BC issues 10 entrepreneur invitations in July 28 draw
British Columbia conducted an entrepreneur immigration draw on July 28, issuing 10 invitations under the Base Stream of its Provincial Nominee Program. The minimum score required for selection in this round was 117.
The invitations were extended through the Entrepreneur Immigration category of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). Selected candidates may proceed with applications for provincial nomination toward permanent residence.
This draw marked one of several entrepreneur-focused selection rounds held by the province in 2026, reflecting ongoing activity within business immigration pathways.
- Draw date: July 28, 2026
- Stream: Entrepreneur Immigration Base Stream
- Invitations issued: 10
- Minimum score: 117
- Total entrepreneur draws in 2026: 13
- Total invitations issued in entrepreneur category in 2026: at least 88
Overview of British Columbia’s entrepreneur immigration draws
The July 28 selection represented the eighth draw under the Base Stream in 2026. It was also one of three rounds this year that focused exclusively on Base Stream candidates.
British Columbia operates multiple streams under its Entrepreneur Immigration category, with invitations issued periodically to eligible candidates based on scoring criteria. The Base Stream is designed for individuals intending to establish or purchase and expand a business within the province.
Throughout 2026, minimum scores for Base Stream invitations have ranged between 115 and 121. The latest cutoff of 117 aligns with scores observed in earlier rounds held in March and June.
Comparison with earlier 2026 draws
Draw activity earlier in the year shows variations in both invitation volume and score thresholds. For example, a June 30 draw issued 14 invitations with a minimum score of 118, while a June 2 draw invited 15 candidates with a cutoff of 117.
In contrast, smaller invitation rounds were recorded in May and March, with eight and seven invitations issued respectively under the Base Stream. Minimum scores during those draws ranged from 115 to 117.
Separate draws under the Regional Stream were also conducted throughout the year, typically issuing fewer than five invitations per round. These draws featured varying score thresholds, including a high of 129 in March and a low of 105 in February.
Total invitations and broader provincial activity
As of late July 2026, British Columbia has issued no fewer than 88 invitations through its Entrepreneur Immigration pathways. These invitations form part of the province’s broader Provincial Nominee Program activity.
When combined with invitations issued through the Skills Immigration category, total invitations in 2026 have reached at least 3,824. Skills Immigration draws have included targeted selections aligned with specific labour market priorities.
Recent developments include a targeted selection tied to a new permanent residence pathway for certain occupations within the healthcare support sector. This initiative reflects ongoing adjustments to address workforce needs in specific regions.
Additional details on recent provincial selection activity can be found through the British Columbia draws index, which tracks invitation rounds across multiple streams.
Structure of the Entrepreneur Immigration streams
The BCPNP Entrepreneur Immigration category is divided into two primary pathways: the Base Stream and the Regional Stream. Each stream has distinct criteria related to investment, business location, and candidate background.
The Base Stream allows entrepreneurs to either create a new business or acquire and develop an existing one anywhere in British Columbia. The Regional Stream focuses on smaller communities located outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District.
Key differences between Base and Regional streams
Minimum financial and operational requirements vary significantly between the two streams. Under the Base Stream, candidates must demonstrate a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 and commit at least $200,000 toward business investment.
For the Regional Stream, thresholds are lower, with a minimum net worth of $300,000 and an investment requirement of at least $100,000. Ownership requirements also differ, with Regional Stream candidates required to hold at least 51% of the business.
Both streams require language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 and a post-secondary credential, unless alternative business ownership experience criteria are met.
Applicants under the Base Stream must have at least three years of experience as an owner-manager within the previous 10 years. For the Regional Stream, similar experience must have been gained within the past five years.
Additional requirements for Regional Stream
The Regional Stream includes several additional steps not required under the Base Stream. Candidates must first identify a participating community and conduct an exploratory visit.
Following this visit, candidates must obtain a referral from the community supporting their proposed business. These steps are mandatory prior to registration in the provincial system.
By contrast, the Base Stream does not require community referral or exploratory travel before submitting a registration.
Application process and pathway to permanent residence
Both entrepreneur streams follow a multi-stage process that begins with candidate registration. Applicants receive a score based on factors such as business experience, investment plans, and human capital attributes.
Those with competitive scores may receive an invitation to apply in a future draw. Once invited, candidates are required to submit a complete application within a specified timeframe.
Approved applicants can then apply for a work permit to establish and operate their business in British Columbia. After meeting program conditions and demonstrating active business management, they may receive a provincial nomination.
A provincial nomination enables candidates to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence. This final stage is conducted at the federal level.
In the July 28 draw, the minimum registration score of 117 fell within the established range for Base Stream selections this year, reflecting consistency in the province’s scoring thresholds.
British Columbia’s entrepreneur immigration activity continues to form part of its broader efforts to attract business investment and support regional economic development through targeted immigration streams.
The July 28 selection round, which issued 10 invitations with a 117-point cutoff, adds to the province’s total of at least 88 entrepreneur invitations recorded in 2026.