The BC PNP Regional Pilot is focused on attracting entrepreneurs from around the world to establish businesses in regional communities. There are many regions all of British Columbia involved in this program. Participating communities will refer foreign entrepreneurs to the BC PNP whose business concept align with the community’s economic priorities.

British Columbia offers two entrepreneur programs for business immigration:

• Regional Pilot Program:
• The BC PNP Regional Pilot is focused on attracting entrepreneurs from around the world to establish businesses in regional communities. There are many regions all of British Columbia involved in this program. Participating communities will refer foreign entrepreneurs to the BC PNP whose business concept align with the community’s economic priorities.
• Program Requirements
• Experience: 3+ years of experience as a business owner-manager, OR, 4+ years of experience as a senior manager, OR, a combination of 1+ year of experience as a business owner-manager and 2+ years of experience as a senior manager.
• Net Worth: You must have a minimum of $300,000 in personal net worth, which includes your spouse or common-law partner, and your dependent children, if applicable. Your personal net worth must be legally obtained and verifiable.
• Exploratory Visit and Community Referral.
• Investment of $100,000 into a business.
• Basic Category:
• British Columbia, along with many parts of the world, is facing the demographic challenge of an aging population. There are many business owners in B.C. who are considering retirement, but they may not have succession plans in place for entrepreneurs to take over their businesses. The EI – Base Category is an option for foreign entrepreneurs to purchase and improve existing businesses in B.C., which may also assist in providing business succession opportunities for these retiring business owners.
• Program Requirements
• The personal net worth of minimum $600,000, legally obtained.
• Invest minimum $200,000 in an eligible new business or to purchase and improve an existing business in BC.
• Create at least one new full-time job in your business for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
• Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 In English or French in each of the four competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, by the time of nomination.
• Suitable business and/or management experience.
• Have, or be eligible for, legal temporary immigration status in Canada.
• Have been lawfully admitted to the country where you currently reside.