Within the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), the Entrepreneur Immigration Stream provides various avenues for entrepreneurs and investors seeking Canadian permanent residency through investment, particularly in British Columbia. Among these pathways is the BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category, tailored for individuals with substantial financial resources and pertinent experience in business establishment and management.

The BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category presents an immigration route for seasoned business professionals and entrepreneurs intending to initiate a new venture or assume ownership of an existing enterprise in British Columbia.

Requirements of the BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category

To be eligible for the BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category, candidates must satisfy specific criteria related to personal background, professional experience, business acumen, and investment capacity. Adhering to a structured process is imperative, necessitating thorough comprehension and early preparation to enhance the likelihood of a successful application.

1. Work Experience

Applicants must demonstrate over 36 months of experience in a business ownership capacity. Alternatively, they should possess more than 48 months of senior management experience. A hybrid of 12 months in business ownership and 24 months in senior management is also deemed acceptable, with all experience accrued within the past decade.

2. Net Worth

A minimum net worth of CAD 600,000 is mandated, inclusive of the applicant's personal assets and those of any dependent children, obtained and validated through lawful means.

3. Minimum Investment

A commitment of at least CAD 200,000 towards a singular business location is obligatory.

4. Education

While possession of a post-secondary education credential is typically required, the exemption is granted to individuals with three years of recent business ownership experience, maintaining full ownership of the enterprise within the past five years.

5. Business Proposal

Submission of a comprehensive business proposal is obligatory for those intending to establish a new venture or acquire an existing one in British Columbia.

6. Business Ownership Share

Applicants must hold a minimum ownership stake of 33.3% in the enterprise.

7. Job Creation

The proposed business must generate one or more full-time employment opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

8. Language Proficiency

The proposed business must generate one or more full-time employment opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

9. Exploratory Visit

While not mandatory, undertaking an exploratory visit is strongly recommended to bolster the prospects of application approval within the BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category.

Step-by-Step Process: BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category

Applicants meeting the stipulated criteria can embark on the BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category process through the following steps:

Stage 1

  1. Research & Preparation: Prospective candidates must first assess their eligibility based on the outlined requirements of the British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Base Category. It is advised that individuals visit British Columbia to explore the diverse business opportunities available in the province, fostering networking and understanding of local business practices.
  2. BC PNP Registration: Following the eligibility assessment, applicants proceed to register for the BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Category. This involves creating a comprehensive profile and submitting it electronically through the BC PNP platform. The registration form encompasses crucial information regarding the applicant’s professional background, language proficiency, educational attainment, net worth, and details pertinent to the proposed business venture.

Upon submission, a non-refundable registration fee of CAD 300 is levied. The BC PNP accepts a maximum of 200 registrations per month.

Applicants undergo scoring based on their responses, categorized into two sections:

  1. A. Self-Declared Scoring (120 points)

Candidates can attain a maximum of 120 points in this section, distributed as follows:

  • Experience & Ownership: 24 points
  • Net Worth: 12 points
  • Total Personal Investment: 20 points
  • Jobs: 20 points
  • Regional District: 12 points
  • Adaptability: 32 points
  1. B. Business Concept (80 points)

Within this category, applicants can secure up to 80 points based on:

  • Commercial Viability: 30 points
  • Transferability of Skills: 20 points
  • Economic Benefits: 30 points
  1. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates deemed most qualified can apply for Canadian permanent residency under the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Following receipt of the ITA, applicants have four months to compile requisite documentation and lodge their application via the BC PNP online platform.

Invitations are not subject to set quotas, with annual provincial nomination allocations determined by IRCC. The frequency and volume of invitations issued by the BC PNP hinge on processing capacities and guidelines.

Should an invitation not be received, candidates can enhance their registration score and resubmit their information, potentially refining business proposals or augmenting profile components such as age, Canadian work experience, and language proficiency within six months of the initial submission.

  1. Application: Selected candidates proceed with the application process, where the BC PNP scrutinizes personal net worth and validates claimed funds as per registration details. Some applicants may undergo an in-person interview in Vancouver as part of the assessment process.

Upon application approval, candidates are required to sign a Performance Agreement delineating obligations for nomination consideration. This agreement encompasses facets such as business particulars, investment commitments, job creation, management prerequisites, residency requirements, and specified timeframes.

  1. A. Net Worth Review: An authorized accounting firm conducts a thorough financial review to assess the applicant’s declared net worth and supporting documentation. The assessment outcome is communicated through a report to both the BC PNP and the applicant.
  2. B. Processing Fee: Applicants must submit requested documentation to bolster their registration profile and remit a non-refundable processing fee of CAD 3,500 at the application stage.
  3. C. Interview: BC PNP may conduct an in-person interview to delve into the intricacies of the business plan and evaluate the applicant’s business acumen and work experience, informing the final decision.
  4. D. Performance Agreement: Upon approval, applicants commit to a Performance Agreement outlining terms and conditions requisite for permanent residency nomination, encompassing business specifics, investment parameters, job creation obligations, managerial roles, residency prerequisites, and adherence to stipulated timeframes.

Stage 2

  1. Applying for a Temporary Work Permit Before Arrival in Ontario: Upon approval of the application, candidates are eligible to apply for a work permit, facilitating their employment in Canada and engaging in activities integral to establishing or acquiring their business. This authorization encompasses investment activities, job creation endeavors, and recruitment initiatives. Additionally, accompanying spouses or common-law partners may seek an open work permit during this phase.
  2. Establishing the Business Upon Arrival in British Columbia: Adherence to the terms delineated in the Performance Agreement signed with the provincial government is imperative during the business establishment phase. Upon issuance of a supportive letter from the BC PNP, candidates may apply to IRCC for a 365-day (12 months) Canada work visa, enabling relocation with dependents to British Columbia.
  3. A. Business Development: Over a stipulated period of up to 20 months, entrepreneurs are tasked with implementing their business plan in British Columbia. Demonstrating active business operation and compliance with BC PNP requirements is paramount. Subsequently, within 18 to 20 months, submission of the final report to BC PNP is mandatory.
  4. B. Submission of the Final Report: The final report must be submitted to the BC PNP within 550 to 610 days (~18 to 20 months) from the issuance date of the valid work visa.
  5. C. Work Permit Extensions Post-Arrival: In the event of work permit expiration within approximately 120 days (four months), applicants must contact [email protected] to request a work permit support letter. This facilitates the application for a work permit extension through IRCC. The BC PNP reserves the right to request evidence validating adherence to the signed performance agreement terms.
  6. Receiving a Nomination for Permanent Residence: Candidates fulfilling all requirements of the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Base Category proceed by submitting a specialized “Final Report” to the BC PNP. A subsequent review of performance by the province ascertains compliance with the performance agreement terms, culminating in a nomination for permanent residence for successful entrepreneurs.
  7. Applying for Permanent Residence: Following nomination, applicants may proceed to complete and submit a permanent residence application to IRCC. The confirmation of nomination remains valid for 180 days (~6 months). Submission of the permanent residence application must precede the expiry date stipulated on the confirmation of nomination. Additionally, common-law partners or spouses and dependent children of the applicant may concurrently apply for permanent resident status during this final phase.