The BCPNP Entrepreneur Program provides an opportunity for qualified individuals and their families to move to British Columbia and establish their own business.
There are two categories for Entrepreneurs: the BCPNP Entrepreneur Base Program and the BCPNP Entrepreneur Immigration-Regional Pilot
The program’s objective is to stimulate economic growth and create jobs in British Columbia. Immigrant entrepreneurs who are selected to participate in the program are given a two-year work permit. While that permit is in effect, an entrepreneur must actively manage his or her business for at least 18 months. Participants who successfully complete all BCPNP business immigration requirements will become provincial nominees, making them and their family members eligible for permanent residence in Canada.
To be eligible for the BCPNP Entrepreneur Base Program applicants must:
Meet personal net worth requirements of at least CAD $600,000.
Have at least three years’ experience managing or operating a business.
No language test scores need to be submitted but if an applicant has taken an approved test his or her EOI score will be higher.
Applicants are not required to meet a minimum education requirement, provided they were the sole owner of a business that they actively managed during three of the last five years.
Proposed business must create at least one new job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in BC.
Invest at least CAD $200,000 into the proposed business.
To be eligible for the BCPNP Entrepreneur Immigration-Regional Pilot applicants must:
Meet personal net worth requirements of CAD $300,000.
Have at least three years of experience owning a business or four years of experience managing a business within the last five years.
Take an approved English or French test and obtain a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.
Applicants are not required to meet a minimum education requirement, provided they were the sole owner of a business that they actively managed during three of the last five years.
Proposed business must create at least one new job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in BC.
Engage and visit an enrolled community for support before registering.
Invest at least CAD $100,000 into the proposed business.
As part of the application process, the personal net worth of the primary applicant must be verified by a qualified supplier. The cost of the review is typically in a range of CAD $3,000 to CAD $5,000.The applicant must give the qualified supplier access to all documentation (such as bank statements,investment statements, and proof of property ownership) that the qualified supplier needs to verify his or her net worth.
1. If investor immigration application is approved, sign a performance agreement and obtain a work permit
2. Establish residence in British Columbia within 100 km of the business
3. Await confirmation of nomination as a provincial nominee
1. Make an exploratory visit to the regional community they have engaged ( regional pilot only)
2. Submit an online registration (also known as a pre-application)
3. Wait for an invitation to apply after the pre-application has been scored
4. Within four months of receipt of an official invitation, submit an online application to the BCPNP that includes a comprehensive business plan
5. Establish and manage the business in British Columbia for 12 to 20 months
6. Submit a final report
7. Apply for permanent residence (including eligible family members)
8. Obtain permanent residence visas
In addition to making sure the application is complete there are three main areas where an RCIC can help.
Immigration Strategy and Option: An RCIC can advise you on the different options that are available to you to obtain permanent residence in Canada and explain the pros and cons of each option. It is important you choose the best immigration program from the start as this will likely save you time and money in the long run.
Professional Representation: If you do not have a representative assisting you then you willprobably only submit the required documentation listed on the IRCC document checklist. Submitting only these documents may be enough to result in a favorable decision. However, submitting only those documents sometimes is not enough to make your case and to satisfy the visa officer you meet the requirements of the visa. Generally, it is wise to submit as much evidence as you can above and beyond the minimum required by IRCC. Your representative can assist you in preparing and submitting a strong application to IRCC by identifying the weaknesses in your application and advising you how to strengthen your application.
Submission letter: An RCIC will prepare and submit a submission letter on behalf of the applicant along with the application. The submission letter is an important part of the application which summarizes and more importantly demonstrates why you meet the requirements of the visa.
We will:
Review your information and develop a strategy to apply
Assist you in identifying suitable investment opportunities
Aide you in making an exploratory visit ( if applicable)
Help you to engage an approved regional community (if applicable)
Prepare and submit your visa application to the BCPNP and IRCC
Act as your authorized representative to the BCPNP and IRCC
If you want to apply for permanent residence through the BCPNP Entrepreneur Program we are here to help! Please complete our free assessment form or contact us and one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants will revert to you within 48 hours.
