Requirements

Applicants for nomination in the Business Skills category will be required to:

  1. Make a personal investment of at least $400,000 CAD to establish or to purchase and expand an eligible business anywhere in BC
  2. Create at least three new jobs in the business for Canadians or permanent residents.
  3. Own at least one third (33 1/3%) of the equity of the business.
  4. Provide active and on-going participation in the day to day management and direction of the business.
  5. Demonstrate that they have:
    • the skills and experience necessary to establish and operate a commercially viable business in BC
    • a personal net worth of at least $800,000 CAD obtained from legal sources
    • sufficient unencumbered personal funds to make the required investment
    • a viable business proposal
  6. Sign a performance agreement with the Province of British Columbia.
  7. Sign a deposit agreement with the Province of British Columbia, if they are seeking a fast track nomination.

Fast Track Option

The fast track option offers immediate nomination for permanent residence. In return, you will be required to make a conditionally refundable $125,000 CAD deposit with the Province of British Columbia. The deposit will be refunded (without interest) when you have met the terms of conditions of your performance agreement and deposit agreement.

Principal Applicants and Key Staff

Principal applicants in Business Skills category may include one foreign, key staff essential to the proposed business as a co-applicant for nomination, but must still create three jobs for Canadians or permanent residents.

Business Succession

Business Skills applicants who commit to purchase an existing business outside of the GVRD/Abbotsford that has been in operation for at least 5 years will have their stipulated job creation requirements reduced by one job for each existing job that is to be maintained for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.