Immigration for Entrepreneurs: Pause in British Columbia

The EI — Base category has existed in its current form since 2015. It allows the province of British Columbia to nominate foreign entrepreneurs for permanent residency. The program is suitable for foreigners who plan to start a new business in B.C. or buy an existing business, and the entrepreneurs must not only own the businesses they buy but also actively manage them.

Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on B.C.'s economy, the temporary pause allows the province to review the basic EI category. The Immigration Service must ensure that the program continues to meet its objectives of supporting government priorities and economic recovery, and prepare potential candidates for immigration to British Columbia for maximum chances of success.

New EI application data will be available from BC Immigration in early 2022.

Important:

1. The temporary pause does not apply to persons who have already submitted a registration or application. These applications will remain active in the system and will be processed until final decisions are made. However, registrations have an expiry date and if it expires without receiving an invitation to apply, a new registration cannot be sent during the advertised pause.

2. The registration pause does not apply to:

• category "Regional Pilot", an immigration program for entrepreneurs that was recently extended through March 2024;

• category "Strategic Projects", a program that supports the opening of offices of international companies in British Columbia, as well as inviting high-profile employees for permanent residencies;

all program categories "Skills Immigration" also remain open.