Immigration to British Columbia for companies

Foreign companies planning to open a branch or subsidiary in Canada can relocate their key employees to the country through the Strategic Projects program.

The Strategic Projects program allows companies to immigrate to Canada. Foreign enterprises can start a business in British Columbia and transfer up to 5 key employees who can obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Requirements for corporations and employees

To immigrate under this program, you must meet the following requirements:

establish a new business, purchase, or expand an existing one in British Columbia;
prove that the business is successful and financially beneficial, including for the province;
invest at least $500,000 CAD in the business;
create a minimum of 3 jobs for permanent residents or Canadian citizens for each transferred company employee.

Under the Strategic Projects program, up to 5 key employees can immigrate who:

must be senior employees of the company outside Canada and have the qualifications and experience necessary to conduct business in British Columbia;
must hold management positions or have specialized knowledge important for operations in the province;
work full-time for the company in British Columbia;
receive a salary commensurate with their qualifications and industry standards.

Ineligible businesses

The following types of businesses are not eligible for the Entrepreneur Immigration — Strategic Projects category:

certain types of passive businesses as defined by the Refugee and Immigration Protection Regulations;
bed and breakfasts, hobby farms, home-based businesses;
payday loan, cheque cashing, money exchange, and ATM businesses;
pawnbrokers;
tanning salons;
DVD rental stores;
coin-operated laundries;
automatic car washes;
scrap metal recycling;
businesses involved in the sale of used goods (excluding businesses that provide repair or refurbishment services);
real estate development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage;
businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornographic products or services;
any business that may negatively impact the reputation of British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program or the Government of British Columbia.

Application process

Exploratory visit: It's recommended that company representatives visit British Columbia to assess business opportunities and conditions.
Proposal discussion: Before applying, contact BC PNP to discuss your business plan.
Registration: The company registers its interest by providing information about the business, investments, and key employees. Registration fee is $300 CAD.
Invitation to apply: If approved, the company submits a full application within 90 days. The fee is $3,500 CAD for the company and $1,000 CAD per employee.
Agreement signing: After approval, the company and employees sign an agreement with the province.
Work permits: Employees receive work permits and must arrive in the province within 180 days. They submit an arrival report within 60 days.
Commitment assessment: The company reports on meeting program conditions, after which the province may conduct inspections.
Permanent residency: After fulfilling conditions, employees can apply for permanent residency within 180 days.