BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration

Move to British Columbia with your family by investing in a business. BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration programs help you obtain Canadian PR through investment starting from $100,000 CAD.

What is BC PNP Entrepreneur Stream?

The province of British Columbia welcomes many types of immigrants each year. This includes business people and entrepreneurs. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program has special subcategories under the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Stream that cater to such individuals. This guide will examine the following three programs for BC Entrepreneur Immigration:

About BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Programs

These are the three BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration programs offered by British Columbia:

  • BC PNP Base Category: General business immigration category that helps entrepreneurs immigrate and work in any city of British Columbia.
  • BC PNP 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.

BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category

The BC PNP Entrepreneur 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)
Application Process

BC PNP Regional Pilot

The BC PNP 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)
Application Process

BC PNP Entrepreneur Strategic Projects

The BC PNP Entrepreneur 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.
Application Process

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BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category vs. Regional Pilot Program

The BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category and the BC PNP Regional Pilot Program requirements differ from one another. The requirements for each program are shown side by side in the table below.

RequirementsBase CategoryRegional Pilot
Work ExperienceMin. 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 EducationPost-Secondary Education CredentialPost-Secondary Education Credential
Business ProposalRequiredRequired in addition to receiving a referral from the community the business will be in.
Minimum Business Ownership Percentage33.33%51%
Minimum Investment Amount$200,000 CAD$100,000 CAD
Number of Canadian Jobs the Business Must CreateOne or moreOne or more
Business’s LocationAnywhere in the Province of British ColumbiaWithin the community participating in the Regional Pilot program
Is an Exploratory Visit Mandatory?NoYes
Can the Applicant Have a Partner Who Is Co-Registered With the BC PNP?YesNo
Can the Applicant Partner With a Local Person or Business?YesYes
Registration ScoresA 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 FrameScores are given within six weeksScores are given within four weeks
Are Applicants Required to Verify their Net Worth?YesYes
Application Decision Time FrameFour months or lessFour months or less
Are Applicants Interviewed Before Being Approved?YesYes
Time Frame For Submitting The Final Report18 months after the work permit is issued12 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.

Ready to Setup and Run Your Business in BC?

Immigrate to Canada as an entrepreneur, investor, or senior executive through BC PNP Entrepreneur immigration streams.