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BCPNP - British Columbia PNP - Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) 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 (EI) Stream
The guide below takes a deep look into one of the streams of British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) stream. The guide will go through an overview of the stream, its eligibility requirements, how it works, the documentation needed, its cost and processing times.
Overview of the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) stream
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The Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) 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 EI 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 EI 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 EI 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 EI 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 EI 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 (EI) stream, the BCPNP will only consider registrations to establish a new business or purchase and improve/expand an existing business that contributes to the economic growth of the province. 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.
In addition to the general requirements above, if purchasing an existing business, you must indicate the specific target business or local partner in your registration, and the business must have been operated by the current owner for at least five years.
For partnerships, you must identify partners and their percent ownership in your registration (total ownership must add up to 100%).
The BCPNP will not consider a business proposal for a seasonal business unless the proposed business operates for at least eight months per year.
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 purchase and operate a franchise location. If you are proposing to establish a new franchise location or purchase an existing franchise, ensure that you obtain a disclosure document from the franchisor before you make a decision to invest. The BCPNP will only consider the purchase of an existing franchise location as an eligible business if it includes an expansion/improvement plan that is consistent with franchisor requirements.
If you are proposing to establish a new farm/agricultural business or purchase an existing farm/agricultural business, you must provide copies of the following documents at the time of application: (i) the filled Taking Stock: A Farm Business Planning Workbook For The Beginning Farmer document, and (ii) a feasibility statement showing how the proposed business makes economic sense, prepared by a Qualified Business Consultant.
Some types of businesses are not eligible for the EI 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 brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage.
- Real estate development activities.
- Goods trading businesses (e.g. import/export), unless value-added is demonstrated.
- 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.
For regulated industries, it is unlikely that the BCPNP will approve an application if it does not properly address the regulatory requirements of doing business in the proposed industry.
Co-registrants
You may partner with a foreign national businessperson, a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident businessperson. Under the Immigration Entrepreneur Stream, only one foreign co-registrant is allowed, and they must also meet all the minimum requirements, as they also need to separately submit a registration, get invited, apply to the stream and pay the fees.
The second co-registrant must submit their online registration within 30 days of the first co-registrant submitting their registration. The registration scores of co-registrants will be adjusted to match the lowest scoring co-registrant, so that they can be invited in the same draw.
Key staff applicant
You can no longer be able to bring with you Key Personnel to help you with the creation of the company.
Strategics Projects
The Strategic Projects is a special category of the Entrepreneur Immigration stream for foreign corporations who have identified strategic investment opportunities in BC to establish operations that are integral to the growth and expansion of their core business. To be eligible, the foreign corporation must meet the following requirements:
- be well-established and in good financial standing,
- demonstrate investment readiness and capacity for international expansion into BC, and
- provide significant economic benefit to the province by making a high value investment in BC.
This category enables foreign corporations to permanently transfer key staff with the corporate knowledge and expertise to BC. The foreign corporation may apply for provincial nomination to support the permanent residence of up to five of its current senior employees. The foreign corporation must:
- make a minimum equity investment of at least 500,000 CAD directed toward the corporation’s operations in BC,
- establish new or purchase and expand an eligible business in BC, and
- create at least three new full-time equivalent jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each foreign key staff member proposed (to a maximum of five key staff).
Key staff for Strategic Projects
If you meet the requirements (detailed in the appropriate categories below), you may propose key staff applicants whose expertise is essential to the success of your proposed business. The key staff applicant(s) will be eligible to apply for a work permit to work for you in B.C. during the business establishment period and may also be eligible to be nominated for permanent residence.
There are eligibility requirements for the key staff applicant, summarized below:
- They must have worked with you, the principal applicant, in a senior position for at least one year out of the last three years, and have a critical skill set for the proposed business.
- They demonstrate education and experience consistent with the proposed occupation in BC as a senior manager, professional or technical position related to the proposed business.
- The proposed position they will fill must fall under the NOC TEER Category 0 or 1.
- If education and work experience are not specifically identified in the proposed position in BC, they must possess a minimum of two years of post-secondary education.
- The wage offered must be equal to or greater than the median for that occupation in BC.
In order to be approved for nomination, the key staff applicant must meet the terms and conditions outlined in the Performance Agreement, including:
- continue to work on a full-time basis for the business, a minimum of 30 hours per week,
- work in the occupation identified in the Performance Agreement,
- have proof of French or English proficiency at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4, and
- reside within 100 kilometres of the place of business in BC, and
- must not hold 10% or more ownership of the proposed business.
Registration score and minimum eligibility requirements
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 | 120 |
| 1. Experience & Ownership | 24 |
| 2. Net Worth | 12 |
| 3. Total Personal Investment | 20 |
| 4. Jobs | 20 |
| 5. Regional District | 12 |
| 6. Adaptability | 32 |
| B. Business Concept | 80 |
| 1. Commercial Viability | 30 |
| 2. Transferability of Skills | 20 |
| 3. Economic Benefits | 30 |
| 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 10 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 | 4 | |
| 25 to 36 months | 6 | |
| 37 to 48 months | 12 | |
| 49 to 59 months | 15 | |
| 60 months or more | 20 | |
| (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 | 20 |
In addition, you can claim an additional 4 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 12 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 5 points to meet the minimum requirements of this sub-category. The maximum number of points for this sub-category is 12 points.
| A.2. Net Worth | Amount | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Total current assets (cash and liquid funds) | Less than 50,000 CAD | 0 |
| 50,000 to 199,999 CAD | 2 | |
| 200,000 to 399,999 CAD | 3 | |
| More than 400,000 CAD | 4 | |
| Total personal net worth (other assets minus liabilities) | Less than 600,000 CAD | 0 |
| 600,000 to 799,999 CAD | 5 | |
| 800,000 to 1,999,999 CAD | 6 | |
| 2,000,000 to 4,999,999 CAD | 7 | |
| More than 5,000,000 CAD | 8 | |
| Maximum Points | 12 |
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 20 points)
You may claim points based on the proposed amount of total personal investment in the province.
You need to score at least 8 points to meet the minimum requirements of this sub-category.
| A.3. Total Personal Investment | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 200,000 CAD | 0 |
| 200,000 to 399,999 CAD | 8 |
| 400,000 to 599,999 CAD | 10 |
| 600,000 to 999,999 CAD | 11 |
| 1,000,000 to 1,999,999 CAD | 12 |
| 2,000,000 to 3,999,999 CAD | 14 |
| 4,000,000 to 7,999,999 CAD | 16 |
| 8,000,000 CAD or more | 20 |
A.4. Jobs Created/Maintained (Max 20 points)
You may claim points based on the number of permanent full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs created/maintained for Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada in the proposed business within 420 days (approximately 14 months) of your arrival date. If you are proposing to purchase an existing business, you must commit to maintaining the number of existing jobs in the business.
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/maintenance requirement. FTEs must work at the primary place of business and not remotely.
You need to score at least 8 points to meet the minimum requirements of this sub-category, meaning the creation/maintenance of 1 full-time equivalent job. The maximum number of points for this sub-category is 20 points.
| A.4. Jobs Created/Maintained | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 job | 0 |
| 1 job | 8 |
| 2 jobs | 9 |
| 3 jobs | 10 |
| 4 jobs | 11 |
| 5 jobs | 12 |
| 6 jobs | 13 |
| 7 to 9 jobs | 14 |
| 10 to 19 jobs | 16 |
| 20 jobs or more | 20 |
A.5. BC Regional District Population (Max 12 Points)
You may claim points based on the location of the proposed business based on BC Stats Sub-Provincial Estimates for 2016. The maximum number of points for this sub-category is 12 points.
There is no minimum requirement for this sub-category.
| A.5. BC Regional District | Population | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Vancouver | 500,000 people or more | 0 |
| Capital, Fraser Valley | 200,000 to 499,999 | 1 |
| Central Okanagan, Nanaimo, Thompson-Nicola | 100,000 to 199,999 | 3 |
| Cowichan Valley, Fraser-Fort George, North Okanagan, Okanagan-Similkamee | 70,000 to 99,999 | 6 |
| Comox, Peace River, Cariboo, Central Kootenay | 60,000 to 69,999 | 8 |
| Columbia-Shuswap, East Kootenay, Strathcona, Squamish-Lillooet, Bulkley-Nechako, Kitimat-Stikine | 35,000 to 59,999 | 10 |
| Alberni-Clayoquot, Kootenay-Boundary, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Skeena-Queen Charlotte, Mount Waddington, Northern Rockies, Central Coast, Stikine | Fewer than 35,000 | 12 |
A.6. 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 to 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 are still eligible if you have 0 points in 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) Business Exploratory Visits: if you have previously visited BC, you must provide details of your visit. You can earn points depending on when and where the visit was.
- (v) 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.
| A.6. Adaptability Factors | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| (i) Language Proficiency | CLB3 and below | 0 |
| CLB4 | 2 | |
| CLB5 and above | 4 | |
| (ii) Education Level | Secondary (high) school diploma or less | 0 |
| Associate degree | 2 | |
| Diploma / certificate (non-trades) | 2 | |
| Diploma / certificate (trades) | 2 | |
| Bachelor’s degree | 5 | |
| Post-graduate diploma/certificate | 5 | |
| Master’s degree | 8 | |
| Doctorate/PhD | 8 | |
| (iii) Age | Less than 25 years old | 0 |
| 25 to 34 years old | 4 | |
| 35 to 44 years old | 8 | |
| 45 to 54 years old | 6 | |
| 55 to 64 years old | 4 | |
| More than 65 years old | 0 | |
| (iv) Business Exploratory visits | No, or visited BC more than 3 years | 0 |
| Yes, visited BC 1 to 3 years ago | 1 | |
| Yes, visited BC less than 1 year ago but did not visit the Regional District of the proposed business | 2 | |
| Yes, visited the Regional District of the proposed business less than 1 year ago | 4 | |
| (v) Canadian work experience, business experience, or studies from within Canada for at least 12 months | No | 0 |
| Yes | 8 | |
| Maximum Points | 32 |
B. Business concept
You need to score at least 32 points out of the maximum 80 points 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 | 10 |
| (ii) Market and products/services | 4 |
| (iii) Eligible personal investment | 4 |
| (iv) Assessment of proposed personal investment | 6 |
| (v) Ownership percentage | 4 |
| (vi) Risk factors | 2 |
| B.2. Transferability of skills | 20 |
| (i) Business owner-manager experience only | 20 |
| (ii) Senior manager work experience only | 14 |
| (iii) Language ability | 2 |
| B.3. Economic benefits | 30 |
| (i) Key sectors & significant economic benefits | 12 |
| (ii) Jobs assessment | 6 |
| (iii) High-skilled jobs | 4 |
| (iv) Development region | 8 |
| Total B.1 + B.2 + B.3 | 80 |
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, (v) Ownership percentage, and (vi) Risk factors.
B.1.(i). Business Model (Max 10 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 10 points.
| B.1.(i). Business Model | Points |
|---|---|
| Unsatisfactory/Unclear | 1 |
| Fair/Good | 5 |
| Excellent | 10 |
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.
- The proposed 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.
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 200,000 CAD or less than 50,000 CAD of eligible expansion investments | 0 |
| 200,000 to 399,999 CAD | 1 |
| 400,000 to 599,999 CAD | 2 |
| 600,000 to 799,999 CAD | 3 |
| 800,000 CAD or more | 4 |
B.1.(iv). Assessment of proposed personal investment (Max 6 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 6 points.
| B.1.(iv). Assessment of proposed personal investment | Points |
|---|---|
| Unsubstantiated | 0 |
| Substantiated | 4 |
| Well-substantiated and researched | 6 |
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 4 points)
You must demonstrate you will own at least one-third of the business. If your ownership is less than a third, you must invest a minimum of 1,000,000 CAD in order to not be disqualified. This investment must be an equity purchase.
You can claim up to 4 points for this factor.
| B.1.(v). Ownership percentage | Points |
|---|---|
| 100% ownership | 4 |
| More than 50% and less than 100% ownership | 3 |
| Between 33,33% and 50% ownership | 2 |
| Less than 33,33% | 0 |
B.1.(vi). Risk factors
The BCPNP will consider the potential for any risk factors of your proposed business and your ability to address risks. There is no minimum points for this factor and you can claim up to 2 points.
| B.1.(vi). Risk factors | Points |
|---|---|
| Proposing external financing OR Proposing to invest more than 50% of your Personal Net Worth OR Proposing to partner with a co-registrant | 0 |
| None of the above | 2 |
B.2. Transferability of skills (Max 20 points)
There are 3 factors in which you can claim points : (i) Business owner-manager experience only, (ii) Senior manager work experience only, and (iii) Language ability. You can claim a maximum of 20 points in this sub-category.
You will receive points based on your direct experience and/or experience in related industries for the last 10 years.
- Direct experience is defined as experience gained in the same industry and sector corresponding to the first three digits of the proposed business' NAICS code.
- Related experience is defined as experience gained in a similar industry operating in a related business line as the proposed business' NAICS code.
If you have both (i) business owner-manager experience and (ii) senior manager work experience, your score will be calculated with the following equation: (Total points from business owner-manager experience only ) + (50% of points from senior manager work experience only)
If your senior manager work experience only points are greater than the combined total (with formula above), then you only take into account the points from the senior manager work experience.
B.2.(i). Business owner-manager experience only (Max 20 points)
You can claim points based on how many years as an active owner-manager in a similar business from the last 10 years based on the proposed business' NAICS. You can claim up to 20 points for this factor.
| B.2.(i). Business owner-manager experience only | Points |
|---|---|
| 12+ months of experience in an unrelated industry | 2 |
| 12 months or less of direct experience OR 12 to 36 months of related experience | 5 |
| 13 to 24 months of direct experience OR 37+ months of related experience | 8 |
| 13 to 24 months of direct experience AND 37+ months of related experience | 10 |
| 25 to 36 months of direct experience | 12 |
| 25 to 36 months of direct experience AND 37+ months of related experience | 14 |
| 37 to 60 months of direct experience | 16 |
| 37 to 60 months of direct experience AND 37+ months of related experience | 18 |
| More than 60 months of direct experience | 20 |
B.2.(ii). Senior manager work experience only (Max 14 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 10 years based on the proposed business' NAICS. You can claim up to 14 points for this factor.
| B.2.(ii). Senior manager work experience only | Points |
|---|---|
| 12+ months of experience in an unrelated industry | 2 |
| 12 months or less of direct experience OR 12 to 36 months of related experience | 4 |
| 13 to 36 months of direct experience OR 37+ months of related experience | 6 |
| 13 to 36 months of direct experience AND 37+ months of related experience | 8 |
| 37 to 60 months of direct experience | 10 |
| 37 to 60 months of direct experience AND 37+ months of related experience | 12 |
| More than 60 months of direct experience | 14 |
B.2.(iii). Language ability (Max 2 points)
Additional points will be awarded if you have official language (English or French) proficiency. You need take an IRCC-approved test to know what your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score is to claim these 1 or 2 additional points.
| B.2.(iii). Language ability | Points |
|---|---|
| CLB3 and below | 0 |
| CLB4 | 1 |
| CLB5 and above | 2 |
B.3. Economic Benefits (Max 30 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 30 points in this sub-category.
B.3.(i). Key sectors and/or significant economic benefits (Max 12 points)
You may claim up to 12 additional points if your proposed business is in a key sector and/or presents significant economic benefits.
The following key sectors are eligible for additional points:
- Agrifoods: food production and food processing.
- Biomedical: includes research and development, manufacturing, etc.
- Destination Tourism: businesses that target tourists directly where their products/services are the tourist attractions rather than businesses that offer spin-off activities from the tourism industry.
- Forestry.
- International Education: proposed accredited educational institutions that offer educational programs in BC to foreign students.
- Mining & Energy or Natural Gas Sector.
- Technology and Green Economy.
- Transportation.
- Value-Added Manufacturing: for businesses that offer high value-added manufacturing (not basic or assembly of foreign-made products).
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). Key sectors and/or significant economic benefits | Points |
|---|---|
| Does not identify or substantiate any key sectors OR any significant economic benefits | 3 |
| Substantiates at least 1 key sector OR at least 1 significant economic benefit | 8 |
| Substantiates at least 1 key sector AND at least 1 significant economic benefit | 12 |
B.3.(ii). Jobs Assessment (Max 6 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 6 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 | 6 |
B.3.(iii). High-skilled Jobs (Max 4 points)
You will receive a maximum of 4 additional points for proposing to create or maintain jobs in high-skilled occupations as defined as TEER Category 0 or 1 under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
There is no minimum score requirement in this factor to be eligible.
| B.3.(iii). High-skilled jobs | Points |
|---|---|
| Business concept does not propose or substantiate hiring any high-skilled positions | 0 |
| Business concept substantiates the creation/maintenance of one high-skilled position | 2 |
| Business concept substantiates the creation/maintenance of two or more high-skilled positions | 4 |
B.3.(iv). Development region (Max 8 points)
The BCPNP will assign a maximum of 8 additional points in your business concept for the location of the proposed business based on BC’s development regions.
| B.3.(iv). Development region | Points |
|---|---|
| Lower Mainland / Southwest | 2 |
| Vancouver Island and Coast | 4 |
| Thompson / Okanagan | 4 |
| Cariboo | 6 |
| Kootenay | 8 |
| Nechako | 8 |
| North Coast | 8 |
| Northeast | 8 |
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 stream. Obtaining the provincial nomination is a two-step process:
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 1:
- A candidate (and their co-registrant if applicable) 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 (and their co-registrant, if applicable) 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 550 to 610 days (around 18 to 20 months) from the issuance date of the valid work permit to submit their Final Report.
- 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,
- reside within 100km of the business,
- have been physically present in BC for at least 75% of the time that they were on a work permit,
- have proof of French or English proficiency at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4, 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
For Strategic Projects, an additional 1,000 CAD fee is required for each proposed Key Staff applicant
- 300 CAD for the registration, and
- 3,500 CAD for the application processing.
For Strategic Projects, an additional 1,000 CAD fee is required for each proposed Key Staff applicant
Processing Times
As of November 16, 2022, the following are the processing times for the Entrepreneur Immigration 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 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?
