BC Entrepreneur Stream

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
  • Age
  • No
  • Equity Investment
  • Minimum $500,000 CAD
  • Income/Settlement Funds
  • No
  • Average Processing Time
  • 15 – 19 months