Exploring BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot (Stream)
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot (Stream) is designed for seasoned entrepreneurs prepared to invest in and actively oversee a business in British Columbia. It offers a unique opportunity for investors looking to invest in and manage businesses in the often overlooked yet promising, smaller regional communities. The BC PNP EI Regional stream was introduced as a Pilot in March 2019 and will continue as part of an expanded BC PNP regional initiative.
This guide is your roadmap to understanding and embarking on the journey toward permanent residency. It provides a comprehensive overview of British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration categories, the unique features of the Regional Pilot, eligibility criteria, requirements, processing times, guidelines, and the points calculator system.
If selected as a provincial nominee, you and your dependent family can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee class.
BC PNP Stream for Entrepreneurs
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream is divided into three main categories, each catering to different entrepreneurial profiles:
1. BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Base Category
This stream is aimed at experienced entrepreneurs who plan to start business in Canada or take over and expand existing ones in B.C.
2. BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream
This category is about individual investment and collaboration. It is designed to foster a sense of community and work hand-in-hand with regional communities to attract entrepreneurs who will establish new businesses that align with the economic development goals of these participating communities.
3. BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Strategic Projects
This category is specifically designed for foreign corporations looking to establish a subsidiary or branch office in B.C. that strategically aligns with their core business. If this aligns with your business goals, this could be the category for you.
About BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot
The BC PNP Entrepreneur nominates individuals who can make a significant economic impact in British Columbia. To receive a nomination, you must meet criteria set by both federal and provincial laws. As an entrepreneur applicant, you need to demonstrate that:
- Your presence will contribute to B.C.’s economic development.
- You have the intention and capability to settle and become economically established in B.C. permanently.
- The information provided in your application is accurate, complete, and reliable.
- You will actively and continuously manage your eligible business within B.C.
Additionally, you must not engage in any activity prohibited by federal immigration law, including immigration-linked investment schemes.
The Regional Stream is a specialized stream under the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program that encourages entrepreneurs to establish new businesses in smaller regional communities throughout British Columbia. The program aims to support these communities’ economic development by attracting investment and creating jobs. The Regional Pilot is a collaborative initiative between the provincial government and participating regional communities.
BC PNP Key Eligibility For The EI-Regional & EI-Base Streams:
| EI – Base | EI – Regional |
Experience | Within the last 10 years | Within the last 5 years |
At least 3+ years of experience as a business owner-manager, OR 4+ years of experience as a senior manager OR a combination of 1+ years of experience as a business owner-manager and 2+ years of experience as a senior manager. | ||
Net worth | At least $600,000 | At least $300,000 |
Education | Obtained a post-secondary credential, OR, experience as an active business owner-manager for at least 36 of the last 60 months with 100% ownership in the business. | |
You must submit a business proposal to establish a new business or purchase an existing business in B.C. | You must submit a business proposal to establish a new business in B.C. and be referred by an enrolled community. | |
Ownership percentage | At least one-third (33.33%) | At least 51% |
Investment | Minimum $200,000 | Minimum $100,000 |
Job creation | Must create at least one full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada | |
Location | Anywhere in British Columbia | Participating communities |
Exploratory visit required? | No, but strongly recommended | Yes. You must engage and visit an enrolled community for support before registering. |
Language requirement? | Minimum of CLB 4 equivalent in English or French. Must submit a copy of valid language proficiency test results at the final report (if not previously submitted). | Minimum of CLB 4 equivalent in English or French. You must submit a copy of a valid language proficiency test at registration. |
Partner with BC PNP co-registrant allowed? | Yes | No |
Partner with a local business/person allowed? | Yes | |
Registration scores | Total 200 points (120 points for self-declared section; 80 points for business concept). Must score a minimum of 40 points in the business concept section. The total score must be at least 115 points to qualify. | Total 200 points (140 points for self-declared section; 60 points for business concept). No minimum business concept score. The total score must be at least 105 points to qualify. |
Registration timeframe | Registrations are scored within 6 weeks | Registrations are scored within 4 weeks |
Net worth verification | Yes, you must obtain a net worth verification report if you are invited to apply. | |
Application timeframe | Application decisions are typically made within 4 months. | |
Interview required for approval? | Yes | |
Minimum amount of time to submit a final report | 18 months after issuance of a work permit | 12 months after issuance of a work permit |
Fees | $300 registration fee, $3,500 application fee | $300 registration fee, $3,500 application fee, plus community fee (If applicable) |
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream Process:
This is a concise overview of the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot stream application process:
1. Research & Preparation
Before registering, ensure you meet the stream’s eligibility requirements, possibly through a self-assessment. Choose a participating community from the BC PNP website and conduct an exploratory visit to discuss your business proposal with the community’s designated contact. After the visit, request a community referral and ensure you have valid language test results meeting CLB Level 4. Here are more details:
- Determine Eligibility: Assess if you meet the requirements for the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot, including a minimum personal net worth of CAD 300,000, relevant business experience, and a minimum investment of CAD 100,000.
- Exploratory Visit: Conduct an exploratory visit to a participating regional community in British Columbia. This mandatory visit helps you understand local business opportunities, establish contacts, and meet with community representatives.
- Presentation: Present your business proposal to the local community representatives during your exploratory visit.
- Community Endorsement: Secure an endorsement from the participating community, essential for registering with BC immigration.
2. BC PNP Registration
With your referral, complete an online registration with the BC PNP Entrepreneur detailing your work/business experience, education, language skills, net worth, and proposed business. Registrations are scored within four weeks, and high-scoring registrants are invited to apply, with four months to submit a full application. Here are more details:
- Create a Profile: Complete and submit your registration online through the BC government portal. This includes details about your work or business ownership experience, language proficiency, education, net worth, and the business concept.
- Registration Fee: Pay a non-refundable registration fee of CAD 300.
- Scoring: Registrations are scored out of 200 points, divided into:
- Self-declared (120 points): Based on your background and qualifications.
- Business Concept (80 points): Based on the proposed business idea.
Note: A maximum of 200 registrations are accepted per month.
3. BC PNP Application
If invited from BC PNP entrepreneur draw, submit your application to the BC PNP Entrepreneur and attend an in-person interview. If approved, sign a performance agreement outlining the requirements for nomination. Applications are typically assessed within four months, after which you’ll receive a work permit support letter to apply for a work permit and implement your Canadian Immigration business plan. Here are more details:
- Selection Process: The most qualified candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency under the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot. The number of invitations depends on the provincial nomination allocations and the BC PNP’s processing capacity.
- Improving Scores: If not invited, candidates can enhance their scores by refining their Canadian Immigration Business plan, improving language proficiency, or gaining additional relevant experience.
- Validity: Registrations are valid for six months. If not invited within this period, you may re-submit your registration.
- Net Worth Review: BC PNP will review and verify your declared net worth and proof of funds.
- Processing Fee: Pay the application processing fee.
- Interview: Some applicants may need to attend an in-person interview in British Columbia.
- Performance Agreement: If your application is approved, you must sign a “Performance Agreement” detailing your commitments, such as business establishment and job creation.
4. Work Permit
Once the Performance Agreement is signed, you can apply for a temporary work permit to enter British Columbia and start your business in Canada. Here are more details:
- Business Operations: Establish and operate your business according to the Performance Agreement and your submitted business plan.
- Business Establishment: After obtaining a work permit, begin implementing your Canadian Immigration business plan, making investments, and creating jobs. Your spouse or partner may apply for an open work permit.
5. Nomination
Once you’ve met the performance agreement terms, submit a final report to the BC PNP Entrepreneur. If approved, you’ll be nominated for permanent residence. Here are the details:
- Performance Review: The BC government will review your business’s adherence to the Performance Agreement, including business operations and job creation. If successful, you will receive a nomination for permanent residence.
6. Permanent Residence
You, your spouse or partner, and your dependents can apply to IRCC for permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee BC PNP Entrepreneur Program. Here are the details:
- Federal Application: Submit your application for permanent residence to the federal government of Canada using the nomination from BC government. Federal immigration authorities will make the final decision on your application.
You are encouraged to explore each community’s unique economic development priorities and assess how your Canadian Immigration business plans might align with their needs:
BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Stream communities
The following communities are participating in the BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Stream. Please note that each community may have its unique process for arranging exploratory visits or issuing referrals to foreign entrepreneurs.
Full list of participating communities by development region
Cariboo
Kootenay
- Castlegar & Central Kootenay (Areas I & J)
- Columbia Valley & East Kootenay
- Kimberley
- Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F)
- Rossland
- Trail
Nechako
North Coast
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
The BC PNP Entrepreneur provides details, contact information, priority sectors, and a community description for each community.
BC PNP Processing Time
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot timeline can vary. Depending on various factors, the entire process, from registration to nomination, can take several months to over a year.
BC PNP Entrepreneur Score
The BC PNP Entrepreneur score will verify the information in your registration and may adjust your self-declared score, if necessary, based on the EI – Regional Registration Scoring Guide (bc pnp entrepreneur guide). Your registration will be assessed according to the requirements in effect at the time of submission. The business concept section is typically scored within four weeks. To enter the qualified pool, you must meet minimum scores in each section, with a minimum score of 105 required.
Applicants must achieve a minimum score to be eligible for consideration. The scoring system selects candidates with the highest potential to contribute to the regional community’s growth and development.
After your registration is scored, the BC government will email you your total score and indicate if you meet the minimum requirements to enter the qualified pool. You can view your registration score and section scores on BC PNP Entrepreneur Online. Registrations with a total score of 105 or more are valid for 180 days. Your registration will expire if you are not invited to apply within this period.
If you’re not invited to apply, being a qualified registrant in the pool does not guarantee an invitation. You might consider refining your business concept, researching B.C.’s business environment, or improving your adaptability before submitting a new registration to enhance your chances. Note that only one active registration is allowed at a time, so you must withdraw any existing registration before submitting a new one.
Points are awarded based on several factors, as shown below table:
EI – Regional Scoring Overview | ||||
Scoring Sections | Points | |||
Self-declared | Experience & Ownership | 24 |
| |
Net Worth | 6 |
| ||
Total Personal Investment | 10 |
| ||
Jobs | 15 |
| ||
Community Population | 6 |
| ||
B.C.’s Regions | 12 |
| ||
Adaptability | 67 |
| ||
Self-declared SUBTOTAL score | 140 | |||
Business concept | Commercial Viability | 30 |
| |
Transferability of Skills | 15 |
| ||
Economic Benefits | 15 |
| ||
Business concept SUBTOTAL score | 60 | |||
Maximum Score Available | 200 | |||
Conclusion
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to establish businesses in smaller communities across British Columbia. This program supports regional economic development and provides a pathway to permanent residency in Canada. By meeting the eligibility criteria, understanding the requirements, and securing a community endorsement, applicants can embark on a promising journey toward business success and integration into the vibrant communities of British Columbia.
For more information and to start your application process, visit the official BC PNP Entrepreneur website and consult with immigration professionals who specialize in business immigration. The Regional Pilot stream is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in British Columbia’s regional communities while achieving their entrepreneurial and immigration goals.
BC PNP EI Regional Stream FAQs
What is the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream?
The Regional Pilot is a stream under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP Entrepreneur) designed to attract entrepreneurs to establish new businesses in smaller, regional communities across British Columbia, Canada. The program aims to support regional economic growth and job creation.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Regional Stream?
To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum personal net worth of CAD 300,000, at least three years of business owner-manager experience or four years as a senior manager, a minimum investment of CAD 100,000 in an eligible business, and an endorsement from a participating regional community. They must also demonstrate language proficiency of at least CLB level 4 in English or French.
How can I obtain a community endorsement?
To obtain a community endorsement, applicants must make an exploratory visit to one of the participating regional communities in British Columbia. During the visit, they must present their business proposal to community representatives, who will assess its viability and potential to benefit the community.
Is an exploratory visit mandatory for the Regional Pilot?
Yes, an exploratory visit is mandatory. It allows the applicant to understand the community and market conditions better, meet with local officials, and secure a community endorsement, which is a critical requirement for the application.
What type of businesses are eligible under the Regional Pilot?
Eligible businesses must be new businesses established in the participating regional community. They must demonstrate the potential to contribute to the community’s economic development and create at least one full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
How much must I invest in my business under the Regional Stream?
Applicants must make a minimum eligible personal investment of CAD 100,000 in the proposed business. The investment must be sufficient to establish and operate the company, and applicants must actively manage the business in the community.
What is the processing time for the Regional Stream?
The processing time for the Regional Pilot varies and can take several months to over a year. The process includes securing a community endorsement, registering with the BC government, receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), submitting a complete application, and receiving a provincial nomination.
Can I apply with a partner or bring key staff under the Regional Stream?
The Regional Pilot does not allow applicants to include business partners or key staff members. It is designed for individual entrepreneurs who will actively manage the business themselves. However, applicants’ families can join them in British Columbia once they receive permanent residency.
What happens after I receive a provincial nomination under the Regional Stream?
After receiving a provincial nomination, applicants can apply for permanent residency with the federal government of Canada. The nomination supports the applicant’s application, but the final decision rests with the federal immigration authorities.
What are the key benefits of the BC PNP Regional Stream?
The Regional Pilot’s key benefits include establishing a business in a supportive community, contributing to regional economic growth, and eventually gaining permanent residency in Canada. The program also offers lower investment requirements and a streamlined process for entrepreneurs willing to invest in smaller communities.
How Can We Help With BC PNP Entrepreneur Application?
At Arnika Visa, we provide a full suite of immigration services to support entrepreneurs through the British Columbia entrepreneur immigration stream, ensuring their successful entry and establishment in the province.
1. BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Base Category: We assist experienced entrepreneurs in crafting compelling business concepts and detailed Canadian Immigration business plans. We manage the registration process for the BC PNP Entrepreneur, help you negotiate and sign a performance agreement with the B.C. government, and guide you through applying for work permits for you and your family members.
2. BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream: We work closely with regional communities to align your business goals with local economic development objectives. Our services include business concept development, community collaboration, and securing your BC PNP registration. We also assist with work permits for your family, business establishment in B.C., nomination, and permanent residency applications.
3. BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Strategic Projects: We provide expert guidance in establishing subsidiaries or branch offices in B.C. for foreign corporations. We assist with Intra Company Transfer Canada Business plan, registration, performance agreements, and work permits. Our support continues through the nomination process and PR application, ensuring a smooth transition to B.C.
With Arnika Visa, you receive end-to-end support, from business concept to permanent residency, ensuring your entrepreneurial success in British Columbia entrepreneur immigration.
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