Immigration to British Columbia for companies
Foreign companies that plan 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 companies can start a business in British Columbia and relocate up to 5 key employees who can get permanent residency in Canada.
Requirements for the corporation and employees
To immigrate through the program, you must meet the following requirements:
- create a new, buy or expand an existing business in B.C;
- confirm that the business is successful and financially profitable, including for the province;
- invest in a business $500,000 CAD or more;
- create a minimum of 3 jobs for Canadian permanent residents or citizens for each relocated foreign employee.
It is possible to relocate 5 key employees who:
- are senior employees of the company outside Canada;
- are appointed to an executive or senior managerial position in British Columbia.
Unsuitable companies
The following types of businesses are not eligible under the Entrepreneur Immigration — Strategic Projects category:
- certain types of passive business as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations;
- bed and breakfasts, hobby farms, home-based businesses;
- payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machine businesses;
- pawnbrokers;
- tanning salons;
- DVD rental stores;
- coin-operated laundries;
- automated car wash operations;
- scrap metal recycling;
- businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs, refurbishing or recycling);
- real estate brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage;
- real estate development activities;
- businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services;
- goods trading businesses (e.g. import/export), unless value add is demonstrated;
- any business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.
How to apply
Before applying for the stream, company representatives should contact BC to discuss a business proposal. It is also recommended that you make an exploratory visit to the province.
The full article is only available to members of the Immigrant.Today community. Log in to your account to read it for free.
