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Immigrant entrepreneurs wishing to immigrate to Canada in 2024 can choose to settle in British Columbia (BC). BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration stream allows business immigrants to first launch their business operations and, subsequently, settle in BC permanently. Entrepreneur Immigration is a “temporary to permanent” (TR to PR) immigration pathway. If approved, you will initially come to B.C. as a foreign worker to set up your business and then apply to stay permanently once you have successfully started a business.
There are currently 3 immigration programs under BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) stream in 2024:
- Base Category
- Regional Pilot
- Strategic Projects
When applying for the BC PNP program, individual entrepreneurs and investors can choose between the Base or Regional Pilot categories. It is important to know that PNP rules in BC vary depending on the program that you are applying to. Foreign companies expanding to BC may consider the Strategic Projects category to obtain permanent residence for the executives and key employees.
You can use our free BC PNP assessment tool to see whether you qualify for the program. Also, you can always schedule a consultation with our business immigration lawyers.
The table below compares the Base Category and Regional Pilot for your convenience.
| EI – Base Category Eligibility | EI – Regional Pilot Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|
Work experience | Within last 10 years: | Within last 5 years: |
| 3+ years of experience as a business owner-manager, OR 4+ years of experience as a senior manager, OR a combination of 1+ year of experience as a business owner-manager and 2+ years of experience as a senior manager. | ||
| Personal net worth | At least $600,000 | At least $300,000 |
| Education | Obtained a post-secondary credential, OR experience as an active business owner-manager for at least 36 of the last 60 months with 100% ownership in the business. | |
| Business proposal | You must submit a business proposal to establish a new business or purchase of an existing business in British Columbia. | You must submit a business proposal to establish a new business in British Columbia and be referred by an enrolled community. |
| Ownership percentage | At least one-third (33.33%). | At least 51%. |
| Investment amount | Minimum $200,000. | Minimum $100,000. |
| Job creation | Must create at least one full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. | |
| Location | Anywhere in British Columbia. | Participating communities. |
| Exploratory visit required? | No, but strongly recommended. | Yes. You must engage and visit an enrolled community for support before registering. |
| Language requirements | Minimum of CLB 4 equivalent in English or French. Must submit a copy of valid language proficiency test results at the final report (if not previously submitted). | Minimum of CLB 4 equivalent in English or French. Must submit a copy of valid language proficiency test at registration. |
| Partner with BC PNP co-registrant allowed? | Yes | No |
| Partner with a local business/person allowed? | Yes | |
| Registration scores | Total 200 points (120 points for self-declared section; 80 points for business concept). Must score a minimum of 40 points in the business concept section. The total score must be at least 115 points to qualify. | Total 200 points (140 points for self-declared section; 60 points for business concept). No minimum business concept score. The total score must be at least 105 points to qualify. |
| Registration timeframe | Registrations are scored within six weeks. | Registrations are scored within four weeks. |
| Net worth verification | Yes, you must obtain a net worth verification report if you are invited to apply. | |
| Processing times | Application decisions are typically made within four months. | |
| Interview required for approval? | Yes | |
| Minimum amount of time to submit a final report | 18 months after issuance of a work permit. | 12 months after issuance of a work permit. |
| Fees | Registration: $300 Application: $3,500 | Registration: $300 Application: $3,500 |
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