BC Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category: Establishing or Growing Your Business Anywhere in B.C.
Apr 24, 2025
British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category, described in the BC-PNP-Entrepreneur-Immigration-Program-Guide.pdf, welcomes individuals prepared to start a new company or purchase and expand an existing operation anywhere in the province (outside specific smaller communities reserved for the Regional stream). Its higher investment threshold, flexibility in location, and straightforward structure aim to attract experienced entrepreneurs with the resources and vision to foster economic growth.
What is BC Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category
This option under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) focuses on broader markets throughout B.C. Instead of mandatory community referrals, it allows entrepreneurs to propose their business venture freely in any region, subject only to standard BC PNP checks. If approved, the candidate signs a performance agreement, receives a work permit, and operates the business for a set period before securing a nomination for permanent residence.
Key Features
No community referral: An exploratory visit to B.C. is recommended but not mandatory.
Higher investment threshold: A personal investment of at least $200,000 is required to qualify.
Job creation: At least one new full-time equivalent position for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident is mandatory.
Flexibility in location: Applicants can choose any city or region in B.C., so long as the local business environment supports their plan.
Language requirement: While not enforced at registration for scoring, a minimum language level must be proven before nomination.
Eligibility Criteria
Business/Management Experience
Must provide credible evidence of senior management or entrepreneurial roles, including previous company ownership, operational oversight, or relevant leadership history.
Personal Net Worth
Net worth must undergo third-party verification. The BC PNP expects transparent asset declarations. The program wants assurance of sufficient capital for the business and personal settlement needs.
Investment
Commit to a minimum of $200,000 in starting or purchasing/upgrading a venture. The plan should detail where the funds go (equipment, staffing, premises, etc.), ensuring commercial viability.
Job Creation
At least one full-time equivalent role for a Canadian or permanent resident is required. More positions may be necessary if you involve a foreign partner.
Residency and Active Management
You must live within 50 kilometers of your business and be physically present in B.C. for at least 75% of the time on a work permit, ensuring hands-on management.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Develop a Business Plan
Research the BC market, local competition, potential consumer base, and possible suppliers.
Outline the structure, investment breakdown, marketing approach, and projected job creation.
Register with BC PNP
Complete an online registration, disclosing net worth, ownership background, and the proposed business concept.
The system calculates a points-based score, factoring net worth, experience, investment, jobs, location, and adaptability.
Invitation to Apply
If your score meets the draw’s cutoff, BC PNP invites you to submit a detailed application.
Undergo mandatory net worth verification by an approved financial reviewer if you have not done so yet.
Application and Interview
Provide the full business plan, net worth proof, references for your managerial track record, and any other demanded documents.
BC PNP may schedule an interview to discuss feasibility and your readiness to operate in B.C.
Performance Agreement and Work Permit
Upon approval, you sign a performance agreement specifying the amount of investment, job creation targets, and timeline.
BC PNP issues a letter supporting a work permit, enabling you to run the business on-site in BC.
Business Implementation
Arrive in BC and activate or acquire the enterprise.
Follow the agreement’s targets, keep consistent financial and employee records, and track your progress.
Nomination
Upon fulfilling your agreement (investment, job creation, management, etc.), BC PNP grants a provincial nomination.
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence, subject to security, criminal, and health checks.
Processing Time
Applicants navigate multiple stages: from initial registration, an invitation to apply, the business setup during the work permit phase, and finally the IRCC permanent residence decision. Times vary, sometimes taking multiple years, depending on your ability to achieve performance milestones.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Underestimating required investment: Make sure your proposed funds align with the program’s minimum standard of $200,000 and show potential commercial success.
Weak local market awareness: Overlooking local competition or necessary permits can hamper performance benchmarks.
Failing to create jobs: Not meeting the agreed job count can block your nomination.
Inaccurate net worth disclosure: Third-party reviewers will detect undeclared assets or hidden debts, leading to refusal or credibility concerns.
FAQs
Q: Is there a mandatory exploratory visit for the Base Category?
No. Such a visit is encouraged but not obligatory. The Regional stream requires a community visit and referral, while the Base Category does not.
Q: Can I bring a partner?
Yes, but only up to two foreign entrepreneurs can form a partnership under a single application. Each must meet personal criteria, and job creation may need to be higher.
Q: Do I stay in BC full time while on the work permit?
You must live within 50 kilometers of your business and spend at least 75% of your work permit time in BC actively managing the venture.
Q: What if my business concept shifts post-arrival?
Major changes must be re-approved by BC PNP. Drastic deviations from the original plan could result in non-compliance with your performance agreement.
Q: What is the difference between the Entrepreneur Immigration – Base and Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional streams?
Location: The Regional stream ties you to a specific community and mandates a community referral, while the Base category allows location flexibility across BC.
Investment Threshold: The Regional stream requires $100,000, while the Base stream is set at $200,000.
Language Proof: In the Regional stream, CLB 4 is necessary at registration. Under the Base stream, you must prove required language proficiency (but not at registration), typically before nomination.
Net Worth: Regional requires at least $300,000 in net worth; Base requires $600,000.
Experience Window: Regional focuses on the last five years, while the Base category considers the last ten.
Scoring: The Base category includes a minimum business concept score, whereas the Regional stream does not.
Time to Final Report: Regional expects final reports within 12 months, whereas Base typically allows 18 months.
The BC Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category provides a diverse and flexible route for seasoned business managers or owners to establish themselves in British Columbia’s urban or mid-sized centers. By designing a solid business plan, demonstrating sufficient net worth, committing to job creation, and managing the enterprise while in BC, entrepreneurs secure a pathway to permanent residence. This opportunity aligns personal growth with B.C.’s economic expansion, benefiting both the province and the dedicated individuals who bring their entrepreneurial ambitions to fruition.
