British Columbia sends out invitations under new PNP draw

This is the province’s third Base Stream draw of 2025 targeting entrepreneurs for provincial immigration.

Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP programs

On April 15, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held a draw through its Entrepreneur Immigration category, under its Base Stream.

A total of five candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination.

The lowest score among those invited was 115.

Eligibility criteria for the BCPNP Entrepreneur Base Stream

Foreign entrepreneurs wanting to be considered for this stream must either launch a new business or purchase an existing one in British Columbia, ensuring their venture contributes to the province’s economy.

To be eligible for this entrepreneurial immigration stream, the following requirements must be met (at minimum):

• Have a registration score of at least 115 points;
• Have a net worth of at least $600,000;
• Have a minimum language proficiency equal to CLB 4 or higher;
• Be willing to personally invest at least $200,000 into the established or purchased business;
• Demonstrate the intention of owning at least one-third of the business, or be willing to make an equity investment of $1 million; and
• Have the equivalent of a two-year post-secondary diploma or one of the following forms of work experience:
  • Three years as a business owner-manager;
  • Four years as a senior business manager; or
  • A combination of one year as an active business owner-manager and two years as a senior business manager.

Candidates must also show that their business will create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in the province.

The BC PNP also has a regional entrepreneur stream, limited to certain participating communities. The regional stream has a lower net worth minimum, while requiring a visit to a participating community and a letter of support from the community.

British Columbia has made major changes to the BCPNP, including the closure of numerous streams, imposing a moratorium on certain draws, and limiting the acceptance of new applications.

Throughout 2025, the province is prioritizing front-line healthcare workers, along with high economic impact entrepreneurs and skilled workers.

For more details, visit our article covering these changes.