Pathway to permanent residency as an entrepreneur or business
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) offers a pathway to permanent residency for entrepreneurs and businesses who can contribute to the province’s economy by establishing or managing a business in B.C.
Entrepreneurs who meet specific eligibility and requirements criteria based on factors such as personal net worth, business experience and economic impact, can choose to apply to one of the following streams: Base stream or Regional stream.
- Base stream is an immigration pathway for individuals who are looking to start a new business, or take over and grow an existing one.
- Regional stream is an immigration pathway for individuals who are looking to start a new business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District, wishing to make a participating B.C. community their home.
Businesses (foreign corporations) that wish to establish their operations in the province can apply to the program’s Strategic Projects stream. The Strategic Projects stream offers a pathway to permanent residency for current employees of foreign corporations wishing to operate in British Columbia.
Applicants who are successfully nominated by the BC PNP through one of its immigration streams can apply for permanent residence in Canada. To learn more, please see the topics below.
Please review the table below to determine which Entrepreneur Immigration stream best suits to you:
| Criteria | Base Stream | Regional Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | ||
| Personal net worth | Must have a personal net worth of at least $600,000 CAD | Must have a personal net worth of at least $300,000 CAD |
| Requirements | ||
| Business experience | Must have a minimum of 3 years experience* as a business owner-manager in the last 10 years | Must have a minimum of 3 years experience* as a business owner-manager in the last 5 years |
| Investment value | Must make an eligible personal investment of at least $200,000 CAD in the business | Must make an eligible personal investment of at least $100,000 CAD in the business |
| Business type | Must establish an eligible new business, or take over and grow an existing one | Must establish an eligible new business aligned with the economic development priorities of the referring host community |
| Job creation | Must create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident | Must create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident |
| Language proficiency | Must meet the minimum language requirement of Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 | Must meet the minimum language requirement of Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 |
| Community referral | Not required | Must have a completed referral form from the referring host community |
| Exploratory visit | Recommended but not required | Must conduct an exploratory visit to the community where the business will be established |
* Applicants who do not meet the BC PNP's business experience requirement may instead submit proof of an eligible education credential (i.e., post-secondary degree) for consideration.
Please note: there are exceptions to table above. For complete information about eligibility and requirements, please see the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide.
Ineligible businesses
The program prioritizes specific businesses that meet the labour market and economic development needs of British Columbia. To learn about businesses that are ineligible under the BC PNP, please see the list below:
- an immigration-linked investment scheme pursuant to Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation section 6(e) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) section 87(5)(b) and as defined in IRPR 87(9)
- any business where the terms of investment include a redemption option pursuant to IRPR 87(6)(d)
- any business that may be a passive investment pursuant to IRPR 87(6)(c)
- bed and breakfasts, hobby farms and home-based businesses
- payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machine businesses
- pawnbrokers
- tanning salons
- DVD rental stores
- coin-operated laundries
- automated car wash operations
- scrap metal recycling
- businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs, refurbishing or recycling)
- real estate development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
- real estate development activities
- goods trading businesses (e.g. import/export), unless value add is demonstrated
| Criteria | Strategic Projects Stream |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | |
| Equity investment amount | Must make a minimum equity investment of at least $500,000 CAD directed towards the corporation's operations in B.C. |
| Requirements | |
| Business readiness | Must demonstrate investment readiness and capacity for international expansion into B.C. |
| Financial standing | Must demonstrate that the business is well-established and is in good financial standing |
| Key staff qualification | Must be employed in a permanent, full-time capacity and have the experience needed to actively manage the business in B.C. |
| Job creation | Must create at least three new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for each key staff member proposed, up to a maximum of five |
Ineligible businesses
The program prioritizes specific businesses that meet the labour market and economic development needs of British Columbia. To learn about businesses that are ineligible under the BC PNP, please see the list below:
- an immigration-linked investment scheme pursuant to Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation section 6(e) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) section 87(5)(b) and as defined in IRPR 87(9)
- any business where the terms of investment include a redemption option pursuant to IRPR 87(6)(d)
- any business that may be a passive investment pursuant to IRPR 87(6)(c)
- bed and breakfasts, hobby farms and home-based businesses
- payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machine businesses
- pawnbrokers
- tanning salons
- DVD rental stores
- coin-operated laundries
- automated car wash operations
- scrap metal recycling
- businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs, refurbishing or recycling)
- real estate development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
- real estate development activities
- goods trading businesses (e.g. import/export), unless value add is demonstrated
The BC PNP charges fees to process applications. These fees cover the cost of administering the program, including providing support services to nominees until they become permanent residents.
| Process | Fee |
| Registration | $300 CAD |
| Application | $3,500* CAD |
| Request for review | $500 CAD |
* For Strategic Projects Stream applications, an additional $1,000 CAD is charged for the review of each additional key staff proposed.
Please note:
- Fees will only be refunded if you withdraw your application before the BC PNP begins to assess it. Request for review fees are non-refundable.
- Fee payments can only be made in the BC PNP Online User Portal. The BC PNP does not accept payments any other way (e.g., cheques, bank transfers, wire transfers, or gift cards). If you are asked to pay fees in another way, please report this to PNP.fraud.tips@gov.bc.ca. For more information, visit the BC PNP’s fraud awareness page.
- You will need to pay a separate fee when you submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You may also have to pay fees to IRCC to apply for, or extend, your work permit. For more information, please visit IRCC’s fees page.
There are four key components to the Entrepreneur Immigration Base stream process: preparation, registration, application, and decision. Each process has its own unique requirements. Review the information on this website and in the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide before getting started. Once you are ready, follow the steps below:
- Develop a business proposal
- Register online
- Wait for an invitation to apply
- Submit your BC PNP application
- Apply for a work permit
- Wait for your nomination decision
- Submit your IRCC application
Develop a business proposal
The first step is to develop a comprehensive business proposal that showcases your unique knowledge and experience as an entrepreneur. Research what type of business to propose; which location would be a good fit for your business; and demonstrate how your proposed business can contribute to the economic development priorities of the British Columbia.
There are many resources to help you prepare, such as the Starting a Small Business Guide. The Trade and Invest British Columbia website also contains a wealth of information about key industries and sectors across different regions in B.C.
Register online
A registration is required to express your interest in the program. You must do so using the BC PNP Online User Portal. Once you have developed a business proposal, create an online profile and complete all fields of the registration section.
After registering, you will receive a score based on the information you provided. Your registration will be scored based on human capital factors such as your work experience, education and language proficiency, as well as economic factors such as the commercial viability of your proposal and its economic benefits for the province. The business concept section of your registration will be scored separately by a BC PNP staff within six weeks of receipt. To learn more about how business concepts are scored, please see the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide.
If your registration meets the BC PNP's eligibility and requirements criteria, it will be placed in a qualified pool where it will remain active for up to six months, or until you receive an invitation to apply.
Please note: registering does not guarantee that you will be invited to apply.
Wait for an invitation to apply
An invitation is needed to apply to the Base stream. If you are invited to apply, a BC PNP-authorized accounting firm will review your personal net worth and verify your accumulation of funds. This review must happen before you submit your application. A list of authorized accounting firms and instructions will be included with your invitation to apply.
Submit your BC PNP application
After you receive an invitation to apply, you will have up to four months from the date of invitation to submit a complete application using the BC PNP's User Portal. When you are ready to submit your application, log in to your online profile and complete all sections of the application. Note: before you submit your application, you must pay the application fee and ensure you have included all required documents.
You may be invited for an interview where you will be asked about your work experience and business plan. Your application will be assessed according to the Provincial Immigration Programs Act, the Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation, the information you provided in your application and interview, and against the eligibility and requirements criteria of the stream.
Apply for a work permit
If your application is approved, you will sign a Performance Agreement with the Province of British Columbia. This Agreement is unique to you; it is based on the information provided in your application, business plan, and interview. You will also be issued a Letter of Support which you can use to submit your work permit application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This will enable you and your dependents to move to B.C.
Please note: after receiving a Letter of Support, you have up to 90 days to submit your work permit application to IRCC, and must arrive in B.C. within 12 months of receiving your work permit.
Once you arrive in B.C., you will have up to 20 months to implement your plan, actively manage your business, and meet the performance expectations outlined in your signed Performance Agreement.
Fulfill your Performance Agreement
To be nominated, you must demonstrate that you have met the terms and conditions of your Performance Agreement. To do so, you will be asked to submit a final report to the BC PNP between 18 to 20 months after your arrival. If the BC PNP is satisfied that you have met the terms and conditions of your Agreement, you will be asked to sign a Conditions of Nomination Declaration.
Submit your IRCC application
After you sign the Declaration, you will be issued a Confirmation of Nomination as a provincial nominee. This will allow you to submit a permanent residence application to IRCC under the Provincial Nominee Class.
If IRCC approves your application, you will become a permanent resident of Canada.
For inquiries about Entrepreneur Immigration eligibility, requirements and processes, email En.Imm@gov.bc.ca.
Processing times
Processing times show how long it may take to make a decision on a BC PNP application, post-nomination request, or request for review. Generally, around 80% of cases will be processed within the following timelines:
| Stage | Estimated processing time* |
|---|---|
| Registration score notification | 6 weeks |
| Application decision notification (work permit stage) | 4 months |
| Application decision notification (final report stage) | 4 months |
| Request for review | 6 months |
* The time it takes to make a decision depends on when the BC PNP receives your complete application; the complexity and volume of cases; the program’s capacity; and the number of available nominations.
There are four key components to the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional stream process: preparation, registration, application, and decision. Each process has its own unique requirements. Review the information on this website and in the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide before getting started. Once you are ready, follow the steps below:
- Find the right community
- Request for a community referral
- Develop a business proposal
- Register online
- Wait for an invitation to apply
- Submit your BC PNP application
- Apply for a work permit
- Wait for your nomination decision
- Submit your IRCC application
Find the right community
The first step is to learn about B.C. communities that are participating in the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream to find the right one that suits your business. To learn more about B.C.'s communities by development region and their corresponding economic priorities, see the participating communities list.
Request for a community referral
A community referral is required to apply to the Regional stream. To obtain one, you must contact your chosen community to express interest and conduct an exploratory visit. Once you have completed your visit, you can request for a referral from the supporting community, which is a form that outlines details about your proposed business, including your visit.
Please note: a community referral is only valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Develop a business proposal
Once you have a referral, the next step is to develop a comprehensive business proposal that showcases your unique knowledge and experience as an entrepreneur. Research what type of business to propose and demonstrate how your proposed business can contribute to the economic development priorities of your chosen community.
There are many resources to help you prepare, such as the Starting a Small Business Guide. The Trade and Invest British Columbia website also contains a wealth of information about key industries and sectors across different regions in B.C.
Register online
A registration is required to express your interest in the program. You must do so using the BC PNP Online User Portal. Once you have prepared a business proposal, create an online profile and complete all fields of the registration section.
After registering, you will receive a score based on the information you provided. Your registration will be scored based on human capital factors such as your work experience, education and language proficiency, as well as economic factors such as the commercial viability of your proposal and its economic benefits for the province. The business concept section of your registration will be scored separately by a BC PNP staff within six weeks of receipt. To learn more about how business concepts are scored, please see the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide.
If your registration meets the BC PNP's eligibility and requirements criteria, it will be placed in a qualified pool where it will remain active for up to six months, or until you receive an invitation to apply.
Please note: registering does not guarantee that you will be invited to apply.
Wait for an invitation to apply
An invitation is needed to apply to the Regional stream. If you are invited to apply, a BC PNP-authorized accounting firm will review your personal net worth and verify your accumulation of funds. This review must happen before you submit your application. A list of authorized accounting firms and instructions will be included with your invitation to apply.
Submit your BC PNP application
After you receive an invitation to apply, you will have up to four months from the date of invitation to submit a complete application using the BC PNP's User Portal. When you are ready to submit your application, log in to your online profile and complete all sections of the application. Note: before you submit your application, you must pay the application fee and ensure you have included all required documents.
You may be invited for an interview where you will be asked about your work experience and business plan. Your application will be assessed according to the Provincial Immigration Programs Act, the Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation, the information you provided in your application and interview, and against the eligibility and requirements criteria of the stream.
Apply for a work permit
If your application is approved, you will sign a Performance Agreement with the Province of British Columbia. This Agreement is unique to you; it is based on the information provided in your application, business plan, and interview. You will also be issued a Letter of Support which you can use to submit your work permit application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This will enable you and your dependents to move to B.C.
Please note: after receiving a Letter of Support, you have up to 90 days to submit your work permit application to IRCC, and must arrive in B.C. within 12 months of receiving your work permit.
Once you arrive in B.C., you will have up to 20 months to implement your plan, actively manage your business, and meet the performance expectations outlined in your signed Performance Agreement.
Fulfill your Performance Agreement
To be nominated, you must demonstrate that you have met the terms and conditions of your Performance Agreement. To do so, you will be asked to submit a final report to the BC PNP between 18 to 20 months after your arrival. If the BC PNP is satisfied that you have met the terms and conditions of your Agreement, you will be asked to sign a Conditions of Nomination Declaration.
Submit your IRCC application
After you sign the Declaration, you will be issued a Confirmation of Nomination as a provincial nominee. This will allow you to submit a permanent residence application to IRCC under the Provincial Nominee Class.
If IRCC approves your application, you will become a permanent resident of Canada.
For inquiries about Entrepreneur Immigration eligibility, requirements and processes, email En.Imm@gov.bc.ca.
Processing times
Processing times show how long it may take to make a decision on a BC PNP application, post-nomination request, or request for review. Generally, around 80% of cases will be processed within the following timelines:
| Stage | Estimated processing time* |
|---|---|
| Registration score notification | 6 weeks |
| Application decision notification (work permit stage) | 4 months |
| Application decision notification (final report stage) | 4 months |
| Request for review | 6 months |
* The time it takes to make a decision depends on when the BC PNP receives your complete application; the complexity and volume of cases; the program’s capacity; and the number of available nominations.
There are four key components to the Strategic Projects stream process: preparation, registration, application, and decision. Each process has its own unique requirements. Review the information on this website and in the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide before getting started. Once you are ready, follow the steps below:
- Attend an information meeting
- Register your proposal
- Submit your BC PNP application
- Apply for a work permit
- Wait for your nomination decision
- Submit your IRCC application
Attend an information meeting
The first step is for a senior representative of your corporation to contact the BC PNP to attend an information meeting, where you can learn about the Strategic Projects stream. Senior executives representing the company are encouraged to visit the province to learn about the local business environment.
Register your proposal
Based on the outcome of your meeting, the BC PNP may invite the business to register your proposal as a way to express interest in the program. The program will assess details of your registration against the eligibility and requirements criteria of the stream, to decide whether to issue an invitation to apply.
Please note: your business must submit an application within 90 days from the date of invitation. Registering does not guarantee that you will be invited to apply.
Submit your BC PNP application
After you receive an invitation, you will be asked to complete an application package which includes forms pertaining to key staff members of the business, as well as other required documents. Proposed key staff members may be invited to attend an interview where they may be asked about their experience, including the business expansion plan.
Your application will be assessed according to the Provincial Immigration Programs Act, the Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation, the information you provided in your application and interview, and against the eligibility and requirements criteria of the stream.
Apply for a work permit
If your application is approved, the company’s designated signing authority, including each key staff member approved, will be asked to sign a corporate Performance Agreement with the Province of British Columbia. This Agreement is unique to your company; it is based on the information provided in your application, business plan, and interview.
Each key staff member approved will be issued a Letter of Support which they can use to submit for their work permit application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), enabling them and their dependents to move to B.C.
Please note: after receiving a Letter of Support, you have up to 90 days to submit your work permit application to IRCC, and must arrive in B.C. within 6 months of receiving the Letter.
Once you arrive in B.C., you will have up to 2 months to submit a completed Arrival Report Form to the BC PNP.
Fulfill your Performance Agreement
To be nominated, you must demonstrate that you have met the terms and conditions of your Performance Agreement. To do so, you will be asked to submit a final report to the BC PNP between 12 to 24 months after your arrival. If the BC PNP is satisfied that you have met the terms and conditions of your Agreement, you will be asked to sign a Conditions of Nomination Declaration.
Submit your IRCC application
After you sign the Declaration, you will be issued a Confirmation of Nomination as a provincial nominee. This will allow you to submit a permanent residence application to IRCC under the Provincial Nominee Class.
If IRCC approves your application, you will become a permanent resident of Canada.
For inquiries about Entrepreneur Immigration eligibility, requirements and processes, email En.Imm@gov.bc.ca.