Everything You Need to Know About the British Columbia (BC) PNP Entrepreneur Immigration
Canada is widely regarded as a land of opportunity, offering a stable economy, a business-friendly environment, and a high quality of life. For ambitious entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and business professionals seeking to expand internationally, Canada’s business immigration programs provide a compelling pathway. These programs—such as the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Entrepreneur Immigration (EI)—enable individuals to establish and grow their businesses while also securing permanent residency (PR) in Canada.
If you have a strong business background and are considering relocating to Canada, various Provincial Entrepreneur Programs (PEPs) under the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) may be an ideal option. These programs offer numerous advantages, including a pathway to permanent residency for entrepreneurs and their families, access to regional business opportunities, and provincial support for settlement and business development.
British Columbia (BC) offers excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow businesses in Canada through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Entrepreneur Immigration (EI). This program is designed for individuals who can actively manage a business that contributes to BC’s economy. Successful applicants may obtain permanent residence (PR) in Canada.
Streams under the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Program
1. Base Stream – Entrepreneur Immigration
This stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish or acquire a business anywhere in BC.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Base Stream has both personal and business requirements. Business owners must have a minimum net worth of at least CA$600,000. They must also have business and/or management experience. If they do not have such experience, they should have the equivalent of a two-year post-secondary diploma. In addition, they must prove their proficiency in English or French by taking a language proficiency test and scoring at least a Canadian Language Benchmark of 4 or higher.
In terms of business requirements, applicants must create an eligible new business or purchase and improve an existing business. Moreover, they should personally invest at least CA$200,000 in the business and it must also create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Applicants will need to pay a CA$300 registration fee and shell out CA$3,500 for the application fee.
Process
Step 1: Prepare a Comprehensive Business Proposal
Before applying, you need to create a well-researched business proposal that aligns with your experience and BC’s economic priorities. Consider key industries and regions in BC that could benefit from your business. Resources such as the Starting a Small Business Guide and the Trade and Invest British Columbia website can help you determine these sectors and locations. A strong proposal increases your chances of approval.
Step 2: Register Your Proposal with BC PNP
Once your proposal is ready, you must register online with the BC PNP and submit a short business concept along with a non-refundable CA$300 registration fee. Your profile will be scored based on human capital factors like education, experience, and business viability. If you meet the minimum requirements, you will enter a qualified pool for up to six months and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Registering, however, does not guarantee an ITA. If invited to apply, you will have four months to submit a full application, which includes the requirement to have your personal net worth verified by an authorized BC PNP accounting firm.
Step 3: Get a Work Permit
If your complete application is approved, you will receive a Performance Agreement outlining your business commitments. BC PNP will then issue a work permit support letter, which will allow you to apply for a temporary work permit through IRCC. You must arrive in BC within 12 months of getting the permit.
Step 4: Build Your Business
Once in BC, you have up to 20 months to establish and operate your business. During this period, you must implement your business plan, actively manage the business, and meet the job creation and investment requirements. BC PNP will monitor your progress, so it is essential to keep detailed records of your business.
Step 5: BC PNP Nomination
Between 18 and 20 months after arriving, you must submit a final report that proves you met the conditions in your Performance Agreement. You also need to demonstrate language proficiency (CLB 4 or higher). If BC PNP is satisfied with your progress, you will receive a provincial nomination for permanent residence.
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence
With your BC PNP nomination, you can apply for permanent residence (PR) through IRCC under the Provincial Nominee Class. Processing times may vary. But once approved, you and your family will receive PR status, allowing you to settle in Canada permanently.
2. Regional Stream – Entrepreneur Immigration
For those who want to start a business in the smaller communities in British Columbia, the EI Regional Stream might work for you. BC invites entrepreneurs and business owners around the world to explore the diverse business opportunities across the province. By establishing a business in one of BC’s smaller communities, entrepreneurs can experience what it’s like to live outside the bustling large urban centers of the province.
The EI Regional Stream provides an immigration pathway for innovative individuals seeking to launch a new business in a smaller community while making B.C. their permanent home. Originally introduced as a pilot program in March 2019, the EI Regional Stream continues to be a key part of the expanded BC PNP regional initiative.
Eligibility
Similar to the Base Stream, eligibility for the Regional Stream has both personal and business requirements. Business owners must have a minimum net worth of at least CA$300,000. They must also have business and/or management experience. If they do not have such experience, they should have the equivalent of a two-year post-secondary diploma. In addition, they must prove their proficiency in English or French by taking a language proficiency test and scoring at least a Canadian Language Benchmark of 4 or higher.
In terms of business requirements, applicants must create an eligible new business that is aligned with the small community’s priorities. Moreover, they should make an eligible investment of at least CA$100,000 in the business. It must also create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Applicants will need to pay a CA$300 registration fee and shell out CA$3,500 for the application fee.
Process
Step 1: Research and Connect with a Community
The first step is to identify a participating community that aligns with your business idea. Each community has specific economic priorities and may require candidates to provide details about their proposal and/or business experience before proceeding.
Check the BC PNP community profiles to find contact details and reach out. Some communities may have administrative processes and fees, so make sure to follow their specific guidelines.
Below is a table of the participating communities:
| Development Region | Participating Community |
| Cariboo |
|
| Kootenay |
|
| Nechako |
|
| Northeast |
|
| Thompson-Okanagan |
|
| Vancouver Island/Coast |
|
Step 2: Visit the Community
If the community sees potential in your proposal, they may invite you for an in-person exploratory visit. This is an opportunity to meet with the community’s representatives and further explain your proposal. Moreover, the visit will allow you to learn about the local business conditions and support services that will help you determine whether your business can thrive in the community. Finally, you will also get the chance to assess whether the community is a good lifestyle fit for your family.
Note: The invitation for a visit is at the community’s discretion.
Step 3: Obtain a Community Referral
After your visit, if you decide the community is a good fit, you can request a referral. This is required to apply for the EI Regional Stream. The decision to issue a referral rests with the community.
Step 4: Register and Submit Your Application
With a community referral in hand, you can register online with BC PNP and submit your business concept. You must also pay a CA$300 registration fee.
Similar to the Base Stream, your profile will be scored based on criteria such as:
- Business and/or management experience
- Personal net worth (at least CA$300,000)
- Eligible investment (CA$100,000 minimum)
- Job creation (at least one full-time job for a Canadian or PR)
If your profile meets the minimum requirements, you will be placed in a candidate pool for up to six months and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 5: Apply for a Work Permit and Establish Your Business
If selected, you must submit a complete application within four months, including a net worth verification from an authorized BC PNP accounting firm. If approved, BC PNP will issue a work permit support letter, allowing you to apply for a temporary work permit through IRCC. Once in BC, you’ll have 20 months to establish and actively manage your business.
Step 6: Meet Business Performance Requirements
During your first year in BC, you must implement your business plan, meet investment and job creation requirements, and remain actively involved in the day-to-day operations of your business. BC PNP will monitor your progress, so keep detailed records of your activities.
Step 7: Apply for Permanent Residency
After 12 months, you must submit a final report demonstrating compliance with your business commitments. If successful, you will receive a provincial nomination. With this nomination, you can apply for permanent residence through IRCC under the Provincial Nominee Class. Once approved, you and your family can settle in Canada permanently.
3. Strategic Projects Stream
The Strategic Projects stream is designed for foreign corporations seeking to invest in British Columbia and establish operations that contribute to their core business expansion. This stream allows companies to transfer key personnel and executives to B.C. to ensure the smooth establishment and operation of the business.
Through this program, a foreign corporation can apply for provincial nomination to support the permanent residency of up to five senior employees who will oversee and manage the B.C. operation.
Eligibility for Companies
To qualify for the Strategic Projects stream, the foreign corporation must be well-established, financially stable, and demonstrate readiness for investment and international expansion into British Columbia. The company must also provide significant economic benefits to the province by making a high-value investment.
Eligibility for Key Staff
Key staff members applying under this stream must be current senior employees of the corporation with the necessary qualifications and experience to run the company’s operations in B.C. They must be appointed to an executive or senior managerial role or possess specialized knowledge critical to the business. Additionally, they must be employed in a full-time, permanent position and receive a wage that aligns with their expertise and industry standards.
However, certain individuals are ineligible as key staff. Applications will not be accepted from those who are prohibited from entering Canada and those who have not been lawfully admitted to their country of residence. In addition, refusal will also be given to those who are in Canada but are out of status without proof of a restoration application within the 90-day eligibility period, are working in Canada without authorization, have an unresolved refugee claim, or are under a removal order inside or outside of Canada.
Investment & Business Requirements
The foreign corporation must:
- Invest a minimum of CA$500,000 into its B.C. operations.
- Establish a new business or expand an existing eligible business in B.C.
- Create at least three new full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents per key staff member, up to a maximum of five key staff.
Application Process
Step 1: Exploratory Visit
Senior executives are encouraged to visit B.C. to explore business opportunities and assess the local market.
Step 2: Business Proposal Discussion
Before applying, the company must consult with the BC PNP to discuss its business proposal.
Step 3: Registration
The company must register its interest in applying by providing its company details, proposed investment plan, and the qualifications of each key staff member. They must also pay a CA$300 registration processing fee.
Step 4: Invitation to Apply
If the registration is approved, the company will receive an invitation to apply. A complete application must be submitted within 90 days.
Step 5: Full Application Submission
After receiving the ITA, the company should submit all required forms, including key staff documentation and supporting evidenence. Application fees include CA$3,500 for the company and CA$1,000 for each key staff memberKey staff may be required to attend an in-person interview at the BC PNP office in Vancouver.
Step 6: Performance Agreements
If approved, the company and each key staff member must sign a Performance Agreement outlining their obligations.
Step 7: Work Permit & Arrival Report
Each key staff member receives a work permit support letter (valid for 90 days) to apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once the work permit is issued, key staff must arrive in B.C. within 180 days (6 months) and submit an arrival report within 60 days of arriving in B.C.
Step 8: Business Establishment & Nomination
After fulfilling the Performance Agreement conditions, the company submits a final report to the BC PNP. Site visits or interviews may be conducted to verify compliance. If requirements are met, each key staff member is nominated for permanent residence.
Step 9: Apply for Permanent Residence
Nominated key staff must apply for permanent residence with IRCC within 180 days of receiving their nomination.
Start Your Immigration Journey with Nihang Law
Navigating the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration process can be complex. Our expert team at Nihang Law is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or corporation, we provide tailored legal solutions to help you secure your future in Canada.
Contact Nihang Law today for a consultation and take the first step toward your business immigration to British Columbia!
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