British Columbia has invited entrepreneurs to apply for provincial nomination
On September 22, 2026, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued invitations through both of its entrepreneur-focused streams: the Base Stream and the Regional Stream. A total of 10 invitations were issued through the Base Stream, while fewer than five invitations were issued through the Regional Stream. Candidates in both streams required a minimum score of 119 to receive an invitation in this selection round.
British Columbia Holds Entrepreneur Immigration Draw
The latest selection targeted foreign entrepreneurs interested in establishing a new business in British Columbia or purchasing and growing an existing business. The September 22 draw was the 10th entrepreneur-focused selection round of 2026.
According to the BC PNP, the province had issued at least 114 invitations through the Entrepreneur Immigration category during 2026 as of September 22. When Skills Immigration invitations are also included, the BC PNP had issued more than 5,414 invitations across its immigration categories during the year.
Key Details of the September 2026 Entrepreneur Draw
Draw Information | Details |
Province | British Columbia |
Program | BC Provincial Nominee Program |
Category | Entrepreneur Immigration |
Draw Date | September 22, 2026 |
Base Stream Invitations | 10 |
Regional Stream Invitations | Less than 5 |
Minimum Score – Base Stream | 119 |
Minimum Score – Regional Stream | 119 |
Objective | Business establishment, expansion and provincial nomination |
What Is British Columbia's Entrepreneur Immigration Program?
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration category provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for experienced entrepreneurs who intend to establish and actively manage a business in British Columbia. The program has two main entrepreneur streams:
- Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream
- Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream
Both streams require applicants to demonstrate business experience, financial capacity, language ability and the ability to make an eligible investment in British Columbia.
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration: Base Stream
The Base Stream is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in British Columbia or purchase and grow an existing business. Current requirements include:
- At least $600,000 CAD in personal net worth;
- At least three years of business owner-manager experience within the previous 10 years;
- Minimum eligible investment of $200,000 CAD;
- Minimum ownership of 33.33% of the business;
- Minimum language proficiency of CLB 4; and
- A minimum registration score of 115 out of 200.
Applicants without a post-secondary credential may qualify through the applicable business ownership and management experience alternative specified by the program.
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration: Regional Stream
The Regional Stream is intended for entrepreneurs who want to establish a new business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District and make a participating B.C. community their home. The current requirements include:
- At least $300,000 CAD in personal net worth;
- At least three years of business owner-manager experience within the previous five years;
- Minimum eligible investment of $100,000 CAD;
- Minimum ownership of 51%;
- Minimum language proficiency of CLB 4;
- A minimum registration score of 105 out of 200;
- A community referral; and
- An exploratory visit to the participating community.
September 22 Draw: Base vs. Regional Stream
Criteria | Base Stream | Regional Stream |
Invitations issued | 10 | <5 |
Minimum score | 119 | 119 |
Minimum net worth | $600,000 CAD | $300,000 CAD |
Minimum investment | $200,000 CAD | $100,000 CAD |
Minimum ownership | 33.33% | 51% |
Business location | British Columbia | Outside Metro Vancouver Regional District |
Community referral | Not required | Required |
Exploratory visit | Not required | Required |
How Does the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Process Work?
Entrepreneurs generally need to complete several stages before receiving a provincial nomination.
Step 1: Develop a Business Proposal
Applicants should develop a business concept that meets the requirements of their selected stream and demonstrates its potential economic contribution to British Columbia.
Step 2: Register With the BC PNP
The entrepreneur submits an online registration with information about their personal background, business experience, finances and proposed business. The registration receives a score based on applicable human-capital and economic factors. Registration does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply
The BC PNP conducts selections from the qualified registration pool. Candidates who receive an invitation can proceed to the full provincial application.
Step 4: Submit the Provincial Application
An invited entrepreneur generally has up to four months from the date of invitation to submit a complete application. The BC PNP may also invite the applicant to an interview to discuss their business experience and business proposal.
Step 5: Obtain a Work Permit Support Letter
If the application is approved, the entrepreneur signs a Performance Agreement with the Province of British Columbia. The province then issues a Letter of Support that can be used to apply to the federal government for a work permit.
Step 6: Establish and Operate the Business
After obtaining the required work authorization, the entrepreneur moves to British Columbia and implements the approved business plan. The entrepreneur must actively manage the business and meet the conditions outlined in the Performance Agreement.
Step 7: Receive Provincial Nomination
Once the entrepreneur demonstrates that the applicable Performance Agreement requirements have been fulfilled, the BC PNP can issue a provincial nomination.
Step 8: Apply for Permanent Residence
After receiving the nomination, the entrepreneur can submit a permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Federal authorities then assess the application and applicable admissibility requirements.
Additional Steps for Regional Stream Applicants
Entrepreneurs applying through the Regional Stream have additional requirements at the beginning of the process. They must:
1. Select a participating B.C. community;
2. Develop a business proposal suitable for that community;
3. Complete an exploratory visit;
4. Obtain a community referral;
5. Register with the BC PNP; and
6. Wait for an invitation to apply.
The Regional Stream is specifically designed to encourage business investment and settlement outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District.
Can Entrepreneurs Get a Canadian Work Permit?
Yes. An entrepreneur whose provincial application is approved can receive a Letter of Support from British Columbia and use it to apply for a work permit from the federal government.
The work permit allows the entrepreneur to move to British Columbia and establish and operate the proposed business while working toward the requirements for provincial nomination. Entrepreneurs should remember that receiving a work permit does not itself provide permanent residence. The applicant must still meet the conditions of the provincial program and subsequently complete the federal permanent residence process.
Can Entrepreneurs Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
A temporary federal measure introduced on June 9, 2026 allows eligible nominees applying for permanent residence through a base PNP pathway to apply for a BOWP earlier, without first having to receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for the PR application. Eligibility for a BOWP depends on meeting the federal requirements applicable to the applicant’s circumstances.
What Does the Latest Draw Mean for Entrepreneurs?
However, registering with the BC PNP does not guarantee an invitation, and receiving an invitation does not guarantee provincial nomination or Canadian permanent residence. Entrepreneurs should carefully assess their financial position, business experience, proposed investment and business plan before entering the process.
Key Takeaways
- British Columbia issued entrepreneur invitations on September 22, 2026.
- The Base Stream issued 10 invitations with a minimum score of 119.
- The Regional Stream issued fewer than five invitations, also with a minimum score of 119.
- The BC PNP had issued at least 114 Entrepreneur Immigration invitations in 2026 as of September 22.
- The Base Stream requires a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 CAD and investment of $200,000 CAD.
- The Regional Stream requires a minimum personal net worth of $300,000 CAD and investment of $100,000 CAD.
- Regional Stream applicants must establish a business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District.
- Provincial nomination can provide a pathway toward Canadian permanent residence.
- Applicants must still satisfy federal requirements before becoming Canadian permanent residents.
Start Your Canada Immigration Journey Today!
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration programs, processing times, eligibility requirements, and application procedures may change without notice. Readers should consult official Government of Canada resources or seek professional immigration advice before making any immigration decisions.
