This stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who intend to invest in and actively manage an eligible business in the province. Individuals must have business ownership and management experience. They must demonstrate that they are able to:
Establish themselves in BC
Invest in a new or existing business
Employ Canadian citizens or permanent residents to give significant economic benefits to the province
Why Entrepreneurs Choose BC
British Columbia is one of Canada’s most dynamic places to do business. Entrepreneurs benefit from its strategic location, low taxes, competitive operating costs, and a multicultural workforce that is well-educated, highly-skilled, and productive.
If you are an entrepreneur who is ready to buy or invest in and actively manage a business in the province, you can apply through one of the following business immigration streams:
Entrepreneur Base Category
This category is for those who are interested in business immigration to Canada and want to buy an existing business in British Columbia and eventually obtain permanent residence in Canada.
Entrepreneur Base Category
Express Entry Profile
No
Connection to Province
No
Job Offer
No
Language Proficiency
CLB4/NCLC4 or higher in English or French
Level of Education
Post-secondary or Sufficient Business Experience for at least 3 of past 5 years with 100% business ownership
Age
No
Income/Settlement Funds
No
Work Experience
Business Ownership or Management of at least 3 years(within last 10 years)
Investment
Minimum $200,000 CAD, Personal Net Worth of at least $600,000 CAD
Average Processing Time
15 - 19 months
Entrepreneur Regional Pilot
This category is for those who are interested in business immigration to Canada and want to start a new business in British Columbia and eventually obtain permanent residence in Canada.
Strategic Projects Category
Express Entry Profile
No
Connection to Province
No
Job Offer
No
Language Proficiency
CLB4/NCLC4 or higher in English or French
Level of Education
Post-secondary or Sufficient Business Experience for at least 3 of the past 5 years with 100% business ownership
Work Experience
Business Ownership or Management of at least 3 years(within last 5 years)
Age
No
Income/Settlement Funds
Yes
Investment
Minimum $100,000 CAD, Personal Net Worth of at least $300,000 CAD
Average Processing Time
15 - 19 months
Strategic Projects Category
This category is for foreign corporations and business owners who are interested in business immigration to Canada and want to establish a subsidiary or branch in British Columbia and eventually obtain permanent residence in Canada.
Strategic Projects Category
Express Entry Profile
No
Connection to Province
No
Job Offer
No
Language Proficiency
CLB4/NCLC4 or higher in English or French
Level of Education
Post-Secondary Or Sufficient Business Experience For At Least 3 Of The Past 5 Years With 100% Business Ownership
Work Experience
Key staff members must have relevant senior/executive experience and must be currently employed in a foreign corporation
