BC PNP Update: 16 Entrepreneurs Invited in Latest Draw

BC PNP Entrepreneur Draw: British Columbia Invites More Entrepreneurs to Apply for Provincial Nomination

• British Columbia held its sixth Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) draw in 2025
• A total of 16 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued across two EI streams
• The EI Base Stream required a cut-off score of 124, while the Regional Stream required 115
• The province continues to focus heavily on entrepreneur immigration in 2025
• EI streams are designed to attract business-minded newcomers to urban and rural areas of BC
• Applicants must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian or permanent resident

British Columbia continues to open its doors to international entrepreneurs looking to start or acquire a business in the province. On August 19, 2025, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held another round of invitations, extending Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through its two key Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) streams.

This latest draw marks the sixth entrepreneur-focused round conducted by BC this year, reaffirming the province’s commitment to attracting innovative business owners and investors who can contribute to local economies, especially in smaller communities.

Latest BC PNP Entrepreneur Draw Results

In the August 19 draw, BC issued fewer than 16 ITAs across the following EI streams:

• EI Base Stream – For entrepreneurs aiming to start or buy a business anywhere in BC
• EI Regional Stream – For those looking to launch a new business in smaller, participating communities

Here’s a snapshot of the draw results:

The draw was clearly competitive, with high score thresholds indicating a strong pool of candidates. The EI Base Stream continues to see more invitations than the Regional Stream, though both are essential to the province’s immigration strategy.

Entrepreneur Immigration in 2025: A Provincial Focus

Aside from one skilled worker draw held back in May, the BC PNP has focused almost exclusively on entrepreneur immigration throughout 2025. Let’s take a look at the cumulative ITAs issued so far this year:

To date, fewer than 70 entrepreneurs have been invited to apply under BC’s EI categories in 2025. This relatively low number reflects the selective and strategic nature of the program, which emphasizes quality applications that support job creation and economic development.

What Influences an Invitation to Apply?

For the EI Regional Stream, the province typically holds draws about once a month. These are limited to candidates who’ve secured a referral from a participating rural or small community in BC.

Meanwhile, the EI Base Stream operates a little differently. Invitations under this stream are based on a candidate’s registration score, but the province may also issue targeted ITAs to maintain efficient processing and align with economic priorities.

Factors that can influence your chance of being invited through the EI Base Stream include:

• Your registration score (based on experience, investment amount, etc.)
• The region in BC where you plan to launch or acquire your business
• The population size of the community you plan to operate in
• Whether you’re proposing a brand-new business or taking over an existing one
• Your business’s alignment with BC’s priority economic sectors

Understanding BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration Streams

The BC PNP’s Entrepreneur Immigration category is designed to attract foreign nationals with the skills, experience, and capital to contribute meaningfully to the province’s economy. Here’s a quick breakdown of the available streams:

EI Base Stream

This stream is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business or purchase an existing one anywhere in BC. Applicants must meet minimum net worth and investment requirements, and must score at least 115 out of 200 on the registration system to be considered.

EI Regional Stream

This option is tailored to those interested in launching a business in smaller communities across BC. It encourages economic development outside major urban areas. To be eligible, you’ll need a minimum score of 105 and a referral from a participating community. Some of the regions and communities include:

Regardless of the stream, all successful applicants must commit to creating at least one full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. This ensures that immigration through entrepreneurship directly benefits local communities.

Don’t Forget the Strategic Projects Stream

Although no invitations have been issued in 2025 under the Strategic Projects Stream, it remains available for international corporations looking to make significant investments in BC. This stream allows businesses to move essential personnel to the province and establish operations that bring long-term economic benefits.

Next Steps After Receiving a Nomination

Once an entrepreneur receives a provincial nomination through the BC PNP, they can apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence. This two-step process ensures that only committed, qualified entrepreneurs are granted the opportunity to settle and build in British Columbia.

If you’re thinking about starting fresh in BC with a new business venture or expanding one you already own, now might be the perfect time to explore these exciting immigration pathways.

Your Entrepreneurial Journey Starts Here

British Columbia is actively welcoming global business talent through its provincial nominee program. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or an innovative newcomer looking to launch your first venture, the BC PNP’s tailored immigration streams could be your gateway to success in Canada.

Learn more about the Manitoba PNP if you’re also considering other provincial opportunities.

Ready to take the next step?

Assess your eligibility today and start planning your Canadian business journey with confidence.