Stage 1: Registration

The first step is to complete the online registration through BCPNP Online. This includes providing a short business concept. There is a non-refundable registration fee of $300.

How does it work?

You will receive a score based on the information you provide. If you meet the minimum requirements, you will be entered into the qualified pool. You will be ranked along with other registrants. We will send you an email to confirm your final score. Periodically, we invite the highest-scoring registrants to apply.

How do I register?

• Create an online profile with BCPNP Online
• Complete all sections of the registration, including a short business concept
• Submit your registration

The BC PNP reserves the right to make changes to the registration process without prior notice, including changes to the score grid, the minimum total score required in each section, how long registrations stay in the qualified pool, and the number and frequency of registrants invited to apply.

What happens next?

Periodically, the BC PNP will invite the highest-scoring registrants to submit a complete application. You stay in the pool for up to six months, or 180 days, or until you receive an invitation to apply. Registering does not guarantee that you will be invited to apply.

For full details of the scoring system and registration process, please refer to the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide (PDF, 1MB).

Stage 2: Invitation

Eligible registrants receive an invitation to apply online to the BC PNP under the Entrepreneur Immigration stream.

How many people do you invite?

We regularly draw from the qualified pool to invite candidates to apply. The number and frequency of invitations is based on annual nomination allocations set by IRCC. The number of invitations also depends on our ability to process applications in a timely way.

View current information about invitations to apply, including draw dates, number of invitations issued and minimum scores.

What happens next?

If you are invited to apply, you will have four months to submit a complete application through BCPNP Online.

What if I am not invited to apply?

You may wish to improve your score by proposing a new business concept or improving your adaptability score. This score takes into account factors such as your English language level, age and Canadian work experience. You may submit a new registration if you are not invited to apply after six months in the qualified pool.

Stage 3: Net worth review

If you are invited to apply, a qualified supplier must review your personal net worth and verify your accumulation of funds.

How does it work?

The BC PNP qualified supplier will review your personal net worth claims and verify your source of funds by assessing your supporting financial documentation. A qualified supplier is a professional chartered accounting services supplier, qualified by the BC PNP. A list of qualified suppliers and instructions is included with your invitation to apply. You are responsible for all costs associated with this verification service.

What happens next?

When the review is complete, the qualified supplier will produce a report of your personal net worth, and send copies to you and the BC PNP. 

Stage 4: Application

After being invited to apply, you have four months, or 120 days, to submit a complete application through BCPNP Online.

How is my application assessed?

Your application will be assessed according to program criteria. You may be required to attend an in-person interview. We may refuse your application if your application details differ from your registration information.

What is the interview process?

We may invite you to attend an in-person interview at the BC PNP offices in Vancouver. In the interview, you will be asked about your business/work experience. You should also expect to discuss your business plan. We will assess your application according to the information you provide in both your application and interview.

What happens next?

If the application is approved, you will sign a Performance Agreement with B.C. Your Performance Agreement is unique to you. It is based on the information provided in your application, business plan and interview. After you sign your Performance Agreement, you will have up to 20 months, or 610 days, to implement your business proposal in B.C.

For more information about submitting your application, please refer to the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide (PDF, 1MB). 

Stage 5: Building your business in B.C.

The next step is to establish your business according to the terms and conditions of your Performance Agreement.

How does it work?

We will give you a letter of support so you can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a two-year work permit. This will enable you and your dependents to move to B.C. so you can start implementing your business plan. You must arrive in B.C. with your valid work permit within 12 months, or 365 days, of the date of your letter of confirmation.

How do I establish my business?

Once you arrive in B.C. with your valid work permit, you will have up to 20 months, or 610 days, to implement your business plan, actively manage your business and meet all of the performance expectations in your signed Performance Agreement. You must submit a final report to the BC PNP between 18 and 20 months, or 550 and 610 days, after you arrive in B.C. with your valid work permit.

For more information about work permits and submitting your final report, please refer to the Entrepreneur Immigration Post-Arrival Guide (PDF, 1MB).

Stage 6: Nomination

Receive a provincial nomination and apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

How does it work?

If you meet the requirements of the Performance Agreement within the 20 months, or 610 days, the BC PNP will nominate you and, if applicable, your key staff member(s), for permanent residence. We will send you (the provincial nominee) a:

• confirmation of nomination
• nomination package advising you of the next steps to submit your federal application for permanent residence to IRCC

For more information about nominations, please refer to the attached Entrepreneur Immigration Post-Arrival Guide (PDF, 1MB).