Ontario’s Entrepreneur Stream Applications Suspended – A Shift in Immigration

May 2, 2024
4:55 pm

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In a recent development, Ontario has made a significant decision impacting immigration pathways as it suspended applications to the Entrepreneur Stream, effective December 4, 2023. Concurrently, the province has ceased accepting new expressions of interest, marking a substantial shift in its immigration landscape.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), under the Ontario Immigrant Act, 2015 and its regulations, hosted the Entrepreneur Stream. This avenue allowed entrepreneurs from outside Canada to either initiate a new business venture or acquire an existing one within the province. Notably, it granted entrepreneurs and one foreign national business partner the prospect of being nominated for Canada PR upon establishing their business in Ontario.

Ontario’s Entrepreneur Stream on Pause: Impact on Applicants

The official announcement on Monday also included the conclusion of the Entrepreneur Success Initiative, a program aimed at fostering entrepreneurial growth within the region. Despite this change, the ministry expressed its commitment to supporting immigration efforts through the OINP, emphasizing an active role in aiding employers in finding talent solutions through immigration.

This strategic move unfolds against the backdrop of a decline in Canada’s entrepreneurial spirit, with statistics revealing a stark contrast between current numbers and those from 2000. According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), there are 100,000 fewer entrepreneurs in Canada today. Pierre Cléroux, the chief economist at BDC, highlights the significance of this decline, emphasizing that new businesses are crucial for job creation and innovation within the economy.

OINP Commitment to Immigration Support Amidst Changes

While acknowledging the challenges, it’s noteworthy that Canada has fortified its business immigration programs through various avenues. The federal government’s Start-Up Visa Program, for instance, targets immigrant entrepreneurs, encouraging them to establish and expand their companies in Canada. Additionally, various provincial entrepreneur programs, such as Quebec’s Entrepreneur stream, continue to offer Canada PR to those capable of creating businesses in specific sectors.

As Ontario recalibrates its approach to immigration, entrepreneurs and stakeholders must stay informed about alternative pathways and opportunities available at both federal and provincial levels. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of adaptability and staying abreast of changing policies to make informed decisions in the pursuit of Canada PR.

The Road Ahead to Shifting Ontario’s Immigration Policies – Explore Opportunities Beyond Entrepreneur Stream

In conclusion, the decision to suspend the Entrepreneur Stream applications and conclude the Entrepreneur Success Initiative reflects Ontario’s commitment to shaping its immigration programs to align with evolving economic priorities. Entrepreneurs and aspiring immigrants should closely monitor updates and explore alternative pathways to fulfill their aspirations of making Ontario their new home.