The BC Provincial Nominee Program’s Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) stream provides a pathway for international entrepreneurs who wants to immigrate to British Columbia (B.C.) by establishing businesses that contribute to innovation and foster economic growth within the province.
3 Categories in the stream Entrepreneur Immigration Stream BC PNP
The Stream is divided into 3 categories, you can choose which one suite best for your profile:
Base Stream: Designed for senior managers or business owners who wish to invest funds in a prospective business in British Columbia.
Regional Pilot: This innovative pilot is tailored for international entrepreneurs seeking to establish a new business in a small community within British Columbia.
Strategic Projects Category: Under this category, foreign-controlled companies have the opportunity to establish operations in British Columbia. Up to five essential foreign managerial, professional, or technical staff members can be nominated for permanent residence in the province.
Entrepreneur Immigration Stream Categories Overview
1. Base Stream
Eligibility Requirements
Personal Requirements
- Minimum personal net worth of CAD$600,000 for Base stream of Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
- Possession of business and/or management experience; in the absence of business experience, an equivalent of a 2-year post-secondary diploma is required
- Basic proficiency in English or French language equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher
- Legal current residence and immigration status in the country
Business Requirements
- Establish a qualifying new business or acquire and enhance an existing business
- Make a qualifying personal investment of a minimum of CAD$200,000 in the business
- Generate at least one new full-time job opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Application Fees
Registration Fees $300, Application Fees $3500
How to Apply?
- Prepare a Business Proposal:
- Research and create a business proposal aligned with your expertise and B.C.’s economic needs.
- Explore government resources like the Starting a Small Business Guide for guidance.
- Register Your Proposal:
- Submit your business proposal through BCPNP Online, along with a non-refundable fee of $300.
- Points will be awarded based on human and economic factors, determining your eligibility for the qualified pool.
- Enter the Qualified Pool:
- If you meet minimum requirements, enter the pool for up to six months or until an invitation to apply is received.
- An invitation doesn’t guarantee approval; you must meet specific criteria.
- Application Process:
- If invited, submit a complete application within four months through BCPNP Online.
- Attend an interview where your business experience and plan will be discussed.
- Performance Agreement:
- Upon approval, sign a performance agreement based on your application, plan, and interview.
- Application may be refused if details differ from registration information.
- Work Permit:
- Receive a letter of support upon approval to apply for a work permit.
- Submit the work permit application within 90 days to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Arrive in B.C. within 12 months.
- Business Implementation:
- Over the next 20 months, implement and actively manage your business as per the agreed plan.
- BC PNP Nomination:
- Demonstrate compliance with the performance agreement by submitting a final report between 18 and 20 months after arriving in B.C.
- Provide proof of language skills at Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4.
- Upon review and satisfaction, sign a Conditions of Nomination declaration.
Regional Pilot
Entrepreneurs can launch businesses in smaller B.C. communities, discovering firsthand the appeal of living outside major urban centers. The Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional Pilot streams provides a pathway for individuals seeking to establish new businesses in these communities and make B.C. their home.
Eligible Requirements
- Establish a qualifying new business that are setup in the priorities of the referring community
- Demonstrate business and/or management experience for Regional Pilot Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
- Possess a personal net worth of at least CAD$300,000
- Make a qualifying personal investment of at least CAD$100,000 in the business
- Generate at least one new full-time job opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Demonstrate a minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4
- Possess, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada Have been lawfully admitted in the country of current residence
B.C. development regions
List of development regions
- Cariboo
- Kootenay
- Mainland / Southwest
- Nechako
- North Coast
- Northeast
- Thompson-Okanagan
- Vancouver Island/Coast
Strategic Projects
The Strategic Projects stream is designed for foreign corporations with identified investment opportunities in B.C. This allows them to establish operations crucial to their core business growth.
The stream facilitates the permanent transfer of up to five senior employees, nominated by the corporation, who will actively manage the B.C. operation.
Check out BC PNP Draws and check your eligibility through BC PNP Points Calculator
Eligible Company requirements?
- Be firmly established with a strong financial standing
- Demonstrate that company is ready for investment and the capability for international expansion into B.C.
- Offer substantial economic benefits to the province through a valuable investment in B.C.
Staff member’s eligibility and ineligibility?
Eligibility | Ineligibility |
---|---|
Current senior employees of the foreign corporation with qualifications and experience essential for establishing and operating the business in B.C. | Prohibited from entering Canada |
Being appointed to an executive or senior managerial position, or having specialized knowledge essential to the proposed B.C. operation | Not lawfully admitted in the country of current residence |
Employed in a permanent full-time capacity at the B.C. operation | In Canada and out of status |
Offered a wage commensurate with expertise and consistent with industry and corporate compensation structures | Individual with expired status and cannot demonstrate applying for restoration within the 90-day eligibility period, considered out of status |
Working in Canada without authorization |
Corporation requirements
- Invest a minimum of $500,000 in equity towards the corporation’s operations in B.C.
- Start a new business or acquire and expand an eligible business in B.C.
- Generate a minimum of three new full-time equivalent jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each proposed foreign key staff member (up to a maximum of five key staff)
Application Process
Step 1: Explore B.C.
- Senior executives visit B.C. to understand opportunities and the business environment.
Step 2: Discuss Proposal
- Contact BC PNP to discuss the business proposal before applying.
Step 3: Register Interest
- Register the company’s interest, providing details, investment plans, and key staff qualifications.
- Registration fee: $300.
Step 4: Invitation to Apply
- BC PNP reviews eligibility.
- If invited, submit a full application within 90 days.
Step 5: Apply to BC PNP
- Submit a complete application package with required forms and documentation.
- Application fee: $3,500 for the company, $1,000 for each key staff.
Step 6: Sign Performance Agreements
- If approved, sign a corporate and individual Performance Agreement.
Step 7: Work Permit & Arrival Report
- Receive work permit support letter for key staff.
- Arrive in B.C. within 180 days with a valid work permit.
- Submit arrival report within 60 days.
Step 8: Business Establishment & Nomination
- After fulfilling Performance Agreement, submit a final report to BC PNP.
- Key staff may be nominated for permanent residence.
Step 9: Apply for Permanent Residence
- Key staff submits permanent residence application to IRCC within 180 days of nomination.