Effective November 4, 2024, Ontario has announced the formal closure of its Entrepreneur Stream, part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This decision follows a pause on new applications enacted on December 4, 2023, and aligns with recent amendments to Ontario's immigration regulations, as outlined in Ontario Regulations 422/17 and 421/17. Current applicants, who have made commitments to establish and grow their businesses in Ontario, may still be eligible for permanent residency nomination under these revised guidelines.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Updated Regulations: Ontario has amended the Entrepreneur Stream’s regulations, affecting application processing and eligibility for permanent residency nominations. Applicants are encouraged to review these changes on Ontario's e-Laws to understand the specific adjustments.
2. Impact on Current Applications: While the Entrepreneur Stream is now officially winding down, all applications currently in process will proceed according to these updated regulations. This means that commitments previously made by applicants to establish a business in Ontario will be honored under the revised criteria.
3. Next Steps for Applicants: Ontario's immigration department will be reaching out to all current Entrepreneur Stream applicants and their authorized representatives in the coming days. Further instructions will be provided on how these changes will affect individual applications and the required next steps.
4. Support and Inquiries: Applicants with questions can reach out directly via email at business.immigration@ontario.ca for additional support and clarification.

Stay informed on the latest immigration updates and regulatory changes. For detailed information, applicants can refer to Ontario's amended regulations available on e-Laws.

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