The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Investment Stream is designed to attract significant business investments that contribute to Ontario’s economic development and job creation. Applicants seeking nomination from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration, and International Trade (MCIIT) must follow a structured process that begins with submitting an Investment Referral Form.

This referral is reviewed by MCIIT and assigned to a secondary Ontario ministry relevant to the business proposal. Registration applications are evaluated and ranked based on their impact on the province’s economy and workforce.

Investment Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for nomination, investments must demonstrate substantial benefits to Ontario and create employment opportunities for its residents. Eligible investments, whether new or an expansion of existing operations, must meet the following criteria:

• Endorsement: The investment must secure official approval from another Ontario ministry at the Deputy Minister level, supporting both the business proposal and the number of nominee positions requested.
• Minimum Investment: The investment must total at least $3,000,000 CAD.
• Job Creation: The project must generate at least five new permanent, full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Ontario. If multiple nominee positions are requested, the number of required jobs increases proportionally.

Requirements for Nominee Positions

Positions requested for nomination under the investment stream must adhere to the following conditions:

• Be critical to the long-term success of the investment.
• Fall under skilled occupations categorized as NOC 0, A, or B.
• Be permanent, full-time roles.
• Offer wages that meet or exceed prevailing market rates. Salary information can be verified through the Service Canada Labour Market Information website.
• Not negatively impact ongoing labour disputes, nor adversely affect the employment or training opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Ontario.

Application Process

1. Initial Review: Once the referral form is submitted, the proposed investment is reviewed by a secondary Ontario ministry. If the investment aligns with Ontario’s economic goals, the ministry provides instructions for the next steps.
2. Application Submission: The applicant files a complete application package for review by both the assigned ministry and MCIIT. A non-refundable fee of $3,500 CAD is required to submit the application.
3. Nomination: If both ministries approve the investment plan, MCIIT issues a nominee application package. The applicant must complete and submit this package within 60 days for assessment.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

If nominated by MCIIT, the applicant has six months to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While waiting for the IRCC to process their application, the nominee can request a temporary work permit to begin operations in Ontario.

The Investment Stream provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to contribute significantly to Ontario’s economic growth while securing a pathway to permanent residency in Canada.