British Columbia opens doors to more business owners in latest immigration draw
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has held its largest immigration draw for entrepreneurs yet.
The province held immigration selections through both the "Regional and “Base” streams of its entrepreneur immigration program, hoping to welcome new economic opportunities to the province in the process.
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Draw results
On November 18, the BC PNP held two draws under its Entrepreneur Immigration Program, inviting business owners destined for both rural and metropolitan areas of the province.
The minimum score and number of invitations issued varied by the stream under which candidates were invited:
| Date | Stream | Minimum Score | Number of Invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 18, 2025 | Base | 121 | 19 |
| Regional | 115 | <5 |
Throughout 2025, the BC PNP has prioritized the invitation of entrepreneur immigration candidates, holding eight draws for this cohort, as the province pursues the nomination of candidates “with high economic impact” to British Columbia.
The difference between the Base and Regional entrepreneur streams
British Columbia’s Base Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business anywhere in the province, without needing a community referral. It has higher financial thresholds (about $600k minimum net worth and $200k investment) than the regional stream and allows candidates to buy or expand an existing business with at least one-third ownership.
The Regional Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for entrepreneurs who will start a new business in a participating smaller community, in more rural areas of British Columbia. Candidates must make an exploratory visit, get a community referral, and hold at least 51% ownership in the business. Financial requirements are lower (about $300k net worth, $100k investment).
Both streams follow the same basic path: register, get invited, obtain a work permit, run the business in B.C., then be nominated for PR if you meet the needed conditions.
To learn more about entrepreneur immigration to British Columbia, visit our dedicated webpage.
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