British Columbia‘s Entrepreneurship Immigration stream helps skilled and experienced entrepreneurs from around the world immigrate to the province and start businesses that enhance innovation and promote economic growth.
On July 13, 2022, British Columbia reopened the base category of the Entrepreneur Immigration stream to accept new applications from experienced entrepreneurs after it was temporarily paused on July 19, 2021. Aside from reopening the draw, there have been some changes in the invitations to apply, program criteria, and application process.
To know more about the changes to the Entrepreneur Immigration stream Base category, read: British Columbia is now accepting applications for its Entrepreneur Immigrate Base Category.
The federal government considers entrepreneurs as temporary residents in the province of British Columbia when they enter Canada via this immigration stream. Upon starting a business in the province, they can apply for permanent residency. British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration stream allows entrepreneurs to choose between three categories depending on the purpose of starting their business: Base Category, Regional Pilot, and Strategic Projects.
1. Basic Category
Entrepreneurs can immigrate to British Columbia to start or buy an existing business under this category.
Eligibility Criteria
The following eligibility criteria must be met by entrepreneurs to qualify for the Entrepreneur Immigration stream base category:
Personal Requirements
The following requirements must be met by applicants:
- A net worth of $600,000 in Canadian dollars
- Business or management experience. For applicants without experience, they must have a diploma equivalent to two years of postgraduate study.
- English or French language proficiency level 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmark
- Legal residents in their country of residence
- Eligible to immigrate to Canada legally
Business, Job, and Investment Requirements
The following requirements must be met by applicants:
- Establish a new business or refine an existing one
- Invest at least $200,000 in Canadian dollars
- Provide Canadians and permanent residents with a new full-time job
Fees
The following costs must be paid for applicants for the base category of the Entrepreneur Immigration stream:
- $300 for the registration fee
- $3,500 for an application fee
2. Regional Pilot
Entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in a small community in British Columbia are eligible for this category. The province offers this immigration stream category to encourage entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in their small communities and establish them as their new homes.
Many participating communities are available for them to start their business. This category, however, is not appropriate for people who want to start a business or purchase an existing business in a non-participating community.
Listed below are the participating communities:
- Cariboo
- Kootenay
- Mainland / Southwest
- North Coast
- Northeast
- Thompson-Okanagan
- Vancouver Island/Coast
Eligibility Criteria
Personal Requirements
The following requirements must be met by applicants:
- A personal net worth of $300,000 in Canadian dollars
- Business or management experience. Applicants without experience must possess a diploma equivalent to two years of postgraduate study
- Language proficiency level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
- A legal resident of the country they reside in
- Eligible to apply for Canadian immigration status
Business, Job, and Investment Requirements
The following must be demonstrated by the applicant:
- Create a new business in a community that aligns with its priorities
- Make an eligible personal investment in the business of at least $100,000 in Canadian dollars
- Provide Canadians and permanent residents with a new full-time job
3. Strategic Projects
Upon demonstrating opportunities for strategic investment in British Columbia, companies from outside Canada can apply for this category of the Entrepreneur Immigration stream.
Apart from that, this category allows corporations from outside Canada to send key employees with corporate knowledge and expertise to British Columbia. It will be the responsibility of these corporations to support their employees who are responsible for managing the business operations in British Columbia and applying for permanent residency on behalf of the corporation.
Eligibility Criteria
Company Eligibility
British Columbia offers business opportunities to companies that meet the following criteria:
- Established well and in good financial standing
- Investment-ready and capable of expanding internationally to British Columbia
- British Columbia will benefit them by investing in high value in the province
Company Requirements
These are the requirements that companies must meet:
- An investment of at least $500,000 for the businesses’ operations in British Columbia
- Business establishment or expansion in British Columbia
- Provide a minimum of three full-time jobs to Canadian citizens or permanent residents for every key member of staff that is proposed
Key Staff Eligibility Criteria
The following are the requirements for becoming a key staff:
- Work for the company as a senior employee with competent qualifications and experience that will assist the company with its British Columbia operations
- Hold senior management or executive position
- Expertise in British Columbian business operations
- Employed on a full-time basis at the business operation in British Columbia
- Receive a commensurate salary for their expertise
- Maintain consistency with the company’s industry and corporate structures
You Don't Want to Miss This Opportunity to Start Your Business in British Columbia with BC PNP's Entrepreneur Immigration Stream!
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration categories vary, so if you’re not sure which one to apply for, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with us. Our team will help you find the most suitable category for starting and developing your dream business in Canada.
