British Columbia is one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces, known for its thriving economy, innovation hubs, and supportive business environment. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) program provides a structured pathway for international entrepreneurs who wish to establish or acquire a business in B.C. and contribute to the province’s economic growth.
This program follows a “temporary to permanent” immigration model. Entrepreneurs first receive a temporary work permit to establish their business and, upon meeting program requirements, become eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- An overview of the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) program
- Details on the Base Stream, Regional Stream, and Strategic Projects
- Step-by-step guide to applying and securing permanent residence
- Investment, business, and job creation requirements
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Streams of Entrepreneur Immigration
The BC PNP offers three distinct Entrepreneur Immigration streams:
- Base Stream – For entrepreneurs looking to start or buy a business in urban or high-growth areas.
- Regional Stream – For those establishing businesses in smaller communities to promote economic diversification.
- Strategic Projects – For foreign corporations seeking to establish or expand operations in B.C. by bringing key personnel.
Each stream has specific requirements regarding investment, job creation, and location. Below, we break down the details of each stream and the step-by-step process of applying.
Base Stream
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Base Stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Personal Requirements:
- Minimum personal net worth of CAD$600,000
- Business and/or management experience (or a 2-year post-secondary diploma if lacking business experience)
- Basic English or French proficiency (CLB 4 or higher)
- Legal admission status in the country of residence
- Eligibility for Canadian immigration
Business, Investment, and Job Creation Requirements:
- Establish a new business or acquire and expand an existing one
- Make a minimum investment of CAD$200,000 in the business
- Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Application Process
The process involves several steps:
Prepare a Business Proposal
- Conduct research to align your business plan with B.C.’s economic needs.
- Consider priority industries and high-growth sectors.
- Develop a business concept showcasing innovation and job creation.
Register with BC PNP
- Submit an online registration with a non-refundable CAD$300 fee.
- Enter a selection pool, where applicants are ranked based on human capital and economic factors.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- High-scoring candidates receive an invitation within six months.
- If invited, applicants must complete a full application within four months.
Submit an Application
- Pay a CAD$3,500 processing fee.
- Undergo a net worth verification by an authorized accounting firm.
- Attend an interview if requested.
Obtain a Work Permit
- Approved applicants receive a work permit support letter.
- Must apply for a temporary work permit and arrive in B.C. within 12 months.
Build the Business
- Within 20 months, implement your business plan and meet program requirements.
Apply for Permanent Residence
- Submit a final report demonstrating compliance with performance conditions.
- Once approved, receive a BC PNP nomination and apply for permanent residence.
Regional Stream
The Regional Stream is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish businesses in smaller communities outside major urban centres. This stream fosters economic growth in less-populated regions and ensures a wider distribution of investment.
Key Features
- Communities play an active role in selecting and supporting entrepreneurs.
- Applicants must visit the community before applying.
- A community referral is required to proceed with registration.
Eligibility Requirements
- Establish a new business aligned with community priorities.
- Have a personal net worth of at least CAD$300,000.
- Invest a minimum of CAD$100,000.
- Create at least one new full-time job.
- Demonstrate business/management experience.
- Show CLB 4 in English or French.
Strategic Projects
The Strategic Projects stream allows foreign corporations to establish operations in B.C. and bring up to five key employees to manage the business.
Requirements
- Minimum investment of CAD$500,000.
- Establish a new business or expand an existing one.
- Create at least three full-time jobs per key staff member.
Application Steps
- Conduct an exploratory visit to assess opportunities.
- Discuss the proposal with BC PNP.
- Register and submit company details.
- Receive an ITA and submit a full application.
- Obtain work permits and start operations in B.C.
- Apply for permanent residence after meeting performance conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the minimum investment required for British Columbia entrepreneur immigration?
The investment varies by stream:
- Base Stream: CAD$200,000
- Regional Stream: CAD$100,000
- Strategic Projects: CAD$500,000 (corporate investment)
2. How long does it take to obtain permanent residence through the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration?
The process typically takes 2 to 3 years, including business establishment and nomination before applying for permanent residence.
3. Can I bring my family under the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be included in the application and receive work/study permits.
4. Do I need to prove language proficiency to apply?
Yes. A minimum CLB 4 in English or French is required.
5. What happens if my business does not meet the performance agreement conditions?
Failure to meet conditions may result in losing BC PNP nomination, meaning you cannot apply for permanent residence.
Excellent Opportunity
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program provides an excellent opportunity for international entrepreneurs to start businesses in British Columbia and gain permanent residence. Whether you choose the Base Stream, Regional Stream, or Strategic Projects, careful planning and execution are key to success.
If you’re ready to invest in British Columbia and contribute to its economy, this program could be your pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
