Get Canadian permanent residence as an entrepreneur, investor, or senior executive through BC PNP Entrepreneur immigration streams.
BC PNP Programs for Entrepreneurs
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The province of British Columbia welcomes many types of immigrants each year. This includes business people and entrepreneurs. The province’s Provincial Nominee Program contains special subcategories known as Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Programs that cater to such individuals. This guide will examine the following three programs for BC Entrepreneur Immigration:
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Programs
The British Columbia PNP offers three different categories for Entrepreneur Immigration:
- Base Category: General business immigration category that helps entrepreneurs immigrate and work in any city of British Columbia.
- EI Regional Pilot: This is a unique category for entrepreneurs who are willing to create a new business in a small regional community of BC.
- Strategic Projects: A unique category catering to foreign corporations that can establish a new business or expand their existing business in British Columbia.
EI – Base Category
The Base Category offers an immigration pathway for experienced business people and entrepreneurs who plan to start a new business or acquire ownership over an existing one in British Columbia.
Program Basic Requirements
- Minimum Net Worth: $600,000 CAD
- Minimum Investment: $200,000 CAD
- Ownership: 33.3% or greater
- Experience: Min. 3 years in a business ownership role. Alternatively, min. 4 years of experience in a senior management role.
- Education: Post-secondary education, or have worked as a business owner for 3 years in the last 5 years with 100% ownership of the business.
- Job Creation: Mandatory
- Business Proposal: Mandatory
- Language Proficiency: Min. CLB 4 (English or French)
EI – Regional Pilot
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional Pilot program is for entrepreneurs who intend to settle in specific regional communities in British Columbia and start a business there. The province introduced this program to help grow these communities and increase employment prospects for its population.
Program Basic Requirements
- Minimum Net Worth: $300,000 CAD.
- Minimum Investment: $100,000 CAD.
- Ownership: 51% or greater.
- Experience: Min. 3 years in a business ownership role. Alternatively, min. 4 years of experience in a senior management role.
- Education: Post-secondary education, or have worked as a business owner for 3 years in the last 5 years with 100% ownership of the business.
- Job Creation: At least one or more.
- Business Proposal: Mandatory
- Language Proficiency: Min. CLB 4 (English or French)
EI – Strategic Projects
The Strategic Projects category is for foreign corporations who wish to expand their operations by setting up a branch office or a facility in British Columbia. This program also offers an immigration pathway for up to five employees who will play an active role in operating the business in the province.
Program Basic Requirements
- Equity Investment: $500,000 CAD.
- Excellent Financial Standing
- A solid foundation to start and operate in British Columbia.
- Job Creation: At least 3 or more.
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Base Category v/s Regional Pilot Program
The Base Category and the Regional Pilot Program requirements differ from one another. The requirements for each program are shown side by side in the table below.
| Requirements | Base Category | Regional Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience | Min. of 3 years of valid work experience in a business ownership role. Alternatively, a minimum of 4 years of work experience in a senior management role. A combination of one year of business ownership and two years of senior management experience is also acceptable. This experience must be gained in the last ten years. | Min. 3 years of work experience in a business ownership role. Alternatively, a minimum of 4 years of work experience in a senior management role. A combination of one year of business ownership and two years of senior management experience is also acceptable. This experience must be gained in the last five years. |
| Minimum Net Worth | $600,000 CAD | $300,000 CAD |
| Minimum Education | Post-Secondary Education Credential | Post-Secondary Education Credential |
| Business Proposal | Required | Required in addition to receiving a referral from the community the business will be in. |
| Minimum Business Ownership Percentage | 33.33% | 51% |
| Minimum Investment Amount | $200,000 CAD | $100,000 CAD |
| Number of Canadian Jobs the Business Must Create | One or more | One or more |
| Business’s Location | Anywhere in the Province of British Columbia | Within the community participating in the Regional Pilot program |
| Is an Exploratory Visit Mandatory? | No | Yes |
| Can the Applicant Have a Partner Who Is Co-Registered With the BC PNP? | Yes | No |
| Can the Applicant Partner With a Local Person or Business? | Yes | Yes |
| Registration Scores | A total score of 200 points can be earned. Applicants must score a minimum of 32 in the business concept area. | A total score of 200 points can be earned. Applicants must score a minimum of 105 to qualify for their program. |
| Registration Time Frame | Scores are given within six weeks | Scores are given within four weeks |
| Are Applicants Required to Verify their Net Worth? | Yes | Yes |
| Application Decision Time Frame | Four months or less | Four months or less |
| Are Applicants Interviewed Before Being Approved? | Yes | Yes |
| Time Frame For Submitting The Final Report | 18 months after the work permit is issued | 12 months after the work permit is issued |
| Fees | $300 CAD registration fee $3,500 CAD application fee | Same as Base Category |
How ELAAR can help you?
Prospective entrepreneurs and corporations who wish to apply for any of the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration programs outlined above should get in touch with Elaar Immigration. Our team of Regulated Immigration Consultants can help optimize your application and business proposal to maximize your chances of succeeding under your chosen immigration program.
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Immigrate to Canada as an entrepreneur, investor, or senior executive through BC PNP Entrepreneur immigration streams.
