The BC PNP Strategic Projects Category is designed for international companies seeking to broaden their business footprint by establishing a branch office or facility in British Columbia. This initiative falls within the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream.

Under this program, foreign corporations can transfer key personnel with essential skills and knowledge to British Columbia, facilitating their Canadian immigration process. Eligible companies can apply for provincial nomination for up to five individuals from their existing senior staff, who will play pivotal roles in overseeing the local operations.

BC PNP Strategic Projects Requirements

This program entails specific eligibility criteria for both the corporation and its employees.

Corporate Eligibility Requirements: The corporate eligibility criteria are outlined as follows:

  • The company must exhibit strong financial standing, exemplify sound business practices, and demonstrate successful operations outside of Canada. These operations should also align with the company’s prospective branch or facility in British Columbia.
  • Identifying investment prospects that will bolster business growth and provide a robust foundation for operations in British Columbia is imperative.
  • The company must substantiate that the designated employees destined for British Columbia hold senior positions and possess the requisite qualifications to effectively establish and manage operations within the province.
  • An equity investment of CAD 500,000 or more is mandatory for the establishment, acquisition, or expansion of operations in British Columbia.
  • The new branch or facility must generate employment opportunities for three or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each foreign staff member entering the country under this program.
  • While there are no specific prerequisites regarding company size or revenue, successful applicants typically operate with a minimum of 150 staff members and generate annual revenues exceeding $20 million CAD.

(Please note: Certain business categories are ineligible for participation, including bed and breakfasts, home-based enterprises, currency exchange and ATM operations, automated car washes, real estate development, among others. For a comprehensive list, refer to the BC PNP program website.)

Staff Eligibility Requirements: Foreign staff members designated to establish and manage business operations in Canada must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This necessitates that staff members do not fall under any of the following categories:

  • Inadmissibility to Canada.
  • Unauthorized entry into the country of current residence.
  • Illegal presence or unauthorized employment within Canada.
  • Pending refugee claims in Canada.
  • Issuance of removal orders within or outside Canada.

BC PNP Strategic Projects Application Process

Stage 1

1. Exploratory Visit: Senior executives of prospective corporations are encouraged to visit British Columbia to acquaint themselves with the business landscape. While not mandatory, this visit can provide valuable insights into the local environment.

2. Proposal Discussion and Approval: Upon deciding to apply for the BC PNP Strategic Projects category, companies are required to engage with the BC PNP. This initial contact allows for a detailed discussion of the business proposal before formal registration.

Detailed Proposal Requirements: During registration, corporations must provide comprehensive information including:

  • Company details such as inception date, operational scope, revenue, and workforce size.
  • Plans for the intended business venture in British Columbia.
  • Alignment of the new venture with the company’s existing operations.
  • Viability assessment and revenue projections.
  • Roles of staff members in both the British Columbia venture and the parent company.

Additional information may be requested by the BC PNP during the assessment process. A registration fee of $300 CAD is applicable.

3. Registration: Corporations express their interest in the program by registering online. Information required includes:

  • Company profile.
  • Proposed investments in the BC economy.
  • Qualifications of key staff members applying for Canadian investor visas.
  • A registration fee of CAD 300 is payable at this stage.

4. Invitation to Apply: Following a review of registration details, eligible companies receive an invitation to submit a full application within 90 days.

5. Application Submission: Successful applicants are required to complete and submit the application forms, along with relevant documentation. Fees include:

  • Corporate application fee: CAD 3,500.
  • Application fee per staff member: CAD 1,000.
  • The BC PNP may request further information or documents as necessary. If approved, staff members undergo in-person interviews in Vancouver.

Stage 2

6. Performance Agreements: Upon a positive decision, the corporation signs a Performance Agreement with the province of BC. Approved staff members also sign individual agreements.

7. Temporary Work Permits: The BC PNP issues work permit support letters to approved staff members, enabling them to apply for Canadian work visas through IRCC. Staff members must arrive in BC within six months of receiving these letters and submit an arrival report form within two months of arrival.

8. Business Establishment and Provincial Nomination: Once in Canada, staff members submit their arrival report forms to the BC PNP. The corporation submits a final report, demonstrating compliance with the Performance Agreement. The BC PNP may conduct site visits or interviews for verification. Upon meeting conditions, staff members receive a provincial nomination for permanent residency. They must apply to IRCC within six months.

9. Permanent Residence Application: Senior employees eligible for permanent residency can apply to IRCC within 180 days of receiving provincial nomination.