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:

1

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.

2

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.

3

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Financial Review: Upon application submission, a BC PNP-authorized accounting firm will review your personal net worth.
  4. 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.