British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration - Base Category Program

If you want to immigrate to British Columbia and are ready to invest in and actively manage a valid business here, you may qualify for our Entrepreneur Immigration - Base Category. Let's find out the requirements for this stream.

Personal requirements

Experience

• at least 3+ years of experience as a business owner-manager, or:
• at least 4+ years of experience as a senior manager, or:
• a combination of 1+ year of experience as a business owner-manager and 2+ years of experience as a senior manager.

Education

• Obtained a post-secondary credential, OR
• experience as an active business owner-manager for at least 3 of the last 5 years with 100% ownership in the business

Proof of fund

• Have a personal net worth of at least CAD$600,000

Immigration status

• have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
• You must also have been lawfully admitted in the country where you currently reside.

Business, job and investment requirements

• establish an eligible new business or purchase and improve an existing business
• make an eligible personal investment of at least CAD$200,000 in the business
• create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in the business
• Ownership percentage At least one-third (33.33%)

Registration and application fees (nonrefundable)

•  $300 registration fee
• $3,500 application fee
• $1,000 for each key staff application

Application process

• research B.C.’s economy and regions to find a business opportunity. The WorkBC website provides comprehensive information and data about B.C.’s labour market and industries.
• When you have a business idea, please create a profile and a registration with an online application and registration system, BCPNP Online. Please include a business concept. If you are eligible, you will receive a score based on your registration information and you will be placed into a qualified pool. Periodically, the BC province invites people with the highest scores to apply through BCPNP Online.