British Columbia invited 16 entrepreneurs in the August selection
For the first time in several months, invitations have been issued in two streams at once, and the passing score has dropped.
On August 25, 2026, British Columbia held its latest immigration draw for entrepreneurs. Unlike the previous draw on July 28, this time invitations were issued under two streams: the Base stream and the Regional stream. A total of 16 candidates received invitations to apply.
Base Stream
Under the Base entrepreneur stream, 11 candidates received invitations, with a minimum score of 116. This stream is designed for experienced business owners and managers who plan to start a new company or purchase an existing business in the province.
To be eligible, applicants must have business experience, a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 CAD, and be prepared to invest at least $200,000 CAD in a business in British Columbia. A language proficiency level of at least CLB 4 in English or French is also required.
Regional Stream
Under the Regional stream, 5 invitations were issued, also with a minimum score of 116. This stream is aimed at entrepreneurs who are willing to establish or grow a business outside of the province's major urban centers. The financial requirements are lower compared to the Base stream: the minimum personal net worth is $300,000 CAD, and the minimum business investment is $100,000 CAD.
Comparison with the Previous Draw
In the July 28 draw, invitations were issued only under the Base stream — 10 candidates with a minimum score of 117. In the August draw, the minimum score for the Base stream dropped by one point (from 117 to 116), and the number of invitations increased from 10 to 11. In addition, the Regional stream was included this time, with 5 more invitations issued. Overall, the total number of invitations went up from 10 to 16.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation
Once invited, an entrepreneur can submit a full application for a provincial nomination. If approved, the candidate travels to British Columbia on a work permit and carries out their proposed business plan. After meeting all program requirements, they can receive a provincial nomination and apply for permanent residence in Canada.
If you're considering immigrating to Canada through starting or buying a business, we recommend booking a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant to assess your options.
Keep an eye on the draw history for British Columbia so you don't miss any new immigration opportunities.
