British Columbia PNP invites entrepreneurs under two streams in latest provincial draw
This past week, British Columbia (BC) conducted a selection round under its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Program, inviting candidates to apply for provincial nomination through both its Base and Regional streams.
Invitations were extended to qualified candidates seeking to start a new business or take over and grow an existing business in BC.
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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 held five entrepreneur draws, issuing no less than 29 invitations to apply (ITAs) to business candidates.
This year, the province also held two draws under its Skills Immigration (SI) category (February 11 and February 4), through which it issued a cumulative total of 889 invitations—continuing its 2025 pattern of frequent EI draws but the bulk of ITAs being issued through SI draws.
Who receives ITAs under the entrepreneur streams?
The Base EI 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. These businesses can be located anywhere in the province.
In general, the Base stream has higher financial requirements than the Regional stream (minimum $600,000 net worth and $200,000 investment).
The Regional EI stream, on the other hand, targets entrepreneurs who want to start a new business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District. It has lower financial requirements (minimum $300,000 net worth and $100,000 investment) but requires a community referral and an exploratory visit, unlike the Base stream.
More information on BC's entrepreneur streams, including detailed eligibility requirements, can be found on our dedicated web page.
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 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.
Once a nomination is received, candidates can apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for PR.
- Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
- Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
