The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program is designed for international entrepreneurs who wish to immigrate to British Columbia and set up businesses that support innovation and economic growth in the province. BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration programs help you obtain Canadian PR through investment starting from CAD$100,000.
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:
These are the three BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration programs offered by British Columbia:
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.
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.
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.
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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.
| 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 |
The purpose of the Entrepreneur Immigration Programme is to assist seasoned business owners who wish to actively invest in and run a company in British Columbia. A workable company plan, proof of business or entrepreneurial experience, and fulfilment of certain investment and net worth requirements are all necessary for eligibility.
The programme is divided into multiple categories, including the Regional Pilot, the Entrepreneur Immigration Base Category, and the Strategic Projects Category. Every category has a unique set of prerequisites and eligibility standards designed to accommodate various business pursuits.
Depending on the category you apply under, different minimum investments and net worth requirements apply. Typically, candidates need to invest a minimum amount of money in their intended business in British Columbia and have a minimum personal net worth.
A vast array of industries, including manufacturing, technology, tourism, agriculture, and service-oriented firms, can be considered eligible businesses. The secret is to create a company plan that fits British Columbia’s aims for economic development.
Applications for immigration as entrepreneurs may take different amounts of time to process depending on the intricacy of the business plan, the accuracy of the supporting documentation, and the volume of applications submitted. Processing delays typically take several months to a year or longer.
BC PNP uses a point-based system called the Entrepreneur Score to assess and rank applications based on a number of criteria, including company experience, investment amount, potential for creating jobs, and flexibility. Your application’s competitiveness may be increased with a higher Entrepreneur Score.
An evaluation mechanism called BC PNP Entrepreneur Points is used to rank applications for the Entrepreneur Immigration Programme. These points are given out according to a number of variables, including adaptability, investment size, potential for job creation, business experience, and linguistic competency. Your application may be more competitive if it has a greater point total.
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.
Immigrate to Canada as an entrepreneur, investor, or senior executive through BC PNP Entrepreneur immigration streams.
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