The Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Program in British Columbia (B.C.) offers pathways for international entrepreneurs to establish businesses that contribute to the province’s innovation and economic growth. This “temporary to permanent” program allows approved individuals to initially enter B.C. as temporary residents and, upon successfully establishing their business, apply for permanent residency.
BCPNP Streams for Entrepreneurs
- Base Stream: For entrepreneurs aiming to start a new business or purchase and enhance an existing one anywhere in B.C.
- Regional Stream: Designed for those interested in launching a new business in smaller B.C. communities.
- Strategic Projects: Allows foreign corporations to establish operations in B.C., bringing key staff members to manage the business.
Base Stream Eligibility
Personal Requirements
- Minimum personal net worth of CAD$600,000.
- Business and/or management experience; if lacking, a two-year post-secondary diploma is required.
- Basic proficiency in English or French (Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 or higher).
- Legal admission in your current country of residence.
- Eligibility for legal immigration status in Canada.
Business, Job, and Investment Requirements
- Establish a new eligible business or purchase and enhance an existing one.
- Make a personal investment of at least CAD$200,000.
- Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Fees
- Registration fee: CAD$300.
- Application fee: CAD$3,500.
Application Process
- Develop a Business Proposal: Craft a detailed plan aligning with your experience and B.C.’s economic needs.
- Register Your Proposal: Create a profile in BCPNP Online, submit your registration with a concise business concept, and pay the CAD$300 fee.
- Obtain a Work Permit: If invited, apply for a work permit to start your business in B.C.
- Establish Your Business: Implement your business plan within the agreed timeframe.
- Receive BC PNP Nomination: Upon meeting the terms, apply for provincial nomination.
- Apply for Permanent Residence: With the nomination, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residency.
Regional Stream Eligibility
This stream encourages entrepreneurs to start new businesses in smaller B.C. communities, promoting regional economic development.
Personal Requirements
- Personal net worth of at least CAD$300,000.
- Business and/or management experience.
- Eligible personal investment of at least CAD$100,000 in the business.
- Creation of at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum language proficiency of CLB 4.
Business Requirements
Establish a new business aligned with the referring community’s priorities.
Community Involvement
Participating communities identify priority business types and seek entrepreneurs with relevant experience. Each community has its own administrative process and may charge service fees. Contact details are provided in each community’s profile.
Exploratory Visit
Prospective candidates must visit the community to assess its suitability for their business and family. During this visit, you’ll meet with community representatives to discuss your proposal and learn about local support services.
Community Referral
After the visit, if both you and the community believe it’s a good fit, the community may provide a referral, allowing you to register and apply for the EI Regional Stream. The decision to issue a referral rests with the community.
Participating Communities
Communities across various B.C. regions participate in the EI Regional Stream. Examples include:
- Cariboo: Mackenzie, Quesnel.
- Kootenay: Castlegar & Central Kootenay (Areas I & J), Columbia Valley & East Kootenay, Kimberley, Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F), Rossland, Trail.
- Nechako: Bulkley-Nechako.
- Northeast: Fort St. John.
- Thompson-Okanagan: Penticton, Salmon Arm, Vernon.
- Vancouver Island/Coast: Campbell River, Comox, Mount Waddington.
Strategic Projects Stream
The Strategic Projects Stream is a program that allows foreign businesses to expand into British Columbia (B.C.). If a company sees a great business opportunity in B.C., it can set up operations and bring up to five key employees to manage and grow the business. These employees can later apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Personal Requirements
Employees and staff members must:
- Be current senior employees with expertise crucial to the business.
- Take on executive, senior managerial, or specialized knowledge roles.
- Work full-time in B.C. with fair industry-standard wages.
Company Requirements
To qualify, the company must:
- Be financially stable and well-established.
- Show readiness to invest and expand into B.C.
- Make a significant investment that benefits B.C.’s economy.
Who is NOT eligible?
- Individuals banned from entering Canada.
- Those unlawfully residing in their current country.
- People in Canada with expired or unauthorized status.
- Those with pending refugee claims or under a removal order.
Investment and Job Creation Requirements
- Invest at least CAD $500,000 in the business.
- Establish a new business or buy and expand an existing one.
- Create three full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each foreign employee brought in (up to 5 employees).
Businesses that Do Not Qualify
- Passive investments (e.g., buying property without developing it).
- Immigration-linked investment schemes.
- Home-based businesses, bed & breakfasts, or hobby farms.
- Payday loan businesses, pawn shops, or cash machine businesses.
- Tanning salons, DVD rental stores, laundromats, and car washes.
- Scrap metal recycling or businesses selling only used goods (unless adding value through repairs or refurbishing).
- Real estate, insurance, or business brokerage firms.
- Import/export businesses unless they add value to products.
Application Process for the Strategic Projects Stream
Step 1: Visit B.C.
A company executive should visit B.C. to explore business opportunities and understand the local market.
Step 2: Discuss the Business Plan
Before applying, the company must contact the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to discuss its business proposal.
Step 3: Register the Business Proposal
The company must submit a registration with:
- Company details
- Investment plan
- Proposed key staff qualifications
- CAD $300 fee
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply
If approved, the company gets 90 days to submit a full application. If not, it may reapply.
Step 5: Submit the Full Application
- A complete package includes all necessary forms and supporting documents.
- CAD $3,500 fee for the company
- CAD $1,000 fee per key staff member
- Key staff may need to attend an interview in Vancouver.
Step 6: Sign Performance Agreements
If approved, the company and key staff sign agreements outlining their responsibilities in B.C.
Step 7: Work Permit & Arrival in B.C.
- Each key staff member gets a work permit support letter (valid for 90 days) to apply for a work permit.
- Key staff must arrive in B.C. within 6 months of receiving their work permit letter.
- They must submit an arrival report within 60 days of arrival.
Step 8: Business Establishment & Nomination for PR
- The company must meet all commitments in its Performance Agreement.
- B.C. officials may visit the business to verify compliance.
- If everything is fulfilled, key staff members receive nomination for permanent residence.
Step 9: Apply for Permanent Residence
Each key staff member must apply for permanent residency within 180 days of nomination.
Are You Interested in One of BCPNP’s Entrepreneur Streams?
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Ella Bergquist
Hello! I am one of VisaPlace's many immigration news contributors. Comment below if you have any questions or comments about this article.
