Overview
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration is designed for experienced business owners and senior managers who want to establish or purchase a business in British Columbia and manage it actively. It follows a work-permit-first model: after registering and applying, you sign a performance agreement, come to BC on a work permit and build your business. Once you meet your agreed commitments, BC nominates you for permanent residence, and you and your family apply to IRCC.
Who it’s for
- Business owners and senior executives planning to relocate to BC with their families
- Entrepreneurs looking to buy an established BC business or launch a new one
- Experienced managers ready to run a business hands-on, day to day
Key requirements
- Several years of recent experience as an active business owner-manager or senior manager
- A minimum personal net worth, legally obtained and verified by an approved third party
- An eligible personal investment in a new or purchased BC business, with a meaningful ownership share and day-to-day management
- Creation of new full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Post-secondary education or substantial business-ownership experience
- Language test results that meet BC's minimum in English or French
- A viable business plan and a signed performance agreement setting out your commitments
How it works
- 01
Strategy & business plan
We assess your background and goals, then help you choose a viable business concept or acquisition target and shape your business plan.
- 02
Exploratory visit & registration
Where it adds value, we help plan a visit to BC, then submit your registration, scored on your experience, net worth, investment, job creation and business concept.
- 03
Invitation, application & interview
If invited, we prepare your full application, including third-party net-worth verification and a detailed business plan. BC may interview you.
- 04
Performance agreement & work permit
Once approved, you sign a performance agreement setting out your commitments and apply for a work permit with BC's support letter.
- 05
Build your business & get nominated
You establish or take over the business in BC. When you meet your commitments and file your final report, BC nominates you and we submit your PR application.
Advantages
- Start a new business or buy and grow an existing one
- BC has offered dedicated options for regional communities and for foreign companies' key staff
- Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your permanent residence application
- Build your business in Canada's Pacific gateway, with strong links to Asia-Pacific markets
Good to know
- BC has adjusted its entrepreneur categories and intake in recent years, and allocations change — we confirm current options before you commit capital.
- Nomination depends on meeting your performance agreement; your investment carries real business risk and approval is not guaranteed.
- Expect a multi-year, two-stage process — a work permit period first, then the federal PR application.
FAQ
Do I get permanent residence right away?
No. It is a two-stage process — you first come to BC on a work permit and run your business, then apply for PR after BC nominates you.
Can I buy an existing business instead of starting one?
Yes. BC allows the purchase of an existing business, subject to rules on ownership share and job creation. We review any target business carefully before you commit.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your PR application and may be able to accompany you during the work permit stage.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often — we confirm the latest requirements for your situation during your consultation.