Immigration to British Columbia for companies

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.

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To learn about other streams of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program, read the article "Immigration to British Columbia — Canada's Provincial Program (BC PNP)".