British Columbia Business Immigration

British Columbia offers amazing opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses globally. Through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration (EI), international entrepreneurs can move to BC. This stream offers them opportunities to establish business in British Columbia, and contribute to the local economy. 

This blog will help you understand the different British Columbia business immigration streams and their requirements.

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration (EI)

The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration pathway is a “temporary-to-permanent” route. You can begin your application as a temporary resident then establish your business in British Columbia. If you meet specific requirements, you can then apply for permanent residency.

Entrepreneur Immigration Streams

The BC PNP offers several streams under Entrepreneur Immigration:

1.  Base Stream
2. Regional Pilot
3. Strategic Projects Stream

1. Base Stream

This stream is best for experienced entrepreneurs who aim to establish or purchase/expand a business in B.C.

Base Stream Eligibility Requirements

1. Personal Requirements
   • A personal net worth of at least CAD $600,000
   • Business or management experience; if they don’t have business experience, they must have an equivalent of a 2-year post-secondary diploma 
   • Basic language skills in English or French, at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher
   • Proof of legal status in the applicant’s current country and eligibility for immigration status in Canada.

Business, Job, and Investment Requirements

• Establish or buy and improve an eligible business in B.C.
• Invest at least CAD $200,000 in the business
• Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Base Stream Fees

• Registration fee: CAD $300
• Application fee: CAD $3,500

Base Stream Application Process

1. Prepare a business proposal and register with BC PNP.
2. Obtain a work permit to start the business.
3. Build the business according to the terms and conditions.
4. Submit a final report to secure a BC PNP nomination for permanent residence.

After establishing a business and meeting the performance agreement terms, applicants have to submit a report to BC PNP. If they meet all conditions, they sign a Conditions of Nomination declaration, securing their nomination for permanent residency.

2. Regional Pilot

The Regional Pilot stream encourages entrepreneurs to settle in smaller communities in B.C. and contribute to local economic growth. Here’s how it works:

Regional Pilot Eligibility Requirements

This stream has similar requirements to the Base Stream, but with lower investment requirements for smaller communities. Applicants must work closely with a participating community to make sure their business is aligned with local needs.

Participating Communities

Some participating communities are:

• Cariboo Region: Mackenzie, Quesnel
• Kootenay Region: Castlegar, Kimberley, Nelson, Rossland, Trail
• Nechako Region: Bulkley-Nechako
• North Coast: Kitimat-Stikine
• Northeast: Fort St. John
• Thompson-Okanagan: Penticton, Salmon Arm, Vernon
• Vancouver Island/Coast: Campbell River, Comox, Mount Waddington, Powell River

Regional Pilot Application Process

1. Consult the local community to develop a proposal
2. Submit a business plan through BC PNP
3. Get a work permit and establish the business
4. Upon meeting the program requirements, apply for permanent residency

This pilot program is an excellent option for entrepreneurs looking to create a meaningful impact in smaller towns and cities within B.C

3. Strategic Projects Stream

The Strategic Projects stream is tailored for foreign corporations that want to expand into B.C. and contribute to the economy by bringing key staff members to the province. This pathway allows businesses to establish strategic operations in B.C. and eventually apply for permanent residency for critical personnel.

Strategic Projects Stream Eligibility Requirements

• Exploratory Visit: Senior executives are encouraged to visit B.C. to understand the local market
• Proposal Discussion: Corporations must discuss their business proposals with BC PNP before applying
• Registration: Companies provide details of their proposed investments and key staff qualifications

Strategic Projects Stream Fees

• Registration fee: CAD $300
• Application fee: CAD $3,500 for the company, plus CAD $1,000 per key staff member.

Strategic Projects Stream Step-By-Step Process

1. Make an Exploratory Visit: Senior executives should visit B.C. to learn about the business environment and opportunities.
2. Discuss the Proposal: Contact BC PNP to discuss the proposed investment.
3. Register: Submit details, including the company’s plans, proposed investment, and staff qualifications.
4. Invitation to Apply: If invited, submit a full application within 90 days.
5. Application Review and Interview: BC PNP reviews the application
6. Performance Agreement: If approved, the company’s designated signing authority signs a Performance Agreement with B.C., as do each of the key staff.
7. Work Permit and Arrival Report: Key staff receive a work permit support letter. They must arrive in B.C. within 180 days of receiving this letter and submit an arrival report within 60 days.
8. Business Establishment and Final Report: Once the business is operational and meets the terms of the Performance Agreement, the corporation submits a final report.
9. Nomination for Permanent Residency: Key staff are nominated for permanent residence after meeting Performance Agreement conditions.

This is the whole process of how British Columbia’s business immigration streams work. We presented the requirements and other information in a compacted manner as much as possible so you could have an overview of them while also grasping the whole process. 

In case you need any assistance, feel free to reach out to us.