British Columbia Invites Entrepreneurs In The Latest Draw

British Columbia invites entrepreneurs in the latest draw, i.e., on April 14, British Columbia held a new selection round under its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) category.

Candidates were chosen based on their ability to start a new business or take over and grow an existing one in the province.

Draw Results Overview

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued invitations through the Base stream of its Entrepreneur Immigration Program.

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

This draw is the largest single EI selection round held by the province so far in 2026.

The minimum score of 115 points is slightly lower than the previous Base stream draw held on March 10, 2026. The earlier draw had a score that was two points higher. This small drop shows that competition has eased a little for business candidates.

So far in 2026, the BC PNP has held six entrepreneur draws. Out of these, four were conducted under the Base stream.

In total, at least 41 invitations to apply (ITAs) have been issued to business candidates through the EI category this year.

British Columbia Immigration Plans For 2026

British Columbia was the first province to announce its 2026 PNP allocation in December 2025. The federal government later confirmed that the province received 5,254 nomination spaces.

This number is about 31% higher than the 4,000 spaces given at the start of 2025. However, it is still less than what the province had requested.

Due to this limited number of spaces, the BC PNP has remained selective in 2026. The program continues to focus on candidates who can bring strong economic benefits to the province.

Most invitations this year have been issued through the Skills Immigration (SI) category, with 889 invitations so far. However, the EI category has seen more frequent draws, with six rounds held compared to two under the SI category.

Base Stream vs Regional Stream Explained

The EI Base stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy and grow an existing one in British Columbia. This stream does not require a referral from a community.

The Base stream usually has higher financial requirements than the Regional stream. Candidates need at least $600,000 in net worth and must invest at least $200,000.

They must also have business experience. This includes at least three years as a business owner-manager in the past 10 years and at least one-third (33.33%) ownership in a business.

So far in 2026, Base stream scores have ranged from 115 to 121 points. This shows steady competition among applicants.

The Regional stream is for candidates who want to start a business outside the Metro Vancouver area and settle in smaller communities.

Applicants must have at least three years of business owner-manager experience in the last five years. They also need to show at least 51% ownership in their business.

Financial requirements are lower for this stream. Candidates need a net worth of at least $300,000 and must invest at least $100,000.

The Regional stream also has a lower minimum score requirement of 105 points. So far in 2026, draw scores for this stream have ranged between 105 and 129 points.

Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.