ENTREPRENEUR IMMIGRATION
The Entrepreneur Immigration (EI), an immigration stream of BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), is an enticing immigration route for international entrepreneurs dreaming of residing and establishing their business in the welcoming community of British Columbia and bringing innovation and economic growth in the province. There are three subcategories that entrepreneurs may choose among and obtain a temporary residence and running the successful business make them eligible to apply for permanent residence.
- Base Category
| Personal Requirements | Business, job and investment requirements |
| Own at least CAD$ 600,000 net worthExperienced in business and/or management or having a 2-year post-secondary diplomaDemonstrate a minimum English or French language skill of CLB level 4 Lawful citizen of his/her current living countryBe eligible for legal immigration to Canada | Establish a new business or improve an existing oneInvest at least CAD$ 200,000 into the businessHire at least one Canadian citizen or permanent residence |
- Regional Pilot
In this program, entrepreneurs will be able to start a business in one of the smaller communities of B.C. based on the priorities of that region. These communities play an important role in the process, as they assess your business proposal and may have a specific administrative process.
| Personal Requirements | Business, job and investment requirements |
| Own at least CAD$ 300,000 net worthExperienced in business and/or management Demonstrate a minimum English or French language skill of CLB level 4 Lawful citizen of his/her current living countryBe eligible for legal immigration to Canada | Establish a new business in accordance with the need of the referral communityInvest at least CAD$ 100,000 into the businessHire at least one Canadian citizen or permanent residence |
- Strategic Projects
This route is for the international corporations with the aim to invest and expand their business in B.C., which enables them to support the permanent residency of up to 5 of their experienced employees.
| Company Requirements | Staff requirements |
| Be reputable and in a good financial situationPrepare to invest and expand internationallyMake high-value investment in B.C.Invest at least CAD$ 500,000 into the business in B.C.Establish a new business or improve an existing oneHire at least three Canadian citizens or permanent residences for each foreign staff | Be highly qualified and experiencedBeing an executive or senior manager or having essential knowledge of the operationBe a permanent full-time employeeBeing paid according to his/her expertise and industryLawful citizen of his/her current living countryBe eligible for legal immigration to Canada |
Process:
- Prepare your business proposal:
Prepare a business proposal that is based on your personal knowledge and experience on top of the needs of B.C. economy.
- Register the proposal:
Create a profile in BCPNP and submit your file there, if you meet the minimum requirements you will enter the qualified pools.
- Apply for the work permit
When your application is approved you will be able to apply for a work permit and move to Canada with your family.
- Start your business
In the first 20 months of your arrival, you should establish and run your business.
- Nominate for the BC PNP
If you perform all of the terms and conditions of your agreement and prove your language skill, you will be nominated for the BC PNP.
- Apply for the permanent residence
You will be invited to apply for permanent residency.
Note: In some categories you must have a provincial visit
