BC PNP holds the province's first draw of the year

British Columbia (BC) has held a new selection round under the province’s entrepreneur immigration programme, continuing the province’s focus on attracting business owners who can create jobs and grow the local economy.

Candidates are invited on the basis of their ability to start a new business or take over and grow an existing business in BC.

Draw results

On 13/01/2026, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued invitations through the Base stream of the entrepreneur immigration programme.

The minimum score and the number of invitations issued were as follows:

Over the course of 2025, the BC PNP held ten draws through the Base stream of the entrepreneur immigration programme, making it the most frequently held draw of the year.

These ten draws produced at least 93 Invitation to Apply (ITA) for candidates.

What is the Base entrepreneur stream for?

The Base entrepreneur immigration stream is designed for experienced entrepreneurs wishing to start a business or buy an existing business in British Columbia, without requiring a community referral.

Broadly speaking, the Base stream carries higher financial requirements than the Regional stream (usually described as around US$600,000 in net worth and US$200,000 in investment, depending on the candidate’s circumstances).

It may also allow entrepreneurs to buy into or expand an existing B.C. business, generally with ownership of at least one third.

Fuller information on the BC entrepreneur stream, including its detailed eligibility requirements, can be found on our dedicated website.

How the process usually works

Although requirements and timelines can vary, entrepreneur candidates generally go through the following steps:

• Register in the entrepreneur system (meeting all eligibility criteria) and receive a score;
• Be invited in a draw (if the candidate’s score is competitive);
• Apply and, if approved, obtain a work permit;
• Establish and run the business in British Columbia; and
• Receive a nomination for permanent residence (PR) if the programme conditions are met.

Once nominated, candidates may apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for PR.