British Columbia Eyes Global Entrepreneurs in July PNP Draw

Vikrant Gungash
Jul 26
3 min read

By Vikrant Singh, July 26, 2025

July 2025 — British Columbia continues to roll out the welcome mat for international entrepreneurs, with a new round of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued through its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).

On July 8, the province held two targeted draws through the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) streams—specifically the EI Base stream and the EI Regional Pilot stream—inviting up to 17 qualified candidates to take the next step toward permanent residency in Canada.

This is the fifth entrepreneur-focused draw in 2025, demonstrating BC’s continued focus on attracting foreign investors and business leaders who can contribute to local economies and job creation.

Draw Results at a Glance

Stream	Invitations Issued	Minimum Score Required
EI Base Stream	12	121
EI Regional Stream	Fewer than 5	115

As of this latest draw, British Columbia has issued:

Up to 39 invitations under the EI Base stream, and
No more than 20 under the EI Regional stream in 2025.

No draws have been held so far this year under the EI Strategic Projects stream, which is designed to support the relocation of foreign companies looking to expand their operations to British Columbia.

Pathways for Entrepreneurs: Regional vs. Base Stream

Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) streams under the BC PNP are intended for experienced business owners or senior managers who wish to invest in and actively manage a business in the province.

EI Base Stream

Ideal for candidates interested in starting or purchasing a business anywhere in British Columbia.
No requirement for community referral.
Requires a minimum registration score of 115 out of 200.
Applicants must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Business investment and personal net worth thresholds apply.

EI Regional Pilot Stream

Tailored for entrepreneurs who plan to start a new business in a rural BC community.
Applicants must visit the community and obtain a community referral before registering.
Requires a minimum score of 105 out of 200.
Like the Base stream, it also mandates job creation and active business participation.

Application Processing Time

Once an application is submitted, the BC PNP typically completes its review and issues a decision within four months. Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination, enabling them to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Why This Matters

While most provincial nominee programs across Canada focus heavily on skilled workers and international graduates, British Columbia has placed a sharp emphasis on entrepreneur immigration in 2025. So far this year, the only non-entrepreneurial draw was conducted on May 8, targeting skilled workers.

This shift underscores the province’s broader economic development strategy—one that encourages investment, innovation, and regional revitalization, especially in smaller communities.

Thinking of Applying?

British Columbia offers promising opportunities for those ready to bring their entrepreneurial ambitions to Canada. Whether you're aiming to open a café in a coastal village or expand a tech venture in Vancouver, the BC PNP provides multiple pathways to make that happen.

For those with the experience, funds, and drive, now may be the right time to start planning your move.

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