BC PNP Regional Pilot Program

Stage 1

1. Research & Preparation:

1. • Determining Eligibility: The first step is to carefully assess if you meet the eligibility criteria specified for the BC PNP Regional Pilot Program. This involves understanding the program’s requirements and ensuring alignment with your business aspirations.
   • Selecting a Participating Community: Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants need to choose a community that actively participates in the program. It’s crucial to select a community that resonates with your business idea and offers the potential for growth.
   • Conducting an Exploratory Visit: An exploratory visit to the chosen community is essential. During this visit, applicants engage with designated community representatives to discuss their business proposal. This interaction allows for a deeper understanding of the community’s economic needs and ensures that the proposed business aligns with local priorities.

1.A. Choose a Community and Identify Business Needs:

• Researching the selected community involves understanding its demographic profile, economic landscape, and development priorities. This information helps tailor the business proposal to address specific community needs effectively.
• Interacting with designated community contacts provides valuable insights into local business opportunities and challenges. It also facilitates the establishment of crucial connections within the community.

1.B. Important Resources:

• Accessing resources such as EI Regional Pilot Communities and regional profiles aids in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the economic dynamics of the chosen community.
• Familiarizing oneself with British Columbia’s industry sectors is vital for aligning the business concept with the province’s economic landscape and growth sectors.

1.C. Exploratory Visit:

• The exploratory visit serves as an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local environment and gather firsthand information about market conditions, labor availability, and support services.
• Presenting the business concept to designated community representatives allows applicants to showcase their vision and demonstrate how their proposed venture can contribute to the regional economy’s development.

1.D. Community Referral:

• Obtaining a referral from a participating community is a prerequisite for proceeding with the application. The referral signifies the community’s endorsement of the applicant’s business proposal and indicates a mutual interest in collaboration.
• Choosing the most suitable community requires careful consideration of factors such as industry alignment, economic potential, and community support mechanisms.

2. BC PNP Registration:

1. • Upon receiving a community referral, applicants initiate the registration process with the BC PNP. This involves providing detailed information about their personal background, entrepreneurial experience, and proposed business venture.
   • The registration form captures essential details such as work or business ownership experience, language proficiency, educational qualifications, net worth, and business plans.
   • Applicants undergo scoring based on the information provided, with higher-scoring individuals receiving invitations to apply for the program within a specified timeframe.
   • A non-refundable registration fee of $300 is payable at the time of submission, with a monthly cap on the number of registrations accepted.

2.A. Self-Declared Scoring (140 points):

• Self-declared scoring encompasses various criteria, including experience, net worth, investment, job creation potential, community population, regional preferences, and adaptability.
• Applicants can earn a maximum of 140 points based on their self-assessment in these areas.

2.B. Business Concept (60 points):

• The evaluation of the business concept focuses on factors such as commercial viability, transferability of skills, and the potential economic benefits to the community.
• Applicants can earn up to 60 points based on the strength and feasibility of their business proposal.

3. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA):

1. • Applicants with competitive scores may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the BC PNP. The ITA provides detailed instructions on how to proceed with the formal application process.
   • Upon receiving the ITA, applicants are given approximately four months to prepare and submit their complete application package.

4. Application:

1. • The final step involves the submission of the complete application package to the BC PNP for assessment. Depending on the complexity of the application, certain applicants may be required to attend an in-person interview in Vancouver.
   • If the application is approved, applicants are asked to sign a performance agreement outlining specific obligations they must fulfill to maintain their nomination status.

4.A. Net Worth Review:

• As part of the application, applicants must submit a report verifying their personal net worth, prepared by an authorized accounting firm approved by the BC PNP.

4.B. Processing Fee:

• Alongside the application submission, applicants are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee of $3,500 CAD for the immigration application processing.

4.C. Interview:

• Some applicants may be called for an in-person interview with the BC PNP to further discuss their business and work experience, as well as provide additional details on their business plan and immigration application.

4.D. Performance Agreement:

• Upon finalization and approval of the application, successful applicants may be asked to sign a performance agreement outlining the terms and conditions of their business operations.
• Following this agreement, applicants receive a confirmation letter enabling them to apply for a Canada work visa, valid for two years.