On May 27, 2024, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) announced that its successful Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot, launched in March 2019, will now be a permanent Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream (➨page).
The Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream provides a pathway for experienced business owners and senior managers to immigrate to British Columbia’s rural, interior, and coastal communities. This program targets communities with populations under 75,000, aiming to stimulate local economies and create job opportunities.
Under the program, entrepreneurs are required to start a new business and take an active role in its day-to-day management. Successful applicants will initially receive a work permit, allowing them to establish and operate their business in a regional community. After fulfilling the program requirements, they can be nominated for permanent resident status in Canada.
Program Overview and Requirements
The BC PNP’s Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria:
- Business Experience: Applicants must have at least three (3) years of business owner-manager experience or four (4) years as a senior manager within the past five (5) years. A combination of these experiences is also acceptable.
- Net Worth: A minimum personal net worth of $300,000 CAD, including assets of the applicant's spouse or common-law partner and dependent children, if applicable.
- Language Ability: Proficiency in English or French at a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4, with test results taken within the last two (2) years.
- Education: Applicants must hold a post-secondary credential or have extensive business ownership experience.
- Investment and Job Creation: A personal investment of at least $100,000 in the business and the creation of at least one (1) permanent full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident within 14 months of arriving in BC on a work permit.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
Application Process
Interested entrepreneurs must complete an online Expression of Interest (EOI). Based on the information provided, selected applicants will be invited to apply for the program. Direct applications without an invitation are not permitted.
The program continues to be one of the three (3) Entrepreneur Immigration streams under the BC PNP, alongside the Base stream (➨page) and the Strategic Projects stream (➨page).
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
Impact on Regional Communities
By making the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream a permanent option, the BC PNP aims to attract innovative entrepreneurs to British Columbia’s smaller communities, ensuring sustainable economic growth and job creation across the province. This initiative reflects the provincial government’s dedication to strengthening local economies and supporting regional development.
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Unleash Your Entrepreneurial Spirit in British Columbia!
The BC Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream (BCER) (➨page) offers a unique opportunity to live, invest, and build your business in beautiful British Columbia.
Ready to take the next step? Our immigration experts can help you navigate the eligibility criteria and ensure a smooth application process. Turn your dream of Canadian residency through entrepreneurship into reality.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
