Ontario Entrepreneur Stream Officially Closing to New Applications
November 5,2024 Amritpal Kaur
Ontario has announced that the Entrepreneur Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will be closed to new applicants, effective as part of a broader wind-down of the program. This move follows the temporary pause on accepting new applications, which was implemented on December 4, 2023.
According to a statement from the Ontario government, the closure of the Entrepreneur Stream will officially conclude the program, with final amendments to regulations now in effect. The government has emphasized that these changes will not affect those who have already submitted applications prior to the pause in 2023.
Key Changes to the Program:
Amended Regulations: Ontario has updated the rules governing the program through two key regulations, Ontario Regulation 439/24 and Ontario Regulation 438/24. The new rules will guide the ongoing processing of applications already in the system.
You can read the amended regulations on e-Laws:
Ongoing Processing for Existing Applicants: Current applicants who have already applied under the Entrepreneur Stream will continue to have their applications processed, though under the updated regulations. These applicants may still be eligible for a nomination for permanent residence based on their business plans and commitments to establish a business in Ontario.
What Happens Next?
The Ontario government assured that all applicants who were in the process before December 2023 will be contacted directly in the coming days. These communications will provide more information about next steps and any additional requirements under the updated regulations.
Program Closure and Impact on Ontario's Immigration Landscape
The decision to close the Entrepreneur Stream is part of a broader reshaping of Ontario's immigration strategy. The program, which has long been a pathway for entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses in the province, will now cease accepting new applicants as the government seeks to streamline and focus on other immigration pathways.
Applicants who have already started the process are encouraged to stay in contact with the OINP and follow up on any instructions related to their applications.
For further information or any inquiries, current applicants can reach out via email to business.immigration@ontario.ca.