Re-opening of BC Entrepreneur Program

The  BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has introduced a mandatory registration system for all prospective applicants to the Entrepreneur Immigration stream.

The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who are ready to invest in and actively manage a business in B.C. As of July 2, 2015, the BC PNP has changed the program requirements and process. You must register with the BC PNP if you wish to apply through the Entrepreneur Immigration stream.

The registration is scored according to points. The registration system will calculate one portion of your score and you will then receive a total score from BC PNP based on the information you provide in your registration.

Registration Requirements

In order to register, you must have at least a minimum of $600,000 in personal net worth. Your personal net worth must be legally obtained and verifiable. You will need to engage qualified supplier to review your personal net worth and accumulation of funds in order to submit an application to the BC PNP.

You must also have a minimum of:

• more than three years of experience as an active business owner-manager, or
• more than four years of experience as a senior manager, or
• a combination of at least one year of experience as an active business owner-manager and at least two years of experience as a senior manager.

English language is NOT a mandatory requirement of the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream. However, points are assigned for self-declared English language proficiency.

Additionally you must have one of the following:

• A minimum of two-years of post-secondary education, or
• Experience as an active business owner-manager with 100% ownership of the business for at least three of the past five years.

Scoring

Your registration will be scored based on the information you provide under 6 selection factors (Experience, Net Worth, Personal Investment, Jobs, Adaptability and Business Concept). Each section of the registration has a minimum eligibility score. You must meet the minimum scores in each section to be entered into the selection pool. The maximum score available is 200.

How the Process Works

If you are interested in immigrating to B.C. and are ready to invest in and actively manage a business in the Province, the Entrepreneur Immigration stream may be a fit for you. First, you should conduct research about B.C.’s economy and regions. You may then complete an Entrepreneur Immigration Registration. If you meet the minimum registration requirements, you will be entered into the selection pool.

Periodically, the BC PNP will invite the highest-scoring registrants to submit an application. If invited to apply, you will have four months to submit a complete application. If the application is approved, you will sign a Performance Agreement and will have up to 20 months to implement your business proposal in B.C.

If you meet the requirements of the Performance Agreement within the 20 months, the BC PNP will nominate you for permanent residence. You and your dependent family members can then apply for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee class with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Nomination Requirements

If the application is approved and if the individual meets the following requirements of the Performance Agreement within the 20 months, the BC PNP will nominate him or her for permanent residence.

• Active and ongoing management of the day-to-day business operations; demonstrated residence in B.C (once the application has been approved); and admissibility to Canada.
• Establish a new business or purchase and improve an existing business.
• Make an eligible personal investment of at least $200,000 in the business.
• Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in the business.