**BC PNP Entrepreneur Draw: New Invitations for Business Immigrants**
British Columbia PNP Entrepreneur Draw Invites More Business-Minded Immigrants
- BC PNP issued 14 new invitations through its Entrepreneur Immigration streams
- Draw held on May 28, 2025, targeting both Regional and Base streams
- Cut-off scores were 123 for Regional stream and 115 for Base stream
- EI Regional stream requires community endorsement and new business creation
- EI Base stream allows business purchase or startup anywhere in B.C.
- Draws reflect B.C.’s continued focus on attracting entrepreneurial talent
British Columbia Welcomes More Entrepreneurial Immigrants in May 2025 Draw
If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own business in one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces, now’s a great time to consider British Columbia. The province’s latest immigration update shows continued momentum in welcoming foreign entrepreneurs who are ready to invest in local communities and contribute to economic growth.
On May 28, 2025, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 14 new invitations through its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) program. These invitations are part of B.C.’s ongoing effort to attract skilled business owners and investors who are interested in starting or buying businesses within the province.
Let’s break down what this means and how it could be your opportunity to call British Columbia home.
What Happened in the Latest BC PNP Entrepreneur Draw?
The May 28 draw featured invitations under two streams of the Entrepreneur Immigration program:
| Stream | Cut-off Score | Number of Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| EI Regional Stream | 123 | Fewer than 5 |
| EI Base Stream | 115 | 9 |
While the total number of invitations may seem modest, these targeted draws are part of a focused strategy to attract entrepreneurs who are best aligned with the province’s economic goals. So far in 2025, the BC PNP has held eight entrepreneur-focused draws, whereas there has only been one draw for skilled worker immigration.
Understanding the Two Entrepreneur Immigration Streams
British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration program is divided into two primary streams: the EI Regional Stream and the EI Base Stream. Both are geared towards individuals who want to run a business in B.C., but they differ in terms of location requirements and other eligibility criteria.
EI Regional Stream
This stream is designed for entrepreneurs who are interested in starting a brand-new business in a rural or smaller community. Here are some key features:
- You must start a new business—purchasing an existing one isn’t permitted
- The business must be located in a participating community
- You need an endorsement from the local community before receiving an Invitation to Apply
Draws under this stream typically happen once a month and are reserved for candidates referred by these communities. It’s a fantastic pathway if you’re looking to contribute to regional economic development and enjoy life in a smaller town.
EI Base Stream
For entrepreneurs eyeing larger urban centres like Vancouver or Victoria, the Base stream offers more flexibility:
- You can either start a new business or purchase an existing one
- There’s no requirement for community endorsement
- Applicants can choose any location in British Columbia
Invitations under the EI Base stream are not issued on a fixed schedule. Instead, they’re based on a range of factors, including:
- Your registration score in the BC PNP system
- The location and size of the community you plan to operate in
- Alignment with B.C.’s priority economic sectors
From time to time, draws may be limited to ensure manageable processing times and prioritize applications that support key economic areas.
Why This Matters for Prospective Immigrants
With Canada’s focus on regional development and economic sustainability, programs like the BC PNP’s Entrepreneur Immigration streams are becoming increasingly important. They offer a unique opportunity for business-savvy individuals to obtain permanent residency by actively participating in the province’s economy.
If you’re an entrepreneur with a solid business plan and the financial means to invest, these streams could be your pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
And if British Columbia isn’t your top choice, there are other options across Canada too. For instance, the Manitoba PNP also runs entrepreneur streams focused on regional growth.
What You Need to Apply
Requirements for both streams include:
- A minimum net worth (amount varies by stream)
- A minimum ownership percentage in the business
- A minimum investment amount
- Commitment to actively manage the business
You’ll also need to submit a final report on your business performance within a set timeframe after starting operations.
Final Thoughts: Is B.C.’s Entrepreneur Stream Right for You?
Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle of big cities and build something new in a quiet community, or you’re ready to take on Vancouver’s vibrant business scene, B.C.’s Entrepreneur Immigration streams offer a promising path to permanent residency in Canada.
If you meet the requirements and have a solid business plan, now is a great time to explore this option. With regular draws and a clear commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, British Columbia continues to be one of Canada’s top destinations for business immigration.
Ready to take the next step? Assess your eligibility today and find out if the BC PNP Entrepreneur stream is the right fit for your Canadian immigration journey.
