British Columbia Entrepreneur draw issued up to 13 invitations

British Columbia (B.C.) held an Entrepreneur Immigration draw on June 15 and invited up to 13 candidates.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (B.C. PNP) invited candidates through both the general Entrepreneur stream and the regional pilot.

The Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category issued 9 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for a provincial nomination. Candidates in this stream needed to have a minimum provincial score of 126.

The Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot issued less than 5 ITAs to candidates with minimum provincial scores of 139. When less than five (5) ITAs are issued, the exact number is not published.

Candidates interested in the B.C. Entrepreneur Category must meet seven (7) eligibility requirements, as a minimum to apply.

• Personal net worth of minimum $600,000. This must be legally obtained.
• Invest a minimum $200,000 in an eligible new business or to purchase and improve an existing business in B.C.
• Have previous suitable business and/or management experience.
• Create at least one new full-time job in own business for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
• Have, or be eligible for, legal temporary immigration status in Canada.
• Have been lawfully to the country where the candidate currently resides.
• At the time of nomination, have a Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 in English or French in each of the four competencies.

The Entrepreneur Regional Pilot aims to attract motivated and experienced entrepreneurs to open a business in small communities in B.C. and contribute to their specific labour needs.

To be eligible, candidates must meet the following requirements.

• Net worth of minimum $300,000.
• Own minimum $100,000 in eligible business investments.
• Hold at least 51% ownership in the new business.
• Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Have a Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 in either French or English in each of the four competencies.
• Conduct an exploratory visit in the target community.