BC PNP Draw Welcomes Entrepreneurs | Dec 2025 Update
Entrepreneurs Welcomed in Latest BC PNP Draw: December 2025 Update
British Columbia continues to make strides in attracting entrepreneurial talent from around the world. In its most recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, the province extended invitations to aspiring business owners eager to invest and settle in beautiful B.C. This latest round targeted candidates under the Entrepreneur Immigration category, further solidifying the province’s commitment to regional economic growth and innovation.
Key Highlights
- BC PNP held an Entrepreneur Immigration draw on December 16, 2025
- Invitations issued under both the Base and Regional Entrepreneur streams
- A total of 21 invitations were sent out, with minimum scores of 115 and 107
- This was the second-largest Entrepreneur draw of the year
- Entrepreneurs must create at least one job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- British Columbia has issued 132 entrepreneur invitations so far in 2025
December 2025 BC PNP Draw: A Closer Look
On December 16, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) conducted another targeted draw focusing specifically on Entrepreneur Immigration candidates. This time around, the province invited a total of up to 21 entrepreneurs to apply for a provincial nomination under one of two streams:
- Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream
- Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream
The majority of invites—17 to be exact—were issued under the Base Stream, while fewer than five invitations went to candidates in the Regional Stream. Here’s how the numbers break down:
| Stream | Invitations Issued | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream | 17 | 115 |
| Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream | <5 | 107 |
This draw marks the second-largest Entrepreneur Immigration round held by B.C. this year. In particular, the Base Stream has seen strong interest and continued utilization throughout 2025.
Understanding BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration Program
British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) category is designed for experienced business owners and senior managers who want to invest in and operate a business in the province. Whether you’re planning to start fresh or purchase an existing company, this pathway offers a viable route to Canadian permanent residence for eligible entrepreneurs.
EI Base Stream
This stream is open to individuals who wish to establish or buy a business anywhere within British Columbia. The Base Stream has higher investment and net worth requirements compared to the Regional Stream, and candidates typically need a score of at least 115 points to be considered competitive.
EI Regional Stream
Tailored for entrepreneurs looking to contribute to smaller communities across the province, the Regional Stream encourages economic development in B.C.’s rural and non-metropolitan areas. The minimum required score here is 107 points, and candidates must commit to starting a new business in a participating community.
Participating Communities in the Regional Stream
Entrepreneurs applying under the Regional Stream can choose from a broad range of communities spanning several development regions:
| Region | Communities |
|---|---|
| Cariboo | Mackenzie, Quesnel |
| Kootenay | Castlegar, Kimberley, Nelson, Trail, and more |
| Nechako | Bulkley-Nechako |
| Northeast | Fort St. John |
| Thompson-Okanagan | Penticton, Salmon Arm, Vernon |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | Campbell River, Comox, Mount Waddington, Powell River |
Regardless of the stream, all entrepreneur candidates must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident as part of their business plan.
BC PNP’s 2025 Stats So Far
As of mid-December 2025, British Columbia has held a total of 19 PNP draws, targeting candidates through two main categories:
- Skills Immigration
- Entrepreneur Immigration
Most of the province’s PNP activity this year has focused on the Entrepreneur Immigration category, although the highest number of invitations has come from Skills Immigration.
Breakdown of Invitations in 2025
- Skills Immigration: 978 invitations issued (across 3 draws)
- Entrepreneur Immigration: 132 invitations issued (across 16 draws)
- Base Stream: 97 invitations
- Regional Stream: 35 invitations
BC’s Nomination Allocation in 2025
At the beginning of 2025, B.C.’s PNP nomination allocation was reduced by 50%, dropping from 8,000 to 4,000 spots. However, through successful advocacy with the federal government, the province secured additional spaces—twice.
- October 2: 1,254 additional nominations approved
- December 15: 960 more nomination spots granted
With these increases, B.C. has recovered about 77% of its 2024 allocation and plans to use all 6,214 nomination spaces before the end of the year.
Thinking About Starting a Business in Canada?
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to invest in Canada and start a new chapter in British Columbia, the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration streams might be your ideal pathway. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-growing urban centres or the charm of B.C.’s regional communities, there’s an opportunity waiting for you.
Learn more about Provincial Nominee Programs or explore our step-by-step guide to the Manitoba PNP if you’re considering other provinces.
Start Your Canadian Immigration Journey Today
Not sure if you’re eligible for a PNP stream or want to assess your chances? Our team is here to help.
Take a Free Eligibility Assessment
Got questions about the BC PNP or other immigration pathways? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
