The province of British Columbia has conducted another targeted immigration draw to attract international entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses in the region. The latest selection was carried out on March 10, 2026, through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).
Through this draw, the province invited business-minded candidates under its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) program, which encourages experienced investors to create or expand companies in British Columbia.
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Summary of the Latest Entrepreneur Selection
The March draw issued invitations through two separate entrepreneur pathways under the EI program. Each pathway targets a specific type of business investor and has its own scoring threshold.
The results of the draw were as follows:
| Date | Entrepreneur Stream | Minimum Score | Invitations Issued |
| March 10, 2026 | Base Stream | 117 | 7 |
| March 10, 2026 | Regional Stream | 129 | Less than 5 |
Candidates who have received invitations can now proceed with a complete application for provincial nomination.
Entrepreneur Immigration Activity in 2026
British Columbia has already conducted five entrepreneur-focused invitation rounds during the early months of 2026. Across these draws, the province has extended at least 29 invitations to individuals planning to establish businesses in the province.
While business immigration remains part of the province’s strategy, the majority of invitations are still issued through skilled worker pathways. Earlier in the year, two draws under the province’s Skills Immigration category generated 889 invitations combined, reflecting a continued emphasis on attracting workers with in-demand skills.
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Entrepreneur Streams Explained
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program offers two main routes for international business owners, each designed for different investment goals and business locations.
Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category
This stream is intended for entrepreneurs who plan to launch or acquire a business anywhere within British Columbia. Unlike the regional pathway, applicants under this stream do not need a referral from a local community.
However, the program expects a higher level of financial capacity. Typically, candidates must demonstrate:
- A personal net worth of at least $600,000
- A minimum investment of $200,000 into the business
This pathway often attracts established entrepreneurs who want to manage larger projects or operate in major economic centres.
Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Category
The Regional stream focuses on promoting economic development in smaller communities across the province, particularly those located outside the Metro Vancouver area.
Financial requirements for this pathway are lower compared to the Base stream. Candidates are generally required to show:
- Personal net worth of at least $300,000
- Business investment of at least $100,000
Applicants must also meet additional conditions, including obtaining community support and visiting the community beforehand to explore business opportunities.
This program helps rural and smaller communities bring in new businesses that can stimulate local economies and generate employment.
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Pathway from Entrepreneur to Permanent Residence
Individuals interested in immigrating through British Columbia’s entrepreneur program usually follow a step-by-step process.
The typical journey involves:
- Submit a registration profile to the Entrepreneur Immigration System.
- Receiving a score based on business experience, financial strength, and proposed investment plans.
- Receiving an invitation to apply if their score is competitive in a draw.
- Applying for a work permit after the provincial application is approved.
- Launching and operating the business in the province according to program conditions.
- Obtaining a provincial nomination once all business requirements are fulfilled.
After receiving a nomination, applicants can submit a permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Business Immigration Remains a Key Economic Tool
British Columbia continues to use its entrepreneur immigration streams to attract global investors who can contribute capital, innovation, and job opportunities to the province.
By encouraging experienced entrepreneurs to launch ventures across both urban centres and smaller communities, the province aims to strengthen economic growth while expanding opportunities for local residents.
