In an exciting move for global business minds, British Columbia has once again opened its doors to international entrepreneurs through its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The province conducted a new draw under its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) streams on July 8, 2025, inviting a select group of candidates to take the next step toward building their businesses—and futures—in B.C.
This marks the fifth entrepreneur-focused draw of the year, showing a clear trend: British Columbia is prioritizing innovators and job creators to help strengthen its economy.
Latest BC PNP Entrepreneur Draw — At a Glance
Here’s how the draw unfolded:
| Stream | Invitations Issued | Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|
| EI Base Stream | 12 | 121 |
| EI Regional Stream | Less than 5 | 115 |
With only up to 17 invitations issued, this round was highly competitive and selective, aimed at attracting the most qualified and committed entrepreneurs.
2025 Draw Summary So Far
| Stream | Total Invitations in 2025 |
|---|---|
| EI Base Stream | 39 |
| EI Regional Stream | 20 |
| EI Strategic Projects | 0 |
Apart from one skilled worker drawn in May, B.C. has focused heavily on entrepreneur immigration this year.
Two Main Pathways for Entrepreneurs in British Columbia
Thinking of starting a business in B.C.? There are two key streams under the BC PNP’s Entrepreneur Immigration program:
EI Base Stream
Perfect for those looking to start or purchase a business anywhere in British Columbia, the PNP. No regional restrictions or community referrals required.
EI Regional Stream
Ideal for entrepreneurs who want to launch a new business in a smaller, rural community. You’ll need a community referral, which typically involves visiting the area first.
What You Need to Qualify
Take a look at the basic eligibility requirements for each stream:
| Criteria | EI Base Stream | EI Regional Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Business Type | Start or purchase | Start new only |
| Community Referral Needed | No | Yes |
| Minimum Net Worth | Required | Required |
| Investment Requirement | Required | Required |
| Job Creation | At least 1 full-time job | At least 1 full-time job |
| Minimum Registration Score | 115 / 200 | 105 / 200 |
What Happens After You’re Invited?
You'll get an Invitation to apply if luck shines on you and you're picked in some random draw or other. You've got sixty days from there and should submit your full application pretty quickly within that timeframe in the province. The review process usually drags on for roughly four months after submission. You're precariously closer to snagging Canadian permanent residency if all ducks are in a row and business plans exceed vague expectations.
Why B.C. Is a Great Place for Entrepreneurs
British Columbia isn’t just beautiful—it’s a hub for business growth and innovation. With a booming economy, a welcoming community, and access to international markets, B.C. offers:
- A clear pathway to permanent residency for business owners
- Strong support for small and medium enterprises
- A global, diverse workforce
- One of the most livable provinces in Canada
Whether you're starting fresh or expanding your existing brand, B.C. makes a solid business case.
Tips for Entrepreneur Applicants
- Choose the stream that matches your goals and resources
- Prepare a strong, realistic business plan
- If targeting the Regional Stream, visit the community and build local connections
- Ensure you meet the investment, job creation, and net worth criteria
- Monitor your registration score and stay ready for future draws
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You Succeed
Starting a business in a new country can be overwhelming, but Visa Solutions 4u is here to make it simple.
Here’s how we can support your journey:
- Free assessment of your eligibility for the British Columbia PNP
- Help choosing between the EI Base and Regional streams
- Expert guidance in creating your business plan
- Step-by-step support for community referrals (Regional Stream)
- Assistance with every stage of the application documentation
- Updates on draws, program changes, and score cutoffs
Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or experienced business owner, we tailor our support to help you build a strong future in Canada.
Final Thoughts
British Columbia shines brightly as a top destination for entrepreneurs immigrating from around the world with diverse skill sets and innovative ideas. Frequent draws and super clear eligibility criteria make it a pretty rad spot for turning ideas into major impact in a business-friendly environment. Now's the time to act, and Visa Solutions 4u stands ready to shepherd you from fledgling notion through resettlement in Canada quite smoothly.
