British Columbia PNP holds first provincial draw of the year

British Columbia (BC) has held a new selection under its Entrepreneur Immigration Program, continuing the province’s focus on attracting business owners who can create jobs and grow local economies.

Candidates were invited for their ability to start a new business or take over and grow an existing business in BC.

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Draw results

On January 13, 2026, the BC 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:

Date	Stream	Minimum Score	Number of Invitations
January 13, 2026	Base	115	7

Throughout 2025, the BC PNP held ten draws through the Base stream of its Entrepreneur Immigration Program, making it the most frequently drawn program of the year.

These ten draws yielded at least 93 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates.

What the Base entrepreneur stream is for?

The Base Entrepreneur Immigration stream is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who want to start a business or purchase an existing business in British Columbia, without requiring a community referral.

In general, the Base stream has higher financial requirements than the Regional stream (often described as roughly $600,000 net worth and $200,000 investment, depending on your situation).

It can also allow entrepreneurs to buy into or expand an existing B.C. business, typically with at least one-third ownership.

More information on BC’s entrepreneur stream, including detailed stream eligibility requirements, can be found on our dedicated webpage.

How the process typically works

While requirements and 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 your score is competitive);
• 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.

Once a nomination is received, candidates can apply directly to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for PR.

Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams