**BC PNP Entrepreneur Draw: July 2025 Immigration Update**

BC PNP Entrepreneur Draw: British Columbia Invites New Wave of Business Immigrants in July 2025

Entrepreneurs discussing business investment opportunities in British Columbia

Key Highlights

  • British Columbia issued up to 17 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to entrepreneurs in its latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw.
  • The July 8, 2025 draw targeted candidates under the EI Base and EI Regional streams.
  • Cut-off scores were 121 for the EI Base stream and 115 for the EI Regional stream.
  • So far this year, BC has focused predominantly on entrepreneur immigration, with over 50 ITAs issued across both streams.
  • Entrepreneur candidates must meet specific financial and business criteria, including job creation for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Application processing typically takes about four months from submission.

British Columbia’s Latest PNP Draw Welcomes Entrepreneurial Talent

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to make Canada your new home, British Columbia might just be rolling out the welcome mat for you. On July 8, 2025, the province held another round of invitations through its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) streams under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). This is now the fifth entrepreneur-focused selection round of the year—and it’s clear that BC is continuing to prioritize business-minded newcomers.

Let’s walk through what happened in the latest draw, who’s eligible, and how you can position yourself for success.

July 2025 BC PNP Draw Results

The July 8 draw focused on two key EI streams:

  • EI Base Stream – For entrepreneurs aiming to establish or purchase a business anywhere in BC.
  • EI Regional Stream – For entrepreneurs starting a new business in one of BC’s participating smaller communities.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the draw numbers:

Stream Number of Invitations Minimum Cut-Off Score
EI Base Stream 12 121
EI Regional Stream <5 115

So far in 2025, BC has issued approximately 39 invitations through the EI Base stream and up to 20 through the EI Regional stream. This focus on entrepreneurial immigration is evident, especially considering only one draw this year targeted skilled workers.

Entrepreneur Immigration Streams Explained

There are two main streams for entrepreneurs hoping to settle in BC through the PNP: the EI Base stream and the EI Regional stream. Each stream comes with its own set of requirements and benefits, depending on your business goals and where you’d like to live and work.

EI Base Stream

This stream is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who want to start a new business or purchase and operate an existing one anywhere in British Columbia. Unlike the regional stream, there’s no need for a community referral, giving you more flexibility in terms of location.

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Have a minimum registration score of 115 out of 200
  • Meet financial and experience requirements, including a minimum personal net worth and investment amount
  • Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

EI Regional Stream

This stream is geared toward entrepreneurs who are committed to contributing to economic development in BC’s smaller, rural communities. Under this pathway, candidates must start a brand-new business (purchasing an existing one won’t qualify) and must first visit and receive a referral from the community they wish to settle in.

Requirements include:

  • A minimum registration score of 105 out of 200
  • A community referral after visiting your chosen location
  • Starting a new business that creates at least one local job

What About the Strategic Projects Stream?

Interestingly, BC hasn’t issued any invitations through its EI Strategic Projects stream so far in 2025. This stream is structured for foreign corporations looking to make a large-scale investment in BC and relocate key staff. While it’s not the focus at the moment, it remains a viable option for business expansion into Canada.

Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing BC

British Columbia continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs looking to set roots in Canada. With its thriving economy, diverse communities, and supportive immigration programs, it’s no surprise that the province is doubling down on business immigration.

Whether you’re drawn to BC’s bustling cities or its scenic rural communities, these streams offer real opportunities to build a successful business and life in Canada.

Plus, with a relatively quick processing time—typically around four months—it’s a compelling alternative for those seeking a faster route to permanent residency compared to some federal programs.

Thinking of Applying? Here’s Your Next Step

If you’re considering applying through one of British Columbia’s entrepreneur immigration streams, now’s a great time to take the first step. With consistent draws and clear eligibility criteria, the opportunities are wide open for experienced business professionals who are ready to contribute to BC’s growth.

Want to explore other provincial streams too? If you’re curious how BC compares to other provinces, don’t forget to check out programs like the Manitoba PNP for more options.

Final Thoughts

British Columbia’s latest PNP draw is another strong signal that the province is serious about attracting entrepreneurial talent. If you’ve got the business acumen and the drive to build something valuable, BC could be the perfect place to plant your roots.

Whether you’re leaning toward launching a tech start-up in Vancouver or opening a boutique in a charming small town, there’s a pathway tailored for you.

Ready to get started? Take a few minutes to assess your eligibility and explore your best-fit immigration stream.

Assess Your Eligibility for BC Entrepreneur Streams