Base category
- Personal net worth of at least CAD 600,000
- Investment of at least CAD 200,000, owning at least one-third of the business
- Open the business anywhere in British Columbia
Regional category
- Personal net worth of at least CAD 300,000
- Investment of at least CAD 100,000
- Open the business in a participating community outside Greater Vancouver, with the community’s referral
The process
- Register and receive an invitation based on your score
- Apply and sign a performance agreement
- Start or buy the business on a work permit and run it yourself
- Submit the final report, receive a provincial nomination and apply for permanent residence
Timing
It usually takes about four years from registration to permanent residence, so allow enough time for operating the business.
BC PNP Entrepreneur at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | From CAD 200,000 (Regional CAD 100,000) |
| Net worth | CAD 600,000 (Regional CAD 300,000) |
| Language | CLB 4 or above |
| Family | Spouse and dependent children |
BC PNP Entrepreneur application process and timing
- Assessment and exploratory visit (1–3 months): We assess your eligibility and choose the category and type of business; the Regional category needs a community referral first.
- Registration and application (By invitation): Register your interest and apply once invited on the strength of your score.
- Work permit and running the business (Per your performance agreement): Sign a performance agreement, then start or buy a business in British Columbia on a work permit and run it yourself.
- Nomination and permanent residence (About 4 years in total): Submit your final report, receive a provincial nomination and apply for permanent residence. It usually takes about four years from registration to permanent residence.
Main BC PNP Entrepreneur requirements
- Base: personal net worth of at least CAD 600,000, investment of at least CAD 200,000 and ownership of at least one-third of the business
- Regional: personal net worth of at least CAD 300,000, investment of at least CAD 100,000 and a community referral
- Relevant experience as a business owner or senior manager
- Language at CLB 4 or above
- Active, day-to-day management of the business
Key benefits of BC PNP Entrepreneur
- Canadian permanent residence for the whole family
- Lower thresholds for communities outside Greater Vancouver
- Children receive local education
- Live in Canada on a work permit while your application progresses
More questions about BC PNP Entrepreneur
How do I choose between Base and Regional? The Regional category needs less capital, but you must open your business in a participating community and receive its referral; the Base category offers more flexibility on location but needs more capital.
Do I have to run the business myself? Yes. You must take an active management role in the business and live in British Columbia.
Next step
Every family’s background, funds and timeline are different. Global Immigrate’s professional consultants can assess, free of charge, whether this programme suits you and compare other options. You can also request the full programme brochure on the programme page.
Learn more: British Columbia BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration