British Columbia has invited entrepreneurs to apply for provincial immigration through its latest Entrepreneur Immigration draw. The selection round took place on July 28, offering another opportunity for experienced business owners and entrepreneurs who want to establish or purchase a business in the province.

A total of 10 invitations were issued through the Base Stream of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) Entrepreneur Immigration category.

Candidates who received an invitation (ITA) can now apply for a provincial nomination, which may help them move forward with their Canadian permanent residence application.

To receive an ITA in this draw, candidates needed a minimum score of 117.

This was British Columbia’s eighth Entrepreneur Immigration draw held in 2026.

Latest Draw Details

The table below shows how the latest entrepreneur draw compares with previous Entrepreneur Immigration draws held by British Columbia this year.

Date Of DrawEntrepreneur Immigration StreamNumber Of InvitationsMinimum Score
July 28Base10117
June 30Base14118
Regional<5113
June 2Base15117
Regional<5117
May 5Base8115
Regional<5115
April 14Base14115
March 10Base7117
Regional<5129
February 10Base13121
Regional<5105
January 13Base7115

So far in 2026, British Columbia has held 13 Entrepreneur Immigration draws. Eight draws were conducted under the Base Stream, while five were held through the Regional Stream.

The July 28 draw was also one of only three draws this year that invited candidates only through the Base Stream.

The minimum scores for Base Stream draws have ranged from 115 to 121 throughout 2026.

Up to now, the province has issued at least 88 invitations through the Entrepreneur Immigration category this year.

Including invitations issued through both the Entrepreneur Immigration and Skills Immigration categories, British Columbia has issued at least 3,824 invitations for provincial nomination in 2026. 

The entrepreneur draw followed another recent BCPNP draw that focused on the province’s new Temporary Rural / Remote Health Support Initiative for health authority cleaners and security workers.

BCPNP Entrepreneur Immigration Streams

British Columbia offers two different pathways for entrepreneurs under the BCPNP: the Base Stream and the Regional Stream.

The table below explains the main differences between the two streams.

CriteriaBase StreamRegional Stream
Business typeLaunch a new business or take over + grow existing oneLaunch a new business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District
Business experience3 years as a business owner-manager in the last 10 years3 years as a business owner-manager in the last 5 years
EducationPost-secondary credentialPost-secondary credential
Minimum language proficiencyCLB 4CLB 4
Minimum personal net worth$600,000$300,000
Minimum investment$200,000$100,000
Minimum ownership31.33%51%
Community referral required?NoYes
Exploratory visit required?NoYes
Minimum registration score115/200105/200
Registration with BCPNP co-applicant permitted?YesNo

Note: Those without post-secondary qualifications must show full ownership (100%) and active management of a business for at least three years during the previous five years.

Steps To Apply Under The Entrepreneur Program

The overall path to Canadian permanent residence is similar under both entrepreneur streams. However, Regional Stream applicants must complete two extra steps before registering.

The application process includes:

  • Identify a participating community that is suitable for the proposed business (Regional)
  • Conduct an exploratory visit and receive a referral from the selected community (Regional)
  • Prepare a business proposal
  • Register with the BCPNP and receive a score based on human capital and economic factors
  • Wait for an invitation in a future draw
  • Submit a complete provincial nomination application within four months after receiving an invitation
  • Apply for a work permit after approval
  • Establish and actively operate the business in British Columbia
  • Receive a provincial nomination after meeting all program requirements

After receiving a provincial nomination, successful applicants can submit their permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

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