Ontario is beginning to recruit 100 international entrepreneurs from outside Canada with $200,000 each, who want to start a business or buy an existing business in Ontario but outside the GTA.
The minimum net worth of the business outside GTA is supposed to be $400,000. This is a two-year project with the hope of creating job opportunities in the information technology, life sciences and tourism sectors.
After the business starts operation in Ontario for 18 to 20 months, the applicants will be nominated for permanent residence.
Entrepreneur Stream at a Glance
This stream is for entrepreneurs from outside Canada interested in starting a new business or buying an existing business in Ontario.
It gives an entrepreneur (and up to one foreign national business partner) the opportunity to be nominated for permanent residence once their business has been established in Ontario.
The Entrepreneur Stream application is a two-stage process:
Stage 1
You may register an expression of interest by email.
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.
Stage 2
A temporary work permit support letter will be issued so that you can apply to IRCC for a temporary work permit.
Establish your business
If your business meets all requirements, you will be asked for documentation to make sure you are eligible for nomination for permanent residence.
2025 Update—Ontario is keeping its door open to international entrepreneurs, but with structure and clear expectations. The 2025 version of the program stays true to its original format. The province is still looking for people from outside Canada who are ready to start a business or buy one, but only outside the Greater Toronto Area. The amount needed remains the same: at least $200,000 to invest, and a personal net worth of $400,000 or more.
This project, which will last two years, is intended to revitalize sectors like tourism, life sciences, and tech. Once the business has been running for a while—between 18 and 20 months—entrepreneurs may be put forward for permanent residency. But they don’t jump straight to that stage. First comes paperwork, then an interview, and if things go well, a performance agreement.
After that, the second part begins. Those accepted will get a letter to help them apply for a temporary work permit. That gives them time to launch and operate their business on the ground in Ontario. Once they meet all the conditions laid out earlier, they’ll be asked to send in documents so the province can confirm they’re eligible for nomination.
The federal Start-up Visa Program is also active at the national level. It’s aimed at people with business ideas that could create jobs in Canada and hold their own internationally. To qualify, applicants need to meet certain language standards, prove they have money to support themselves, and — crucially — secure backing from a designated organization. But there’s a cap: no more than 10 group applications per year per organization, and that limit stays in place until the end of 2026.
Why choose us?
We have been helping many applicants to become permanent residents for years and we have a high success rate. Our clients from almost 20 different countries have experienced this with us and you can be the next successful one. We know how to prepare documents and how to make your immigration process smooth and easy for you. Contact us HERE to start the process today!
If you are not a Canadian Permanent Resident yet and you are not sure what the best way for you to immigrate to Canada is, please fill out our assessment form HERE and we will get back to you with your possible options.
