You may be eligible for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Business Immigration stream If you are an entrepreneur ready to invest in and actively manage a business in the province. This stream accelerates the permanent residence application process for individuals who can establish themselves in British Columbia and develop a business that will provide significant economic benefits to the province.

BC PNP Entrepreneur Category

You should apply to the BC PNP Business Immigration stream Entrepreneur category if:

• You would like to start or purchase and expand a business anywhere in B.C.
• You have a personal net worth of at least CAD $800,000.
• You intend to invest at least CAD $400,000 in (and acquire at least one-third equity ownership of) the business.
• You can commit to creating at least three new jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• You would like to propose one key staff member on your application. More...

BC PNP Regional Entrepreneur Category

The Regional Entrepreneur category of the BC PNP Business Immigration stream is the best choice if:

• You would like to start or purchase and expand a business outside of the Vancouver and Abbotsford metropolitan areas.
• You have a personal net worth of at least CAD $400,000.
• You intend to invest at least CAD $200,000 in (and acquire at least one-third equity ownership of) the business.
• You can commit to creating at least one new job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. More …

BC PNP Strategic Projects Category

This BC PNP Business Immigration category is the best choice if:

• Your company is interested in setting up a B.C.-based operation (such as a branch office or subsidiary) anywhere in the province.
• Your company intends to make an equity investment of at least CAD $500,000 in the business.
• You would like to propose up to five key staff members on the application and you can commit to create at least three new jobs for each key staff member. More …

The Regional Business Succession Option

Is a good choice if you intend to purchase and manage an existing B.C. business. This option applies to all business immigration categories where the business is located outside of the Vancouver and Abbotsford metropolitan areas. This category offers priority processing and includes reduced job creation requirements. More …

BC PNP Business Immigration Stream General Application Process

1. It is  strongly encouraged that you make an exploratory visit to B.C. to learn more about opportunities and the local business environment before you submit your application.
2. You submit all application forms, along with the required fees, to the BC PNP office.
3. The BC PNP assess your application against program criteria and may follow up with specific questions or ask for more information.
4. If your application passes our initial assessment, the BC PNP office will ask you to attend an in-person interview in Vancouver to discuss your application and make a final decision.
5. If the BC PNP approve your application, you must sign a Performance Agreement. It describes the type of business you intend to invest in and manage, the breakdown of your total investment, the number of jobs you intend to create, and other milestones associated with your business proposal.
6. B.C. will issue you a work permit support letter so you can apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for a two-year work permit. This will enable you and your dependants to move to B.C. so you can start implementing your business plan.
7. Within the designated timelines, you notify the BC PNP of your arrival in B.C. and submit proof that you have transferred the required funds for your investment.
8. You implement your business plan. When you have met the conditions of the Performance Agreement, you submit a final report to the PNP.
9. The BC PNP reviews your final report and, if you have satisfied the conditions of the Performance Agreement, nominates you (and your eligible dependants and, if applicable, key staff members) for permanent residence.
10. B.C. will issue you a nomination certificate that you will include with your application for permanent residence (and those of your spouse, eligible dependent children and, if applicable, key staff members) to CIC. If CIC approves your application, you will be issued a permanent resident visa to live and work in Canada.

Please Contact Us for more information on these programs.