Entrepreneur Immigration

Entrepreneur Immigration to British Columbia

Are you an entrepreneur eyeing British Columbia (BC) as your new business frontier? If so, you have several pathways available under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). Let's delve into the details of the Entrepreneur Immigration stream, which offers opportunities for international entrepreneurs to establish businesses in BC.

Entrepreneur Immigration Options

The Entrepreneur Immigration stream offers three distinct categories:

Entrepreneur Immigration - Base Category

This option targets senior managers or business owners intending to invest in a proposed business in BC. However, note that new registrations for this category have been temporarily suspended. The province is expected to announce a reopening date for this stream in early 2022.

Entrepreneur Immigration - Regional Pilot

Tailored for international entrepreneurs aiming to establish new businesses in small BC communities, this pilot program provides a pathway for entrepreneurial ventures in less populated areas.

Strategic Projects Category

Designed for foreign-controlled companies, this category allows for the establishment of operations in BC. Companies can nominate up to five key foreign managerial, professional, or technical staff members for permanent residence in the province.

Understanding the Process and Fees

Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to grasp the associated fees and processing times:

Entrepreneur Immigration Fees:

Registration: $300
Application: $3,500
Request for Review: $500

Strategic Projects Fees:

Registration: $300
Application: $3,500
Key Staff: $1,000 (per key staff)

Processing Times:

Registration score notification: Approximately 6 weeks from the date of registration submission
Application decision notification: Around 4 months from the date of application submission

Application Process

If you’re considering the Entrepreneur Immigration categories, here’s a breakdown of the application process:

Registration and Initial Concept Submission: Begin by completing your registration and providing a brief business concept through the BCPNP Online portal. Based on this information, you’ll receive a score, and eligible candidates will enter the qualified pool.
Invitation to Apply: Periodically, the highest-scoring candidates will receive invitations to apply. Once invited, you’ll have four months to submit a comprehensive application via BCPNP Online.
Financial Review: Upon application submission, a BC PNP-authorized accounting firm will review your personal net worth.
Work Permit and Business Establishment: Upon successful application, you’ll receive a two-year work permit to establish your business in BC. You’ll have up to 20 months to implement your business plan before seeking provincial nomination and applying for permanent residence.

For those interested in the Strategic Projects Category, eligibility hinges on the company’s suitability and that of its key staff. The process involves an exploratory visit to BC, followed by discussions with BC PNP regarding the business proposal and registration of the company’s interest to apply.

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Minimum Requirements

To qualify for Entrepreneur Immigration, Regional Pilot, or Strategic Projects, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Personal Net Worth: Ranging from CAD 300,000 to CAD 600,000, depending on the category.
Business Experience: Demonstrated through management or ownership roles.
Language Proficiency: Must meet English or French language requirements.
Investment: Ranging from CAD $200,000 to company expansion capacity, depending on the category.
Job Creation: Obligation to create employment opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents.

In summary, the Entrepreneur Immigration stream offers promising avenues for international entrepreneurs seeking to establish or expand their business footprint in British Columbia. Understanding the intricacies of each category and meeting the minimum requirements are crucial steps toward achieving entrepreneurial success in one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces.

Other British Columbia Immigration Programme

Skills Immigration

The Skills Immigration stream targets skilled workers with the qualifications and experience needed to fill high-demand positions in British Columbia. This pathway offers a route to permanent residency for individuals who can contribute to the province's workforce.

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Express Entry B.C

The Express Entry B.C stream aligns with the federal Express Entry system, providing a faster pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who meet the labor needs of British Columbia. Candidates in the federal Express Entry pool may be nominated by the province.

Know More

BC PNP Tech

The BC PNP Tech stream targets skilled workers in the technology sector. It offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for tech professionals who have a job offer in one of the province’s thriving tech companies.

Know More

Other Provincial Nominee Programs

Yukon

The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) is designed for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and individuals with specialized experience who wish to settle in Yukon. This program offers pathways for candidates with specific job offers and those with skills that align with the territory’s labor market needs.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and farmers who wish to live and work in Saskatchewan. The program has streams for both individuals with specific job offers and those with experience in high-demand occupations.

Prince Edward Island

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) offers immigration pathways for skilled workers, business owners, and international graduates. It provides opportunities to settle and contribute to the province’s economy while pursuing permanent residency.

Ontario

Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) is designed for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who wish to live and work in Ontario. The program offers several streams, including pathways for in-demand professionals and business owners.

Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP) targets skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates. The program offers multiple pathways to permanent residency, allowing applicants to settle and contribute to Nova Scotia’s growing economy.

Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) caters to skilled workers, business investors, and individuals who aim to build their future in the Northwest Territories. The program provides opportunities for applicants with job offers in key industries or those with entrepreneurial ambitions to contribute to the region’s economic growth.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP) supports skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs interested in contributing to the province’s economy. The program helps meet local labor market demands while offering a path to permanent residency.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) is for skilled workers and entrepreneurs who want to contribute to the province’s labor market. The program includes streams for skilled professionals, business owners, and those with ties to the province.

Manitoba

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers several immigration pathways for skilled workers, business owners, and international graduates who wish to live and work in Manitoba. Successful applicants can apply for permanent residency after meeting the program's criteria.

Alberta

Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (AINP) targets skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and entrepreneurs who wish to live and work in Alberta. The program offers pathways for individuals to apply for permanent residency while contributing to the province’s thriving economy.

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Entrepreneur Immigration