BC PNP January 2026 Draw Invites Entrepreneurs to Canada

BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration: January 2026 Draw Invites Business Owners to British Columbia

• British Columbia held a new draw on January 13, 2026, under its Entrepreneur Immigration Base stream.
• 7 candidates were invited with a minimum score of 115.
• This stream targets experienced entrepreneurs ready to launch or buy businesses in BC.
• The Base stream has higher financial requirements than regional options.
• In 2025, BC conducted 10 draws under this stream, issuing at least 93 invitations.
• The process includes registration, business setup, and potential nomination for permanent residence.

British Columbia Welcomes Entrepreneurs in First 2026 PNP Draw

British Columbia is once again opening its doors to global entrepreneurs through its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). On January 13, 2026, the province held its first Entrepreneur Immigration draw of the year, continuing its efforts to attract business-minded individuals who are ready to invest in BC’s local economy.

This draw was conducted through the Base stream of the Entrepreneur Immigration category, which is designed for individuals aiming to start or purchase a business in the province. With this latest round of invitations, BC is reinforcing its commitment to economic development and job creation in communities across the province.

January 2026 Draw Results

Here’s a look at the results from the most recent draw:

Only those with a score of 115 or higher received invitations to apply. This score reflects the applicant’s background, business proposal, investment level, and potential economic impact in the province.

Throughout 2025, the Base stream was the most active within the BC PNP Entrepreneur category. A total of 10 draws were held, resulting in more than 93 invitations to qualified businesspeople from around the world.

What Is the Base Entrepreneur Stream?

The Entrepreneur Immigration – Base stream is tailored for seasoned entrepreneurs with the financial capacity and business experience to either launch a new company or acquire a significant stake (at least 33%) in an existing one in British Columbia. Unlike the Regional Pilot stream, the Base stream doesn’t require a community referral, making it ideal for those who prefer to operate in urban or larger markets.

Applicants are typically expected to demonstrate:

• A minimum net worth of around $600,000
• A personal investment of at least $200,000 into the business
• Active participation in day-to-day business management
• Job creation for Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Whether you’re looking to take over a local shop or scale up an established brand, the Base stream offers the flexibility to invest in various sectors and regions across British Columbia.

Step-by-Step: How the Entrepreneur Immigration Process Works

If you’re considering applying through the BC PNP’s Base Entrepreneur stream, here’s a quick overview of how the process generally unfolds:

1. Registration: Submit an online profile and complete a self-declared score based on your experience, investment plan, and other criteria.
2. Invitation: If your profile ranks competitively, you may be invited to apply in one of the regular draws.
3. Application & Work Permit: Submit a full application. If approved, you’ll receive a work permit to move to BC and start operating your business.
4. Business Establishment: You’ll have 12 to 20 months to launch or purchase your business and meet your performance targets.
5. Nomination for PR: Once you meet all program requirements, you’ll get a provincial nomination. This lets you apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

It’s a structured pathway that rewards commitment and successful business development. For many, it’s a practical route toward settling in Canada while also making a meaningful economic contribution.

Why British Columbia Is a Top Choice for Entrepreneurs

BC’s economy is diverse, stable, and growing — everything from tech and tourism to agriculture and green energy. With its beautiful landscapes, world-class infrastructure, and strong support systems for entrepreneurs, it’s no wonder so many global businesspeople are choosing BC as their new home base.

Plus, the province’s immigration programs are designed to help real business builders — people who aren’t just investing capital, but also bringing their expertise, leadership, and ideas to the table.

If you’re curious about other PNP opportunities across Canada, the Manitoba PNP is another excellent option that supports entrepreneurs and skilled workers alike.

Could You Be Next? Assess Your Eligibility

If you’re an entrepreneur thinking about making the move to Canada, there’s never been a better time to explore your options. The BC PNP’s Entrepreneur Immigration Base stream is actively selecting candidates — and you could be one of them.

Want to find out if you qualify?

Start your eligibility assessment today and take the first step toward building your future in British Columbia.

Final Thoughts

British Columbia’s latest draw shows the province’s strong commitment to attracting business talent and supporting economic growth. If you’ve been thinking about expanding your business dreams to Canada, the BC Entrepreneur Base stream offers a structured and supportive path to making that happen.

Have questions about immigration streams or business opportunities in other provinces? Check out our guides on the Manitoba PNP and other provincial pathways.

Let’s make your Canadian business dream a reality — one step at a time.