British Columbia PNP invites entrepreneur candidates, i.e., British Columbia recently held another immigration draw under its entrepreneur program. The province invited business candidates who want to start or expand businesses in the region.

During the latest selection round, British Columbia issued invitations through its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Program. Candidates were selected through both the Base stream and the Regional stream.

These invitations were given to individuals interested in launching a new business or taking over and developing an existing business in the province.

Draw Results

On March 10, 2026, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued invitations through two streams of its Entrepreneur Immigration Program.

The minimum scores and number of invitations issued were as follows:

Date Stream Minimum Score Number Of Invitations 
March 10, 2026 Base 117 7 
Regional 129 <5 

So far in 2026, the BC PNP has conducted five entrepreneur draws. These draws have issued at least 29 invitations to apply (ITAs) to entrepreneur candidates.

In addition to these entrepreneur draws, British Columbia has also conducted draws under its Skills Immigration (SI) category this year. Two SI draws were held on February 11 and February 4.

Through these two draws, the province issued a total of 889 invitations. This pattern is similar to 2025, when the province held regular entrepreneur draws but issued most invitations through the Skills Immigration category.

Who Receives ITAs Under The Entrepreneur Streams?

The Base EI stream is intended for experienced entrepreneurs who want to start a new business or purchase an existing business in British Columbia.

Applicants under this stream are not required to receive a community referral. Businesses can be located anywhere in the province.

However, the Base stream requires higher financial resources compared to the Regional stream. Applicants generally need a minimum net worth of $600,000 and must invest at least $200,000 in their business.

On the other hand, the Regional EI stream is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start a business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District.

This stream focuses on supporting economic growth in smaller communities across British Columbia.

The financial requirements for the Regional stream are lower than the Base stream. Applicants need a minimum net worth of $300,000 and must make a minimum investment of $100,000.

However, candidates applying through the Regional stream must first receive a referral from a participating community. They must also complete an exploratory visit before submitting their application.

How Does The Process Typically Work?

While requirements & timelines can vary, entrepreneur candidates generally move through these steps:

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

After receiving a provincial nomination, candidates can apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

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