Pathway Overview
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities through the BC PNP: The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) offers an Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) pathway tailored for international entrepreneurs who aspire to relocate to British Columbia (B.C.) and establish businesses that contribute to the province’s innovation and economic development.
- Temporary to Permanent Residency: The Entrepreneur Immigration pathway is designed as a transition from temporary to permanent residency. Initially, successful applicants will enter B.C. as temporary residents. Upon meeting the program’s business establishment requirements, they can apply for permanent residency.
Streams for Entrepreneurs
1. Base Stream:
- For experienced entrepreneurs planning to establish a new business or purchase and improve an existing business anywhere in B.C.
2. Regional Pilot:
- Targets entrepreneurs proposing to start new businesses in smaller, regional communities to foster economic diversification outside urban centers.
3. Strategic Projects:
- Allows foreign companies to establish operations in B.C. and bring key staff essential to the business’s success.
By participating in these streams, entrepreneurs can significantly contribute to B.C.'s economic landscape, promoting both innovation and growth in the region.
1. Base Stream Eligibility for Entrepreneur Immigration
The Base Stream of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration is designed for qualified entrepreneurs seeking to establish or acquire and enhance businesses in British Columbia. Below are the detailed eligibility criteria and process steps:
Eligibility Requirements
Personal Requirements:
- Net Worth: Possess a personal net worth of at least CAD $600,000.
- Experience: Have business and/or management experience. If lacking business experience, a minimum of a two-year post-secondary diploma is required.
- Language Skills: Demonstrate basic proficiency in English or French, level 4 or advanced equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
- Legal Status: Have been lawfully admitted to your current country of residence and be eligible for legal immigration status in Canada.
Business, Job, and Investment Requirements:
- Business Establishment: Set up a new eligible business or purchase and improve an existing one in British Columbia.
- Investment: Make a minimum personal investment of CAD $200,000 in the business.
- Job Creation: Generate at least one new permanent/ full-time job for a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
Fees:
- Registration Fee: CAD $300.
- Application Fee: CAD $3,500.
Process Overview:
- Develop a comprehensive business plan.
- Submit your business proposal for registration with the BC PNP.
- Once approved, secure a work permit to start your business activities.
- Execute your business plan and meet the program's requirements.
- Upon successful establishment of your business, receive a nomination from BC PNP.
- Use the BC PNP nomination to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
By meeting these requirements and following the outlined process, entrepreneurs can effectively transition from temporary to permanent residency in British Columbia while contributing to the province's economic growth.
Step 1: Crafting a Strong Business Proposal
To begin, you must develop a detailed and well-structured business proposal that aligns with your expertise and the economic demands of British Columbia (B.C.). This proposal should reflect thorough research on the type of business you intend to establish and the most suitable location within B.C.
Research and Resources:
- Market Research: Investigate various business opportunities and identify regions in B.C. that would profit from your occupation/ business.
- Government Resources: Use existing resources provided by the government like "Opening a Small-Scale Business Guide", which offers precious perceptivity into business planning and establishment.
Aligning with Key Sectors:
Consider focusing on a business that contributes to one of B.C.'s key sectors or provides significant economic benefits, as highlighted in the program guide.
- Key Industries: The Trade and Invest British Columbia website is a useful resource for information on the province’s key industries and sectors.
- Regional Insights: Explore different regions and communities within B.C. to govern the finest suitable for your business project.
By meticulously preparing a comprehensive business proposal that leverages your skills and meets the economic needs of B.C., you will enhance your chances of success in the BC Provincial Nominee Program’s Entrepreneur Immigration stream.
Step 2 : Registering Your Proposal with BC PNP
After crafting your comprehensive business proposal, the next step is to register it with the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).
Follow these steps to guarantee a seamless registration procedure:
Creating a Profile:
- BCPNP Online: Create a profile on the BCPNP Online platform.
- Registration: Complete the online registration, which includes submitting a brief business concept.
- Fee: Pay a non-refundable registration fee of CAD $300.
Registration Limitations:
- Capacity Management: BC PNP may limit the number of registrations to maintain processing service standards.
Scoring System:
- Points Allocation: The system will award points based on:
- Human Capital Factors: Education, experience, language skills.
- Economic Factors: Commercial viability of the proposal, sector, economic benefit, and region.
- Auto-Calculation: The system will automatically calculate your scores based on the provided information.
- Business Concept Scoring: BC PNP staff will independently score the business concept within six weeks. Detailed scoring criteria are available in the EI Base Program Guide.
Qualified Pool and Invitations:
- Minimum Requirements: If you meet the minimum criteria, You will remain in a qualified pool for a maximum of six months (180 days) or until you receive an invitation to apply, whichever comes first.
- No Guarantee: Registration does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
Invitation to Apply:
- Net Worth Review: If invited, a BC PNP-authorized accounting firm must review and verify your personal net worth and fund accumulation. A list of authorized firms and detailed instructions will be provided with your invitation.
- Application Submission: You have four months to submit a complete application through BCPNP Online.
Interview and Assessment:
- Interview: You may be invited to an interview to discuss your business/work experience and business plan.
- Application Assessment: BC PNP will assess your application based on the data provided in your application and through the interview.
Approval and Performance Agreement:
- Performance Agreement: If approved, you will sign a performance agreement with the Province of B.C. This agreement will be tailored to your specific proposal, based on the details provided in your application, business plan, and interview.
- Consistency: Ensure that your application details match your registration information to avoid refusal.
By ensuing these steps, you can efficiently register your occupation/ business proposal with BC PNP and take the next step towards establishing your business in British Columbia.
Step 3 : Securing a Work Permit
Once your application to the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is approved, you will receive a letter of support. This letter is crucial for applying for a work permit, allowing you and your dependents to relocate to British Columbia.
Application Process:
- Letter of Support: Use the provided letter of support to apply for a work license through Immigration, Expatriates and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Submission Deadline: You have 90 days to submit your work permit application to IRCC.
- Arrival in B.C.: After obtaining the work permit, you must move to B.C. within 12 months.
Step 4: Establishing Your Business in B.C.
Upon your arrival in British Columbia, you will have up to 20 months to execute your business plan and fulfill the requirements outlined in your performance agreement.
Implementation and Management:
- Business Plan: Implement your business plan as submitted during your application.
- Active Management: Actively manage the day-to-day operations of your business.
- Performance Expectations: Meet all performance expectations specified in your signed performance agreement.
By obeying to these guidelines, you will be able to smoothly transition into your new business venture in British Columbia, ensuring compliance with the BC PNP requirements.
Step 5: Achieving BC PNP Nomination
To be nominated by the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), you must demonstrate compliance with the terms and conditions outlined in your performance agreement. This is accomplished by submitting a comprehensive final report within 18 to 20 months of your arrival to the BC PNP in British Columbia.
Requirements for Nomination:
- Final Report: Submit a detailed final report to BC PNP between 18 and 20 months after arriving in B.C., showcasing your adherence to the performance agreement.
- Language Proficiency: Provide evidence of language skills meeting at minimum Level 4 of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
Evaluation Process:
- Report Review: BC PNP will thoroughly review and assess your final report.
- Conditions of Nomination: Once your compliance is confirmed, you will be obligatory to sign a Conditions of Nomination statement.
Step 6: Securing permanent Residence
- Upon signing the Conditions of Nomination declaration, you will receive a validation of recommendation as a provincial nominee. This confirmation allows you to apply for permanent residence via Immigration, Expatriates, Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and Refugees under the Provincial Nominee Class.
By following these steps, you can smoothly transition from meeting your performance agreement to applying for and obtaining permanent residence in Canada.
2. Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot
British Columbia invites entrepreneurs from around the globe to explore the diverse business opportunities available throughout the province. Entrepreneurs can establish businesses in one of B.C.’s smaller communities, experiencing firsthand the benefits of living outside major urban centers.
Program Details:
- Introduction: Launched in March 2019, the EI Regional Pilot encourages entrepreneurial ventures in smaller B.C. communities.
- Extension: The program has been extended and is now available until March 31, 2024.
Through this initiative, B.C. fosters economic growth in smaller regions while offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to thrive in a supportive community environment.
Key Features of the EI Regional Pilot
Active Participation of B.C. Communities
Communities involved in Phase 2 of the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional Pilot play a crucial role in the program. Each community has pinpointed specific types of businesses that are a priority for their local economic development and is seeking entrepreneurs with relevant management experience to establish these businesses.
Community Engagement:
- Business Priorities: Each participating community has identified priority business sectors and seeks entrepreneurs with proven experience in these areas.
- Background Information: When contacting a community, be prepared to share information about your background and business proposal. This helps community representatives assess if your experience and business idea align with their priorities.
- Administrative Processes: Communities have established their own administrative procedures for the pilot. Some may charge fees for services. It is vital to respect and obey to community's specific all processes respectively, using only the contact details provided in their profiles.
By following these guidelines and engaging with the communities, you can guarantee a smooth application process and upsurge the likelihood of finding a community that aligns with your business goals.
Mandatory Community Visit for Prospective Candidates
Exploratory Visits
If a community determines that your business proposal aligns with their priorities, they may extend an invitation for an in-person exploratory visit. This visit serves several purposes:
- First-Hand Experience: Gain a direct understanding of the community and the location where you plan to establish your business.
- Lifestyle Assessment: Evaluate whether the community’s lifestyle is suitable for you and your family.
Community Engagement During the Visit:
- Proposal Discussion: The community contact will discuss your business proposal in detail and will be keen to learn more about your background.
- Support Information: They will provide information on local supports and services that can assist you in establishing your business.
Community's Discretion:
- Invitation Decision: The decision to invite you for an exploratory visit rests solely with the community.
By participating in this visit, you can better understand the community’s environment and determine if it meets your personal and business needs.
Community Referral Requirement
- Post-Visit Procedure
Following your visit to the community, if you determine that it aligns with both your business goals and family requirements, you have the option to seek a referral from the community. This referral is essential for entrepreneur candidates intending to apply to the EI Regional Pilot and apply for the same.
- Referral Process:
- Requesting a Referral: You may request a referral from the community if you believe it to be the suitable location for your business and family.
- Entrepreneur Registration: The referral enables entrepreneur candidates to register and initiate their application process for the EI Regional Pilot.
Community Discretion:
- Decision Authority: The decision to issue a referral lies within the discretion of the community. By obtaining a referral, you can progress further in the application process, ensuring alignment with the chosen community's objectives and requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for EI - Regional Pilot
The Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) - Regional Pilot targets foreign entrepreneurs aiming to establish new businesses in smaller communities. However, certain criteria must be met for eligibility in this stream.
Ineligibility Conditions:
- Non-Participating Communities: If you intend to settle in a community not participating in the EI - Regional Pilot or wish to purchase an existing business, you are ineligible for this stream.
Pre-Assessment Checklist:
Before pursuing the EI - Regional Pilot, ensure familiarity with the program's criteria and assess your eligibility. To meet the requirements, you must be eligible for the following requirements:
- Business Establishment: Establish a new business that aligns with the priorities of the referring community.
- Experience: Demonstrate business and/or management experience relevant to your proposed venture.
- Financial Capacity: Possess a personal net worth of at least CAD $300,000.
- Investment: Make a minimum personal investment of CAD $100,000 in the business.
- Job Creation: Generate at least one new permanent/ full-time work opportunity for a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate a minimum language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.
- Legal Status: Have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada.
- Lawful Residence: Have been lawfully admitted in your current country of residence.
Connecting with Communities:
If you meet the eligibility criteria and possess the desired experience sought by the community, you can directly engage with the designated community contact listed in the community's profile page for further information and guidance.
By ensuring alignment with these requirements, you can embark on your entrepreneurial journey within the EI - Regional Pilot stream, contributing to the economic development of smaller communities in Canada.
3. Strategic Projects Stream
Key Features:
- Corporate Transfer: This stream facilitates the permanent transfer of key staff possessing essential corporate knowledge and expertise to B.C.
- Nomination Support: Foreign corporations can seek provincial nomination to support the permanent residency of up to five senior employees who will actively manage the B.C. operations.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for participation in the Strategic Projects stream, the foreign/ overseas company must comply with the following requirements:
- Established and Financially Sound: The corporation must be well-established and maintain good financial standing.
- Investment Readiness: Demonstrate readiness and capacity for investment, indicating an intention for international expansion into B.C.
- Economic Benefit: Provide substantial economic benefit to the province through a significant investment in B.C.
This stream offers a pathway for foreign corporations to leverage investment opportunities in B.C., fostering economic growth and development in the province.
Eligibility of Key Staff Members
Qualifying Criteria:
To be considered eligible as key staff members, individuals must satisfy the following conditions:
- Position and Experience: They must currently hold senior positions within the foreign corporation and possess qualifications and experience essential for establishing and operating the business in British Columbia (B.C.).
- Role in B.C. Operation: Key staff should be appointed to executive, senior managerial positions, or possess specialized knowledge crucial to the proposed B.C. operation.
- Employment Status: They are anticipated to engage in permanent full-time employment within British Columbia operation.
- Compensation: The offered wage should align with their expertise and be consistent with industry and corporate compensation structures.
Ineligibility Criteria:
Applications for key staff members will not be accepted under the following circumstances:
- Inadmissibility to Canada: Individuals who are prohibited from entering Canada.
- Legal Status: Those who have not been lawfully admitted to their current country of residence or are in Canada and out of legal status.
- Expired Status: Individuals whose status has expired and fail to demonstrate application for restoration of status within the 90-day eligibility period.
- Unauthorized Employment: Individuals working in Canada without proper authorization.
- Refugee Claim and Removal Order: Individuals with unresolved refugee claims in Canada or under a removal order in or outside Canada.
By adhering to these eligibility criteria, key staff members can ensure their suitability for participation in the Strategic Projects stream, facilitating the smooth execution of foreign corporations' investment ventures in B.C.
List of Contributing Groups by Development Region
Cariboo Region:
- 100 Mile House
- Mackenzie
- Prince George
- Quesnel
- Williams Lake
Kootenay Region:
- Castlegar & Central Kootenay
- Columbia Valley & East Kootenay
- Cranbrook
- Kimberley
- Nelson & Central Kootenay
- Rossland
- Trail
- West Boundary (Area E)
Mainland / Southwest Region:
- Lillooet
Nechako Region:
- Bulkley-Nechako
North Coast Region:
- Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
- Terrace
Northeast Region:
- Fort St. John
- Tumbler Ridge
Thompson-Okanagan Region:
- Chase
- Clinton
- Penticton
- Salmon Arm
- Vernon
Vancouver Island/Coast Region:
- Campbell River
- Comox
- Mount Waddington
- Port Alberni
- Powell River
This comprehensive list outlines the participating communities across various development regions, providing entrepreneurs with diverse options to explore for their business ventures within the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) - Regional Pilot program.
The Strategic Projects stream caters to foreign corporations aiming to capitalize on strategic investment prospects in British Columbia (B.C.). By establishing operations integral to their core business growth, these corporations contribute to the province's economic advancement.
Key Features:
- Corporate Transfer: This stream facilitates the permanent transfer of key staff possessing essential corporate knowledge and expertise to B.C.
- Nomination Support: Foreign corporations can seek provincial nomination to support the permanent residency of up to five senior employees who will actively manage the B.C. operations.
Eligibility Criteria For The Foreign Company:
To qualify for participation in the Strategic Projects stream, the foreign company must fulfil the following requirements:
- Established and Financially Sound: The corporation must be well-established and maintain good financial standing.
- Investment Readiness: Demonstrate readiness and capacity for investment, indicating an intention for international expansion into B.C.
- Economic Benefit: Provide substantial economic benefit to the province through a significant investment in B.C.
This stream offers a pathway for foreign corporations to leverage investment opportunities in B.C., fostering economic growth and development in the province.
Eligibility of Key Staff Members
Qualifying Criteria:
To be considered eligible as key staff members, individuals must satisfy the following conditions:
- Position and Experience: They must currently hold senior positions within the foreign corporation and possess qualifications and experience essential for establishing and operating the business in British Columbia (B.C.).
- Role in B.C. Operation: Key staff should be appointed to executive, senior managerial positions, or possess specialized knowledge crucial to the proposed B.C. operation.
- Employment Status: They are expected to work in a permanent full-time employment term at the B.C. operation.
- Compensation: The offered wage should align with their expertise and be consistent with industry and corporate compensation structures.
Ineligibility Criteria:
Applications for key staff members will not be accepted under the following circumstances:
- Inadmissibility to Canada: Individuals who are prohibited from entering Canada.
- Legal Status: Those who have not been lawfully admitted to their current country of residence or are in Canada and out of legal status.
- Expired Status: Individuals whose status has expired and fail to demonstrate application for restoration of status within the 90-day eligibility period.
- Unauthorized Employment: Individuals working in Canada without proper authorization.
- Refugee Claim and Removal Order: Individuals with unresolved refugee claims in Canada or under a removal order in or outside Canada.
By adhering to these eligibility criteria, key staff members can ensure their suitability for participation in the Strategic Projects stream, facilitating the smooth execution of foreign corporations' investment ventures in B.C.
Requirements for Foreign Corporations
Investment Criteria:
- Minimum Equity Investment: The foreign corporation must commit a minimum equity investment of at least $500,000 towards its operations in British Columbia (B.C.).
- Business Establishment: It should either establish a new business or acquisition and expand a suitable business within B.C.
- Job Creation: The corporation must create a minimum of three new full-time/ permanent corresponding jobs for permanent residents or Canadian citizens per proposed foreign key staff member, with a maximum limit of five key staff.
Ineligible Business Types
The following business types are deemed ineligible under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP):
- Immigration-Linked Investment Schemes: Businesses associated with immigration-linked investment schemes, as defined by Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation and Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
- Redemption Options: Businesses offering investment terms including redemption options, as per IRPR.
- Passive Investments: Businesses categorized as passive investments under IRPR.
- Specific Business Categories: Businesses falling under the categories of bed and breakfasts, hobby farms, home-based businesses, payday loan establishments, cheque cashing services, money changing businesses, and cash machine operations, among others.
- Excluded Business Activities: Certain activities such as pawnbroking, tanning stores/ salons, rental stores of DVD, coin laundry service, automatic car wash operations, scrap metal recycling, and businesses primarily selling used goods, excluding those providing value-added services.
- Restricted Services: Businesses involved in real estate, insurance, or business brokerage, as well as those dealing in pornography or sexually explicit products or services, are also ineligible.
- Reputation Risk: Any business type that may potentially bring disrepute to the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia through association is ineligible.
Adherence to these criteria ensures that foreign corporations contribute positively to B.C.'s economic landscape while maintaining the integrity of the BC PNP.
Application Process for the Strategic Projects Stream
Step 1: Exploratory Visit to B.C.
- Senior executives representing the company are encouraged to visit B.C. to explore opportunities and understand the local business environment.
Step 2: Proposal Discussion
- Before applying, the company must contact the BC PNP to discuss its business proposal.
Step 3: Registration
- The company expresses its interest to apply by registering with the BC PNP, providing company details, proposed investment in B.C., and key staff qualifications.
- Registration processing fee: $300.
Step 4: Invitation to Apply
- The BC PNP reviews the registration to determine eligibility.
- The business obligation submits a full application within 90 days, if invited to apply.
Step 5: Application Submission
- The company submits a complete application package, including key staff forms and supporting documentation.
- Application processing fee: $3,500 for the company, plus $1,000 for each proposed key staff.
Step 6: Application Review
- The BC PNP reviews the application for completeness and may request additional documentation or clarifications.
- Key staff members may undergo in-person interviews at BC PNP offices.
Step 7: Signing Performance Agreements
- Upon approval, the company signs a corporate Performance Agreement with the Province of B.C., and each key staff member signs an individual Performance Agreement.
Step 8: Work Permit & Arrival Report
- Work permit support letters are issued to approved key staff members to apply for work permits from IRCC.
- Key staff must arrive in B.C. with valid work permits within 180 days of the support letter issuance.
- Arrival report form submission within 60 days of arrival in B.C.
Step 9: Business Establishment & Nomination
- The company submits a final report to the BC PNP demonstrating compliance with the Performance Agreement.
- If terms are met, each key staff member is nominated for permanent residence.
Step 10: Permanent Residence Application
- Key staff members apply for permanent residence to IRCC within 180 days of nomination.
Disclaimer: The information provided regarding the Entrepreneur Immigration BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) process serves as a general guideline and is subject to change without prior notice. Candidates are strongly advised to conduct their own thorough research and due diligence based on the information provided herein. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, we cannot guarantee its completeness or applicability to individual circumstances. The BC PNP and its affiliated entities disclaim any liability for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the provided information and shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from reliance upon or interpretation of the content herein. Candidates are encouraged to seek professional advice and consult official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the BC PNP process.
0 Comments