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BCPNP - British Columbia PNP - Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot (EIRP) Stream
One of the two PNP streams of British Columbia targeted at entrepreneurs with enough funds to invest in the province
Home > Permanent Residence > Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) > British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) > BCPNP - Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot (EIRP) Stream
The guide below takes a deep look into one of the streams of British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot (EIRP) stream. The guide will go through an overview of the stream, its eligibility requirements, how it works, the participating communities, the documentation needed, its cost and processing times.
Overview of the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot (EIRP) stream
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The Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot (EIRP) stream is one of two PNP streams in British Columbia that are dedicated to international entrepreneurs residing outside Canada who wish to invest their money in British Columbia.
When receiving a nomination under the EIRP stream, candidates can then apply for Permanent Residence to the federal government of Canada. |
This stream is not aligned with Express Entry, which means that candidates cannot take advantage of the 6-month average processing times of Express Entry. Processing times of Provincial Nominee Programs (not aligned with Express Entry) are usually longer and take at least 1 year.
The EIRP stream has minimum eligibility requirements, however, British Columbia does not send invitations to apply to every candidate that meets these minimum criteria. Each candidate, when entering the system, has a score (up to 200 points) that depends on multiple factors (explained in detail in the Eligibility Requirements section). In fact, the BCPNP conducts periodic EIRP draws, and each draw has its minimum threshold score, and all candidates with scores above or equal to that draw's threshold are invited to apply. More information is available in the Draw History section of this guide.
The EIRP stream has minimum eligibility requirements, however, British Columbia does not send invitations to apply to every candidate that meets these minimum criteria. Each candidate, when entering the system, has a score (up to 200 points) that depends on multiple factors (explained in detail in the Eligibility Requirements section). In fact, the BCPNP conducts periodic EIRP draws, and each draw has its minimum threshold score, and all candidates with scores above or equal to that draw's threshold are invited to apply. More information is available in the Draw History section of this guide.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible and ineligible businesses
To be eligible to the Immigration Entrepreneur Regional Pilot (EIRP) stream, the BCPNP will only consider registrations to establish a new business in a participating community that aligns with one of the economic development priorities identified by the community. The proposed business must be operated for the primary purpose of earning profits by providing products and/or services. Additionally, the business must have strong potential for sustained commercial success.
The BCPNP will not consider a business proposal for a seasonal business unless you can demonstrate that you will be present in British Columbia and will perform an active management role on a year-round basis..
Franchises may be considered as eligible businesses if you can demonstrate that the proposed franchise is well-established. If you are invited to apply, your application must include evidence that you have received support from the franchisor to set up a new franchise location.
If you are proposing to establish a new farm/agricultural business, your business plan should be based on or cover the issues described in the document "Taking Stock: A Farm Business Planning Workbook For The Beginning Farmer". The business plan must demonstrate that you have thoroughly researched the feasibility of your farming operation and have established contact with relevant local stakeholders who can provide support to your enterprise.
Some types of businesses are not eligible for the EIRP stream:
- An immigration-linked investment scheme pursuant to Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation section 6(e) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) section 87(5)(b) and as defined in IRPR 87(9).
- Any business where the terms of investment include a redemption option pursuant to IRPR 87(6)(d).
- Any business that may be a passive investment pursuant to IRPR 87(6)(c).
- Bed and breakfasts, hobby farms and home-based businesses.
- Payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machine businesses.
- Pawnbrokers.
- Tanning salons.
- DVD rental stores.
- Coin-operated laundries.
- Automated car wash operations.
- Scrap metal recycling.
- Businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs, refurbishing or recycling).
- Real estate development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage.
- Businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services.
- Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BCPNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.
Co-Registrant and Key Personnel
You may associate with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident businessman, but under the EIRP stream, you are not allowed to associate with a foreign businessman (Co-registrant).
You will not be able to bring with you Key Personnel to help you with the creation of the company.
Participating communities and priority sectors
Under this EIRP stream, you are eligible only if your investment is done in one of the participating communities (listed below) and that aligns with one of the economic development priorities (listed below) of the community. You must make an exploratory visit in the selected community, meet with a designated community contact person, and obtain a referral from them before registering online to enter the pool of applicants. The referral is valid for 90 days.
List of Participating Communities & Key Sectors
With the search bar in this link, you can use the NAICS codes below to find out the corresponding priority sectors and their descriptions.
Last update : September 14, 2023
Last update : September 14, 2023
| Development region | Community | Status | Population | Priority sectors (NAICS codes) |
Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 100 Mile House | Open | 1,980 | 311 - Food manufacturing 312140 - Distilleries 321999 - All other miscellaneous wood product manufacturing 339 - Miscellaneous manufacturing 5413 - Architectural, engineering and related services |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Cariboo | Mackenzie | Open | 3,880 | 722 – Food services and drinking places 1151 – Support activities for crop production 1153 - Support activities for forestry 2131 - Support activities for mining, and oil and gas extraction 3121 – Beverage manufacturing 4931- Warehousing and storage 5322 – Consumer goods rental 5411 – Legal services 6116 – Other schools and instruction 7139 – Other amusement and recreation industries 7211 - Traveller accommodation 7212 – Recreational vehicle (RV) parks and recreational camps |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Cariboo | Prince George | Paused | 82,290 | 32199 - All other wood product manufacturing 337121 - Upholstered household furniture manufacturing 337123 - Other wood household furniture manufacturing 493110 General Warehousing 531120 Lessors of non-residential buidings (except mini-warehouses) |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Cariboo | Quesnel | Open | 10,356 | 115 - Support activities for agriculture and forestry 238 - Specialty trade contractors 311 – Food manufacturing 321 - Wood product manufacturing 339 - Miscellaneous manufacturing 541 - Professional, scientific and technical services 611 - Educational services 621 - Ambulatory health care services |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Cariboo | Williams Lake | Paused | 11,559 | 561- Administrative and support services 611- Educational services 722 - Food services and drinking places |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Kootenay | Castlegar & Central Kootenay (Areas I & J) | Open | 14,713 | 321 - Wood product manufacturing 444 - Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers 451 - Sporting goods, hobby, book, and music retailers 453 - Miscellaneous manufacturing 455 - General merchandise retailers 541 - Professional, scientific and technical services 713 - Amusement, gambling and recreation industries 722 - Food services and drinking places 44921 – Electronics and appliances retailers 45811 – Clothing and clothing accessories retailers |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Kootenay | Columbia Valley & East Kootenay | Open | 9,482 | 1112 Vegetable and melon farming 3116 Meat product manufacturing 5416 Management, scientific and technical consulting services 7211 Traveller accommodation |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Kootenay | Cranbrook | Paused | 21,502 | 451 - Sporting goods, hobby, book, and music retailers 454 - Non-store retailers 713 - Amusement, gambling and recreation industries 722 - Food services and drinking places 4452 - Specialty food retailers 5415 - Computer systems design and related services 6216 - Home health care services 45811 – Clothing and clothing accessories retailers |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Kootenay | Kimberley | Open | 7425 | 3399 - Other miscellaneous manufacturing 6116 - Other schools and instruction 6117 - Educational support services 7139 - Other amusement and recreation industries |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Kootenay | Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F) | Open | 11,557 | 3399 - Other miscellaneous manufacturing 6116 - Other schools and instruction 6117 - Educational support services 7139 - Other amusement and recreation industries |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Kootenay | Rossland | Open | 4,096 | 2361 - Residential building construction 2362 - Non-residential building construction 3219 - Other wood product manufacturing 3329 - Other fabricated metal product manufacturing 5182 - Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting, and related services 5191 - Other information services 7211 - Traveller accommodation 7223 - Special food services 7224 - Drinking places (alcoholic beverages) 7225 - Full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Kootenay | Trail | Open | 8,250 | 2361 - Residential building construction 2362 - Non-residential building construction 3313 - Alumina and aluminum production and processing 3314 - Non-ferrous metal (except aluminum) production and processing 3315 - Foundries 4181 - Recyclable material merchant wholesalers 5182 - Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting, and related services 5191 - Other information services |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Kootenay | West Boundary (Area E) | Open | 2,155 | 5615 - Travel arrangement and reservation services 7139 - Other amusement and recreation industries 31199 - All other food manufacturing 32199 - All other wood product manufacturing 54171 Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Lower Mainland/Southwest | Lillooet | Open | 2,302 | 111 - Crop production 722 - Food services and drinking places 4452 - Specialty food retailers 4561 - Health and personal care retailers 5418 - Advertising, public relations, and related services 6216 - Home health care services 6241 - Individual and family services 8121 - Personal care services |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| North Coast | Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (Areas B, C, E) | Open | 37,367 | 111 - Crop production 7212 - Recreational vehicle (RV) parks and recreational camps 6244 - Child day-care services 6115 - Technical and trade schools |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| North Coast | Terrace | Open | 12,817 | 321 - Wood product manufacturing 2131 - Support activities for mining, and oil and gas extraction 3123 - Cannabis product manufacturing |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Northeast | Fort St. John | Open | 22,283 | 722 - Food services and drinking places 4593 - Florists 4594 - Office supplies, stationery and gift retailers 458210 – Shoe retailers 459210 - Book retailers and news dealers |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Northeast | Tumbler Ridge | Paused | 2,400 | 7211 - Traveller accommodation 8121 - Personal care services 45911 - Sporting goods retailers 541940 - Veterinary services 621310 - Offices of chiropractors 621210 - Offices of dentists 624410 - Child day-care services 722511 - Full-service restaurants 722512 - Limited-service eating places |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Thompson-Okanagan | Chase | Open | 2,300 | 455 – General merchandise retailers 7225 - Full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places 45811 - Clothing and clothing accessories retailers 721113 - Resorts |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Thompson-Okanagan | Clinton | Paused | 654 | 4591 - Sporting goods, hobby and musical instrument retailers 44611 - Pharmacies and drug stores 7225 - Full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Thompson-Okanagan | Penticton | Paused | 45,792 | 311 - Food manufacturing 512 - Motion picture and sound recording industries 5411 – Legal Services 5412- Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services 5413 - Architectural, engineering and related services 5414 - Specialized design services 5416 - Management, scientific and technical consulting services 5417 - Scientific research and development services 5418 – Advertising, public relations and related services 5419 – Other professional, scientific and technical services |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Thompson-Okanagan | Salmon Arm | Open | 19,296 | 311 - Food manufacturing 333 - Machinery manufacturing 5415 - Computer systems design and related services 5416 - Management, scientific and technical consulting services 71399 - Other amusement and recreation industries |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Thompson-Okanagan | Vernon | Open | 44,171 | 2361 –Residential building construction 2362 – Non-residential building construction 3112 - Grain and oilseed milling 3114 - Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food manufacturing 3118 - Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing 4591 - Sporting goods, hobby and musical instrument retailers 7225 - Full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places 45811 - Clothing and clothing accessories retailers 449110 – Furniture retailers |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | Campbell River | Open | 36,167 | 3119 - Other food manufacturing 3212 - Veneer, plywood and engineered wood product manufacturing 5417 - Scientific research and development services 7225 - Full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | Comox | Open | 13,812 | 3113 - Sugar and confectionery product manufacturing 3114 - Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food manufacturing 3364 - Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 5414 - Specialized design services 5415 - Computer systems design and related services 5417 - Scientific research and development services 7211 - Traveller accommodation |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | Mount Waddington | Open | 11,035 | 238 - Specialty trade contractors 487 - Scenic and sightseeing transportation 512 - Motion picture and sound recording industries 711 - Performing arts, spectator sports and related industries 2361 - Residential building construction 7139 - Other amusement and recreation industries |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | Port Alberni | Open | 19,060 | 2389 - Other specialty trade contractors 3117 - Seafood product preparation and packaging 3119 - Other food manufacturing 3121 - Beverage manufacturing 5415 - Computer systems design and related services 5417 - Scientific research and development services 5617 - Services to buildings and dwellings 51913 - Internet broadcasting, and web search portals 7225 - Full-service restaurants and limited-services eating places |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | Powell River | Open | 13,865 | 311 - Food manufacturing 541 - Professional, scientific and technical services 721113 - Resorts |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
| Nechako | Bulkley-Nechako | Open | 39,713 | 111 - Crop production (Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G) 112 - Animal production and aquaculture (Areas A, B, C, D, E, G) 1131 - Timber tract operations (Areas C, D, G) 1132 - Forest nurseries and gathering of forest products (Areas C, D, G) 1133 - Logging (Areas C, D, G) 1151 - Support activities for crop production (Areas A, E) 1152 - Support activities for animal production (Areas A,E) 1153 - Support activities for forestry (Areas A, E) 3211 - Sawmills and wood preservation (Areas B, C, D, E, F, G) 3212 - Veneer, plywood and engineered wood product manufacturing (Areas B, C, D, E, F, G) 3219 - Other wood product manufacturing (Areas B, C, D, E, F, G) 3391 - Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing (Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G) 3399 - Other miscellaneous manufacturing (Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G) 7139 - Other amusement and recreation industries (Area B) 7211 - Traveller accommodation (Area A) 7212 - Recreational vehicle (RV) parks and recreational camps (Area A) 7213 - Rooming and boarding houses (Area A) |
E-mail Contact | Community Website | Trade and Invest Website |
Registration score and minimum eligibility requirements
You need to score at least 105 points to qualify. However, as said earlier, meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not necessarily mean that you will receive an invitation to apply from the BCPNP. Each draw has a minimum threshold score, and you need to have a score above or equal to the threshold to receive an invitation to apply.
There are 2 categories under which you can score points and each category has sub-categories that are explained in detail below. Remember that for each factor you will be claiming points for, you will have to provide supporting documents to prove you satisfy to the criteria of the factor.
| Category | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| A. Self-Declared | 140 |
| 1. Experience & Ownership | 24 |
| 2. Net Worth | 6 |
| 3. Total Personal Investment | 10 |
| 4. Jobs | 15 |
| 5. Community Population | 6 |
| 6. BC's Regions | 12 |
| 7. Adaptability | 67 |
| B. Business Concept | 60 |
| 1. Commercial Viability | 30 |
| 2. Transferability of Skills | 15 |
| 3. Economic Benefits | 15 |
| Total (A) + (B) | 200 |
A. Self-Declared
A.1. Experience & Ownership (Max 24 points)
The number of points is based either on your (i) Business owner-manager experience OR (ii) Senior manager work experience in the last 5 years. You can claim up to 24 points for this sub-category.
You need to score at least 8 points to meet the minimum requirements of this section. You cannot of course claim points for both (i) and (ii) in the same period of time. You also cannot claim points for Senior manager work experience in a business in which you held more than 10% of ownership.
| A.1. Experience & Ownership | Duration | Points |
|---|---|---|
| (i) Business owner-manager experience | Less than 12 months | 0 |
| 12 to 24 months | 7 | |
| 25 to 36 months | 12 | |
| 37 to 48 months | 16 | |
| 49 to 59 months | 19 | |
| 60 months or more | 22 | |
| (ii) Senior manager work experience | Less than 24 months | 0 |
| 25 to 48 months | 4 | |
| 49 to 59 months | 8 | |
| 60 months or more | 12 | |
| Maximum Points | 22 |
In addition, you can claim an additional 2 points if you have owned 100% of a business for at least 3 of the most recent 5 years. The 100% ownership can be shared between you, your spouse or common-law partner, and/or your dependent child(ren).
Senior management work experience (i) entails supervising at least three full-time employees, and (ii) is of NOC TEER Category 0 or 1.
A.2. Net Worth (Max 6 points)
You may claim points based on your total personal net worth, which includes that of your spouse or common-law partner, and/or your dependent children, if applicable.
You need to score at least 2 points to meet the minimum requirements of this sub-category. The maximum number of points for this sub-category is 6 points.
| A.2. Net Worth | Amount | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Total current assets (cash and liquid funds) | Less than 10,000 CAD | 0 |
| 10,000 to 49,999 CAD | 1 | |
| 50,000 to 199,999 CAD | 2 | |
| More than 200,000 CAD | 3 | |
| Total personal net worth (other assets minus liabilities) | Less than 300,000 CAD | 0 |
| 300,000 to 999,999 CAD | 2 | |
| More than 1,000,000 CAD | 3 | |
| Maximum Points | 6 |
If invited, you must submit a verification report of your personal net worth from a BCPNP-authorized accounting firm (the list of firms will be provided when invited to applied) to verify your total personal net worth and accumulation of funds before you submit an application to the BCPNP.
A.3. Total Personal Investment (Max 10 points)
You may claim points based on the proposed amount of total personal investment in the province.
You need to score at least 6 points to meet the minimum requirements of this sub-category. The maximum number of points for this sub-category is 10 points.
| A.3. Total Personal Investment | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 100,000 CAD | 0 |
| 100,000 to 349,999 CAD | 6 |
| 350,000 to 599,999 CAD | 8 |
| 600,000 CAD or more | 10 |
The minimum eligible personal investment must come from your personal funds and you are required to provide documentation that shows the source of your personal investment and prove that it was drawn from your personal funds.
A.4. Jobs Created (Max 15 points)
You may claim points based on the number of permanent full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs created for Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada in the proposed business within 365 days (12 months) of your arrival date.
An FTE job means a position of at least 30 hours per week on average and 1,560 hours per year, worked by one or more employees under continuous employment. Any shareholder with 10% ownership or more of the business will not be considered as part of your job creation requirement. FTEs must work at the primary place of business and not remotely.
You need to score at least 10 points to meet the minimum requirements of this sub-category, meaning the creation of 1 full-time equivalent job. The maximum number of points for this sub-category is 15 points.
A.4. Jobs Created (Max 15 points)
You may claim points based on the number of permanent full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs created for Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada in the proposed business within 365 days (12 months) of your arrival date.
An FTE job means a position of at least 30 hours per week on average and 1,560 hours per year, worked by one or more employees under continuous employment. Any shareholder with 10% ownership or more of the business will not be considered as part of your job creation requirement. FTEs must work at the primary place of business and not remotely.
You need to score at least 10 points to meet the minimum requirements of this sub-category, meaning the creation of 1 full-time equivalent job. The maximum number of points for this sub-category is 15 points.
| A.4. Jobs Created | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 job | 0 |
| 1 job | 10 |
| 2 to 4 jobs | 11 |
| 5 to 7 jobs | 13 |
| 8 jobs or more | 15 |
A.5. Community Population (Max 6 points)
You can claim up to 6 points depending on the location's population of your business venture.
There is no minimum required score for this sub-category.
| A.5. Community Population | Points |
|---|---|
| 40,000 to 75,000 | 1 |
| 20,000 to 39,999 | 2 |
| 15,000 to 19,999 | 3 |
| 10,000 to 14,999 | 4 |
| 5,000 to 9,999 | 5 |
| Less than 5,000 | 6 |
A.6. BC's Regions (Max 12 Points)
The BCPNP will assign a maximum of 12 additional points for the location of the proposed business based on BC’s development regions. There is no minimum requirement for this sub-category.
| A.6. BC' Regions | Points |
|---|---|
| Lower Mainland/Southwest Fraser Valley Greater Vancouver Squamish-Lillooet Sunshine Coast | 1 |
| Vancouver Island and Coast Alberni-Clayoquot Capital Central Coast Comox Valley Cowichan Valley Mount Waddington Nanaimo Powell River Strathcona | 2 |
| Thompson-Okanagan Central Okanagan Columbia-Shuswap North Okanagan Okanagan-Similkameen Thompson-Nicola | 6 |
| Cariboo Cariboo Fraser-Fort George Kootenay Central Kootenay East Kootenay Kootenay Boundary | 10 |
| Nechako Bulkley-Nechako North Coast Kitimat-Stikine Skeena-Queen Charlotte Northeast Northern Rockies Peace River | 12 |
A.7. Adaptability Factors (Max 32 points)
You can claim points based on five adaptability factors. Remember that to be able to claim any point, you need to provide the supporting documentation to back your claims up. There are 5 factors that can total to a maximum of 32 points:
- (i) Language Proficiency: you need take an IRCC-approved test in French or English to know what your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score is to claim the corresponding points. You must score at least 5 points (equivalent to CLB4 in each of the 4 language competencies) to meet the minimum requirement for this factor.
- (ii) Education Level: if your degree/diploma/certificate is not from Canada, you may be required to have it assessed by an IRCC-approved Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Language training such as English as a second language will not be considered towards meeting the post-secondary requirement. Also, if your score is 0, you are not eligible unless you have at least three years of active management experience of a business that you had 100% ownership in the last five years.
- (iii) Age: there is no age requirements or age limits. However, your age will be assigned points.
- (iv) Canadian Experience: you can earn points if you have previously worked or studied in Canada under a valid work or study permit for at least 12 consecutive months in the last 10 years.
- (v) Family in the Community: you can earn points if you have an immediate family member who lives in the community in which you intend to establish your business, and who has been living in the community for at least 12 months prior to your registration. Immediate family members include your spouse or common-law partner, mother, father, sister(s), brother(s), child(ren), mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister(s)-in-law, and brother(s)-in-law.
| A.7. Adaptability Factors | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| (i) Language Proficiency | CLB3 and below | 0 |
| CLB4 | 5 | |
| CLB5 | 10 | |
| CLB6 | 15 | |
| CLB7 and above | 23 | |
| (ii) Education Level | Secondary (high) school diploma or less | 0 |
| Associate degree | 6 | |
| Diploma / certificate (non-trades) | 6 | |
| Diploma / certificate (trades) | 6 | |
| Bachelor’s degree | 14 | |
| Post-graduate diploma/certificate | 14 | |
| Master’s degree | 16 | |
| Doctorate/PhD | 16 | |
| (iii) Age | Less than 25 years old | 2 |
| 25 to 29 years old | 8 | |
| 30 to 44 years old | 16 | |
| 45 to 54 years old | 10 | |
| 55 to 64 years old | 4 | |
| More than 65 years old | 0 | |
| (iv) Canadian work experience, business experience, or studies from within Canada | Less than 12 months | 0 |
| 12 to 24 months | 4 | |
| More than 24 months | 8 | |
| (v) Immediate family member living in the community for at least 12 months | No | 0 |
| Yes | 4 | |
| Maximum Points | 67 |
B. Business concept
There is no minimum score requirement in this category to be eligible to receive an invitation to apply.
Your business concept will be scored on the following factors:
| B. Business Concept Sub-categories | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| B.1. Commercial viability | 30 |
| (i) Business model | 12 |
| (ii) Market and products/services | 4 |
| (iii) Eligible personal investment | 4 |
| (iv) Assessment of proposed personal investment | 8 |
| (v) Ownership percentage | 2 |
| B.2. Transferability of skills | 15 |
| (i) Business owner-manager experience only | 15 |
| (ii) Senior manager work experience only | 10 |
| B.3. Economic benefits | 15 |
| (i) Significant economic benefits | 5 |
| (ii) Jobs assessment | 10 |
| Total B.1 + B.2 + B.3 | 60 |
B.1. Commercial Viability (Max 30 points)
There are six factors in which you can claim points : (i) Business model, (ii) Market and products/services, (iii) Eligible personal investment, (iv) Assessment of proposed personal investment, and (v) Ownership percentage.
B.1.(i). Business Model (Max 12 points)
You must describe how your proposed business will generate revenue and profit, and how the business will be viable and have the potential for sustained commercial success under your management. You can claim up to 12 points.
| B.1.(i). Business Model | Points |
|---|---|
| Unsatisfactory/Unclear | 1 |
| Fair/Good | 8 |
| Excellent | 12 |
An unsatisfactory/unclear business model will be determined if any of the following are identified:
- The business model does not clearly identify and/or describe the business operation from start to finish.
- The business model does not clearly identify the products and/or services being offered o proposed scale of business is not consistent with industry/regional norms.
- The business concept does not provide details of applicant’s proposed role.
- The business concept does not provide substantive information on local business partner and/or co-applicant and/or key staff (if applicable).
- The proposed key staff is ineligible and/or the co-registrants do not demonstrate a prior working/business relationship.
- If purchase of existing business: the proposed expansion plan does not effectively address a plan to upgrade/improve or expand the existing business, or is ineligible.
- If purchase of existing business: the proposed expansion plan relies primarily upon unsubstantiated investment.
A fair/good business model will be determined if all of the following are met:
- The business model is clearly identified and describes the business operation from start to finish.
- The business model clearly identifies the products and/or services being offered.
- The proposed scale of business is consistent with industry/regional norms.
- The business concept provides substantive information on local business partner and/or coapplicant and/or key staff (if applicable).
An excellent business model will be determined if, in addition to core requirements for fair/good, the business concept also meets at least 3 of the following factors:
- The proposed investment and jobs plan are consistent with the business model (must score 6 points for assessment of investment and score 6 points for jobs assessment).
- The business model identifies a clear strategy to become commercially viable.
- The business model’s operational plan is internally consistent.
- The applicant’s proposed duties with the business are consistent with applicant’s experience.
B.1.(ii). Market and products/services (Max 4 points)
You must provide an effective market entry strategy to show how your proposed business will be successful in British Columbia. If you are planning to purchase an existing business, you must be able to demonstrate how the business will grow and expand under your management. You can claim up to 4 points.
| B.1.(ii). Market and products/services | Points |
|---|---|
| Does not satisfactorily address any of the Market/Product factors | 1 |
| Addresses at least one of the Market/Product factors, and is consistent with Business Model | 4 |
Scoring will be based on whether the registrant demonstrates at least 1 of 4 critical factors, which are consistent with the business model:
- Competitive edge: the product/service offers distinction from its potential competitors. If local competitors offer the same or similar product/service, then it does not offer substantive distinction.
- High-value: the proposed product/service will be a specialized product/service that is differentiated from generic, mid to low-value products/services.
- New product/service: the product/service is “new to the market” or “new to the world”. The business concept should demonstrate that the product/service is not locally available.
- Competitive analysis/market entry strategy: the business concept provides a competitive analysis that identifies current/potential competitors, how to make the product/service unique or distinguishable, how to attract the target market, strengths and weaknesses of current and potential competitors, and how the proposed business’s competitive advantage will effectively enter the market.
B.1.(iii). Eligible personal investment (Max 4 point)
You will receive points for your proposed eligible personal investment based on the following table. You can claim up to 4 points.
You must score at least 1 point to meet the minimum requirement for this section.
| B.1.(iii). Eligible personal investment | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 100,000 CAD | 0 |
| 100,000 to 299,999 CAD | 1 |
| 300,000 to 499,999 CAD | 2 |
| 500,000 to 799,999 CAD | 3 |
| 800,000 CAD or more | 4 |
B.1.(iv). Assessment of proposed personal investment (Max 8 points)
The BCPNP will assess your proposed investments and assign you a score in your business concept based on whether the expenditure is deemed essential to establish and operate a new business or to purchase, improve and operate an existing business. Your proposed personal investment will also be considered against the type and scope of the proposed business, the market, the products/services, the business model, and the industry and/or local standards.
You can claim up to 8 points.
| B.1.(iv). Assessment of proposed personal investment | Points |
|---|---|
| Unsubstantiated | 0 |
| Substantiated | 5 |
| Well-substantiated and researched | 8 |
The assessment of proposed personal investment is based on the following criteria:
- Unsubstantiated: the proposed investments are not substantiated, or appear overstated and/or unreasonable based on the type and scale of the business (and expansion plan, if applicable).
- Substantiated: the investment appears to correspond to the type and scale of the business given the information provided.
- Well-substantiated and researched: the proposed investments are detailed and substantiated in the business concept demonstrating that the registrant has conducted a significant amount of due diligence. The investment appears to correspond to the type and scale of the business as well as the market, the proposed products and/or services, the business model, and the industry standard.
B.1.(v). Ownership percentage (Max 2 points)
You must demonstrate you will own at 51% of the business, which means scoring at least 1 point.
You can claim up to 2 points for this factor.
| B.1.(v). Ownership percentage | Points |
|---|---|
| 100% ownership | 2 |
| Between 51% and 99,99% ownership | 1 |
| Less than 51% | 0 |
B.2. Transferability of skills (Max 15 points)
There are 2 factors in which you can claim points : (i) Business owner-manager experience only, (ii) Senior manager work experience only. You can claim a maximum of 15 points in this sub-category.
You will receive points based on your direct experience and/or experience in related industries for the last 5 years.
- Direct experience is defined as experience gained in the same industry and sector corresponding to the first four digits of the proposed business' NAICS code.
- Related experience is defined as experience gained in a similar industry operating in the same economic subsector, as defined by the first three digits of the proposed business' NAICS code.
If you have both (i) business owner-manager experience and (ii) senior manager work experience, points will be assigned for the most relevant experience that is not duplicated in time.
B.2.(i). Business owner-manager experience only (Max 15 points)
You can claim points based on how many years as an active owner-manager in a similar business from the last 5 years based on the proposed business' NAICS. You can claim up to 15 points for this factor.
| B.2.(i). Business owner-manager experience only | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 0 |
| 12 to 35 months of related experience | 2 |
| 12 to 35 months of direct experience | 5 |
| 36 to 59 months of related experience | 6 |
| 36 to 59 months of direct experience | 10 |
| 60 months of related experience | 12 |
| 60 months of direct experience | 15 |
B.2.(ii). Senior manager work experience only (Max 10 points)
You can claim points based on how many years as a senior manager experience (with no or less than 10% ownership) in a similar business from the last 5 years based on the proposed business' NAICS. You can claim up to 10 points for this factor.
| B.2.(ii). Senior manager work experience only | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 0 |
| 12 to 35 months of related experience | 1 |
| 12 to 35 months of direct experience | 4 |
| 36 to 59 months of related experience | 5 |
| 36 to 59 months of direct experience | 6 |
| 60 months of related experience | 8 |
| 60 months of direct experience | 10 |
B.3. Economic Benefits (Max 15 points)
You will receive points based on the potential to add economic benefits to British Columbia. The BCPNP will review your registration and assign points for the following factors used to demonstrate the economic benefits of the proposed business in BC. You can gain up to 15 points in this sub-category.
B.3.(i). Significant economic benefits (Max 5 points)
You may claim up to 5 additional points if your proposed business presents significant economic benefits.
Significant economic benefits that the proposed business may demonstrate:
- Adopting new technology: the new technology must not already be in regular use in similar businesses.
- Developing new products & services.
- Developing innovative approaches to traditional businesses: innovative approaches are considered high-value (technology-based) and not already in regular use by similar businesses.
- Increasing exports: primary businesses that will/may increase exports. This does not include businesses that facilitate exports/trade such as trading companies or agencies.
- Increasing research and development, and technology commercialization.
- Indigenous Peoples and First Nations: partnering with or receiving support from First Nations communities for businesses that affect the First Nation community, and/or largely benefit First Nations communities and/or Indigenous peoples.
- Providing products or services to an under-served local or regional market.
- Transferring technology and specialized knowledge to BC: facilitates and/or supports the high technology industry, and/or provides opportunities to develop technology products/services in BC.
| B.3.(i). Significant economic benefits | Points |
|---|---|
| Does not identify or substantiate any significant economic benefits | 0 |
| Substantiates at least 1 significant economic benefit | 5 |
B.3.(ii). Jobs Assessment (Max 10 points)
The BCPNP will assess your jobs plan based on the type and scope of the proposed business, the market, the proposed products and/or services, the business model, and the industry standard.
You must score at least 1 point in this factor to be eligible to apply to the stream. You can claim up to 10 points in this factor.
| B.3.(ii). Jobs Assessment | Points |
|---|---|
| The business concept does not support the creation of at least 1 FTE position | 0 |
| Jobs plan does not correspond to the type and scale of the business | 1 |
| Jobs plan corresponds to the type and scale of the business | 10 |
Application Process Summary
For a better understanding of the process, below is a list of the steps involved in obtaining Permanent Residence through the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot stream. Obtaining the provincial nomination is a two-step process:
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 1:
- The candidate must make an exploratory visit in the chosen community, meet with a designated community contact person, and obtain a referral from them (which is valid for 90 days).
- The candidate must create a profile and submit an online registration to the BCPNP. This allows them to be included in the pool of candidates and be assigned a score out of 200 based on their specific factors. This step requires paying registration fees.
- If selected by the BCPNP (see Draw History section for more information), the candidate must apply online within 120 days, meaning filling in forms, uploading supporting documentation (including the verification report of the candidate's net worth), and paying required application fees.
- During the processing of the application, the candidate might need to attend an in-person interview in BCPNP's offices in Vancouver.
- If the processing of the candidate's application is successful, they must sign a Performance Agreement whereby they commit to achieving their intended investment. The agreement usually contains (but is not limited to) (i) the type of business and its location, (ii) the eligible investment amounts, (iii) the number and type of positions to be created for Canadians or permanent residents, (iv) the active management requirements, (v) the residency requirements, and (vi) the timeframes within which to meet these requirements.
Step 2:
- The BCPNP will issue the candidate a letter of confirmation to apply for a Temporary Work Permit to the federal government (IRCC). The candidate must arrive in BC with their valid work permit within 365 days (12 months) from the date on the letter of confirmation.
- The candidate has 60 days from arriving in BC or from the date the Performance Agreement was signed, whichever is later, to submit an Arrival Report to the BCPNP.
- The candidate has 610 days (around 20 months) from arriving in BC to establish the business.
- The candidate has between 366 to 610 days (around 12 to 20 months) from the issuance date of the valid work permit to submit their Final Report. The candidate must be physically present in Canada when the final report is submitted, and must commit to remain in Canada until a nomination decision is rendered.
- If the candidate satisfies to all the requirements, they will be issued a provincial nomination. They must demonstrate that they:
- are actively managing the business (i.e., be accountable for the day-to-day operations of the business) in BC and not working for another business,
- reside within the boundaries of the community,
- have been physically present in BC for at least 75% of the time that they were on a work permit, and
- have complied with any other terms of the Performance Agreement.
- Apply for permanent residence to IRCC within 6 months of receiving the nomination. The candidate needs to apply on paper to IRCC, and include the Confirmation of Nomination received from the BCPNP.
Required Supporting Documents
After receiving your invitation to apply through your online profile, you will have 4 months to submit a full application to the BCPNP, including supporting documentation. Specific requirements for documents are explained in detail here.
Application Fees
The fees for this stream is quite expensive, one of the most expensive in all other Provincial Nominee Programs. It is set at
- 300 CAD for the registration, and
- 3,500 CAD for the application processing.
Processing Times
As of November 16, 2022, the following are the processing times for the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot stream:
- For the online registration phase, it takes around 6 weeks for the BCPNP to issue the candidate a score out of 200.
- For the application decision at Work Permit stage, it takes around 4 months for the BCPNP to process the application from the date the application completeness is confirmed.
- For the application decision at the Final Report stage, it takes around 4 months for the BCPNP to process the application from the date the Final Report completeness is confirmed.
Draw History
You can check out our awesome Live PNP Monitor to see the latest news and draw history on the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot stream, as well as for all the other PNP streams.
Do I have to stay in the Province?
This is a tricky question and there are multiple situations that can happen. You can learn more about this subject on our dedicated article: Can I move to another province?
