Federal or Domestic Extra-Provincial Corporations
File an Initial Return, Notice of Change by an Extra-Provincial Corporation
Complete Application form 5286
Initial Return
Extra-provincial corporations must file an Initial Return under the Corporations Information Act (CIA) within 60 days after the date the corporation begins to carry on business in Ontario. If there are any changes to the information previously filed, the corporations must file a Notice of Change within 15 days after the change takes place.
Notice of Change
For any changes to the information filed (after the Initial Notice), such as the registered or head office address, chief officer or manager in Ontario, agent for service, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) primary activity code and administrative information (e.g., official email address ), a Notice of Change must be filed within 15 days after the change takes place.
Processing Time: Initial Return: Same day; Notice of Change: 2-3 business days.
Foreign Corporations
File an Application for an Extra-Provincial License for a Foreign Corporation to operate in Ontario
For business corporations incorporated or continued under the laws of a jurisdiction outside of Canada wishing to operate in Ontario must file the following documents with the Ontario Business Registry:
- A Completed Application form: Application for a License for an EP Corporation (5280E)
- An additional SIGNED COPY of the Application form 5280E
- Along with signed Appointment of Agent for Service (5281E)
- The details of an Ontario NUANS Name Search Report: reference number, proposed name and the date of the report.
- An original Certificate of Status issued by the government body in the home jurisdiction and signed by an authorized governing jurisdiction, setting out:
- the name of the corporation
- the date of incorporation or amalgamation
- the subject jurisdiction
- the corporation is valid and in good standing*
*Note: if a Certificate of Status is not available, a legal opinion from a lawyer authorized in the jurisdiction is required setting out the requirements above.
Processing Time: 5 Business Days
AMEND an EP License, complete the following application: Application for Amended EP License (5282E)
Processing Time: 5 Business Days
Terminate an EP License, complete the following application: Termination of an EP License (5283E)
Processing Time: Same Day
File an Initial Return, Notice of Change or Annual Return by a Foreign Extra-Provincial Corporation
Complete Application form 5285
Initial Return
A corporation that has obtained an Extra–Provincial license under the Extra-Provincial Corporations Act must file an Initial Return under the CIA within 60 days after the date the corporation begins to carry on business in Ontario.
Notice of Change
For any changes to the information filed (after the Initial Notice), such as the registered or head office address, chief officer or manager in Ontario, agent for service, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) primary activity code and administrative information (e.g., official email address ), a Notice of Change must be filed within 15 days after the change takes place.
Annual Return
The corporation must file an Annual Return each year under the CIA. Note, this form cannot be used to change the corporation name and/or jurisdiction.
Processing Time: Same day with Corporation key; 2-3 business days without key.
Terminate a Foreign Extra-Provincial License
Foreign corporations with an Extra-Provincial License ceasing business in the province of Ontario can file the following to terminate the license:
- A completed Application for Termination of an Extra-Provincial License – Form 5283
- Must include the following: Corporation name, Ontario Corporation Number (OCN) and the official email address.
- Company key. This is a 9-digit number provided by the Ministry at the time the license was issued. If it’s not available enter 0’s.
- The required statement on the application form must be confirmed.
Processing Time: 2 Business Days
Foreign & Extra-Provincial Corporation Filing & Government Fees
Company Key Notice: As of February 1st, 2025 a Company Key is required to file any updates or changes to an existing corporation. It applies to Initial Return, Notice of Change, Annual Return and Termination of an EP License. *If the Company Key was already given to Centro for a prior transaction for the same corporation, it is not required again.