims to bring in talented candidates who will help drive growth across various sectors.
Immigrate to Canada with OINP Entrepreneur Stream
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream is an excellent pathway for experienced business owners and investors looking to obtain permanent residence in Canada. This provincial nomination program helps facilitate immigration to Ontario for qualified candidates with the financial resources and skills to operate their own company.
To apply through the OINP Entrepreneur Stream, the main applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria. This includes minimum net worth requirements ranging from $800,000 to $200,000 depending on if the proposed business is located in the Greater Toronto Area or other regions of Ontario.
Candidates must also make a minimum personal investment of $600,000 to $200,000 in the business depending on location. At least one-third ownership in the company is required. The funds must come from the applicant’s personal net worth and cannot be borrowed.
For technology-focused businesses in information and communications technology or digital communications, the investment and net worth requirements are reduced to $200,000 minimums. This aims to incentivize launching these priority startups across Ontario.
In addition to financial standards, the OINP Entrepreneur Stream has other major requirements. The main applicant must have a minimum 24 months of relevant business ownership or senior management experience in the last five years. This ensures candidates have the knowledge and skills to operate the Ontario business.
Applicants must also visit Ontario within the 12 months before applying to learn about the local business environment. An exploratory trip helps candidates build connections and identify opportunities in their industry.
Other eligibility criteria include showing at least CLB Level 4 English or French proficiency, physically residing in Ontario for most of the year to manage day-to-day operations, and creating at least one or two jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Obtaining a provincial nomination through the OINP Entrepreneur Stream gives Express Entry candidates an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System score. This significantly improves chances of getting an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
With solid business experience, investment capital, and an innovative idea, the OINP Entrepreneur Stream provides an excellent pathway for immigrant entrepreneurs to establish themselves in Ontario and Canada.
Latest Ontario Entrepreneur Draw
Ontario recently held a draw for its Immigrant Nominee Program Entrepreneur Stream on September 25, 2022. Through this targeted process, the province issued Notifications of Interest to 10 candidates with scores between 136 and 163 points.
To be considered for this latest OINP Entrepreneur Stream draw, candidates had to meet certain criteria. This included having the required personal net worth, investment funds and business ownership experience.
For proposals in the Greater Toronto Area, the minimum net worth required is $800,000. Candidates must also make a minimum $600,000 investment and acquire at least 33 percent ownership of the company.
In other regions of Ontario, the net worth requirement is $400,000 and investment minimum $200,000. The lower amounts aim to encourage business development across the province.
Candidates applying to establish information and communications technology or digital communications firms have reduced requirements of $400,000 net worth and $200,000 investment in any Ontario location.
In addition to financial eligibility standards, applicants must also show at least 24 months of experience as a business owner or senior manager in the last five years. Exploratory visits to Ontario and language testing may also be required components.
The OINP Entrepreneur Stream uses its own unique scoring grid rather than the federal Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System. Candidates receive points based on factors like net worth, investment funds, age, education, language ability and other criteria.
Those invited receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario and have 45 calendar days to submit a complete application via the OINP e-Filing portal.
The OINP Entrepreneur Stream is an excellent option for qualified business owners and investors looking to obtain Canadian permanent residence by starting a company in Ontario. It facilitates immigration for those with the skills and financing to establish and operate an innovative, growth-oriented enterprise.
Conclusion
In summary, the province of Ontario utilizes its Provincial Nominee Program to strategically select skilled worker and business investor candidates who can best integrate into the local labour market and contribute to economic development goals. Conducting regular draws through Express Entry-linked streams and the Entrepreneur stream allows Ontario to invite immigrants that suit regional demands and facilitate growth across priority industries. Candidates interested in immigrating to Ontario can maximize their options by understanding provincial program criteria and how to qualify for nomination. Employers and recruitment agents also play key roles in helping connect qualifying talent to permanent residence opportunities in Ontario. With strong projected growth and a proactive approach to attracting global talent, Ontario continues providing excellent immigration pathways for in-demand candidates.
