business SKILLS


Application Process

BC Provincial Nominee Program- Business Immigration - Business Skills Category – How to Apply

Before applying to the BC PNP, carefully review:

If you have any questions about eligibility, or the program, please contact us before you prepare or submit an application.

Please note that if you are using a paid representative to help prepare your application, this person must meet the requirements for Authorized Representatives, and you must submit an Authorized Representative Form (PDF - 226KB)with your application.

Business Skills

  1. Exploratory Visit to British Columbia

    We strongly encourage nominee applicants to make an exploratory visit to British Columbia. Before doing so, it might be helpful to review other areas of this website – for background information on the regions of British Columbia and other useful information on working and living in BC.

  2. Application

    The application you submit to the BC PNP must include the following:

    • the appropriate provincial and federal forms;
    • supporting documentation on your business experience, qualifications, and financial resources;
    • a business plan; and
    • the $3,000 CAD BC PNP processing fee (Business Skills applicants supporting the nomination of a key staff member must also pay an additional $1,000).

    3. The information and supporting documentation submitted in your application must be verifiable to the BC PNP’s satisfaction.

  3. Initial Review

    The BC PNP will conduct an initial review of your completed application and determine whether the application qualifies to proceed to the interview stage.

    If your application to the BC PNP Business Skills category is refused at this stage, the BC PNP will send you a letter advising you of the reasons for this refusal and will refund BC PNP fees paid, less CAD $1,000 to cover costs associated with the initial review. The BC PNP will not refund any processing fees on applications that proceed past the initial review stage.

  4. Personal Interview

    You will be required to attend a personal interview with a business advisor to discuss your application.

  5. Performance Agreement

    If your application is approved, you will be required to sign a Performance Agreement with the Province of British Columbia. The Performance Agreement sets out terms and conditions for nomination that relate to implementing your business proposal. The Performance Agreement identifies the use of the investment funds as well as certain key steps and milestones in establishing the proposed business, such as incorporating a company, leasing a building, buying and installing equipment, obtaining permits and hiring employees. These key steps and milestones MUST be included in your business plan.

  6. Letter of Support

    The BC PNP will provide accepted applicants with a letter of support for a 2 year federal temporary work permit.  The work permit will allow you to work legally in Canada while you implement your business proposal.  You must submit your application for a work permit to the appropriate CIC visa office within 90 days of the date on the BC PNP’s support letter.

  7. Nomination Options

    When you have signed a Performance Agreement, you will be accepted as a nominee candidate. You now have the option of pursuing a regular nomination or a fast track nomination.

    à The regular option allows for nomination when you have met the terms and conditions of your performance agreement.

    à The fast track option gives applicants 6 months from the date of issuance of their work permit to elect this option (sign the Deposit Agreement) and also satisfy certain conditions. The issuance of a Certificate of Nomination under this fast track option is subject to the applicant:

    (a) having a PNP supported work permit;
    (b) establishing a permanent residence in BC;
    (c) establishing a bank account in BC with sufficient funds on deposit to enable the investment; and
    (d) paying the required $125,000 Deposit Amount.

    The fast track option is NOT available to foreign, key staff included in the application for the Business Skills category.