Immigration to British Columbia through the regional entrepreneur program

The Entrepreneur Immigration — Regional Stream program is designed to attract entrepreneurs to small communities in British Columbia and develop businesses in these regions. It allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency if they start a new business in communities with small populations. The program launched in 2019 as a pilot project and continues to operate as part of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).

Stream Features

Each community defines priority business areas based on its needs. Candidates must create a business that aligns with these priorities. Communities may charge service fees and organize exploratory visits for entrepreneurs.

Candidates apply directly to their chosen community. If their business proposal meets the requirements, they may be invited for an exploratory visit. After the visit, they can request a recommendation from the community, which allows them to register and apply for the program.

Candidate Requirements

To participate in the program, you must:

• start a business that aligns with community priorities;
• have business management experience;
• have at least $300,000 CAD in capital and invest a minimum of $100,000 CAD;
• create at least one job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• have English or French language skills at CLB 4 level;
• have or be willing to obtain legal immigration status in Canada.

Business Requirements

The main goal of the project should be to generate profit by providing products or services. The business must have commercial potential. Some types of businesses are not eligible for immigration under this program:

• certain types of passive businesses, as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations;
• bed and breakfasts, hobby farms, home-based businesses;
• payday loan, cheque cashing, money exchange, or ATM businesses;
• pawnbrokers;
• tanning salons;
• DVD rental stores;
• coin-operated laundries;
• automatic car washes;
• scrap metal recycling;
• businesses selling used goods (except for businesses involved in repair and refurbishment);
• real estate development, brokerage, or insurance companies;
• businesses producing, selling, or distributing pornography or pornographic products or services;
• any business that could harm the reputation of the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia.

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