The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream is intended for those from outside of Canada who desire to launch a business in Ontario or purchase an existing one. Those who are accepted into the program will be put up for permanent residence in Canada. An applicant is eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency after being nominated.

Candidates for the OES must:
 
  • Possess at least 24 months of recent full-time business experience.
  • Experience as a business owner or senior manager is required.
  • If your proposed firm is located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), you must have a minimum net worth of $800,000.
  • The minimal net worth threshold for businesses operating outside of the Greater Toronto Area is $400,000.
  • The minimum net worth criterion is $400,000 if your prospective firm will be engaged in information communications technology or digital communications anyplace in the province.
 
  • If the company is located in the GTA, you must be willing to invest at least $600,000 in it and own at least 33% of it.
  • You must be prepared to invest at least $200,000 and hold at least 33% stock ownership if the company is located outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
  • You must be prepared to invest at least $200,000 and own at least 33% stock in the company if it will be engaged in information communications technology or digital communications anyplace in the province.
 
  • If the prospective company is located inside the GTA, commit to providing two full-time positions for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
  • If the company is located outside of the GTA, at least one position must be filled by Canadians or permanent residents.
  • You are required to establish at least one position for Canadian citizens or legal permanent residents if your company will be engaged in information communications technology or digital communications anyplace in the province.