British Columbia holds April draw, issues invitations to entrepreneurs

On April 14, British Columbia (BC) held a new selection round under its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) category.

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

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Draw results

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:

Stream	Minimum score	Number of invitations
Base	115	14

This draw is the largest standalone EI selection round held by the province this year.

The minimum score of 115 points represents a two-point drop compared to the previous base stream-specific entrepreneur draw held on March 10, 2026, signalling a slight easing of competition for business candidates.

So far in 2026, the BC PNP has held six entrepreneur draws, four of which were conducted through the province’s Base stream.

No less than 41 invitations to apply (ITAs) have been issued to qualified business candidates through the EI category in 2026 so far.

BC's immigration priorities for 2026

British Columbia was the first province to publicly announce its 2026 PNP allocation, doing so in December 2025. The federal government confirmed BC's allocation at 5,254 nomination spaces — an increase of approximately 31% over the 4,000 slots initially granted at the start of 2025, though still below what the province had requested.

Given the constrained allocation, BC PNP representatives indicated in early 2026 that the program would remain selective. In 2026, the province has continued to target candidates who create high economic impact in the province.

Though the bulk of invitations (889) have been issued through the province’s Skills Immigration (SI) category, the EI category accounts for the most frequent draws (two versus six).

Comparing the EI Base stream and EI Regional stream

The EI Base stream is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who want to start a business or take over and grow an existing one in BC, without requiring a community referral.

In general, the Base stream has higher financial requirements than the Regional stream (at least $600,000 net worth and $200,000 investment). The Regional stream requires a net worth of at least $300,000 and an investment of $100,000.

Base stream eligibility is also dependent on having specific business experience: minimum of three years as a business owner-manager within the past 10 years and at least one-third ownership of one’s business. Candidates must show one-third of ownership (33.33%) of the business to qualify.

Base stream scores have ranged between 115 and 121 points across draws held so far in 2026, reflecting consistent but moderate competition among registered business candidates.

In contrast, the regional entrepreneur stream is for those looking to start a business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District, who wish to make a participating BC community their home.

Candidates must have at least three years of experience as a business owner-manager within the last five years and demonstrate 51% ownership in the business.

Unlike the Base stream which needs a registration score of at least 115 points to qualify, the Regional stream requires a minimum score of 105—draw scores for this stream have ranged from 105 and 129.

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