British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot
Categories at a Glance
EI – Base Category | EI – Regional Pilot | |
Experience | Within the last 10 years: | Within the last 5 years: |
At least 3+ years of experience as a business owner-manager, OR, 4+ years of experience as a senior manager, OR, a combination of 1+ years of experience as a business owner-manager and 2+ years of experience as a senior manager. | ||
Net worth | At least $600,000 | At least $300,000 |
Education | Obtained a post-secondary credential, OR, experience as an active business owner-manager for at least 36 of the last 60 months with 100% ownership in the business. | |
Business proposal | You must submit a business proposal to establish a new business or purchase an existing business in B.C. | You must submit a business proposal to establish a new business in B.C. and be referred by an enrolled community. |
Ownership percentage | At least one-third (33.33%) | At least 51% |
Investment | Minimum $200,000 | Minimum $100,000 |
Job creation | Must create at least one full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada | |
Location | Anywhere in British Columbia | Participating communities |
Exploratory visit required? | No | Yes. You must engage and visit an enrolled community for support before registering. |
Language requirement? | Minimum of CLB 4 equivalent in English or French. Must submit a copy of valid language proficiency test results at final report (if not previously submitted). | Minimum of CLB 4 equivalent in English or French. Must submit a copy of a valid language proficiency test at registration. |
Partner with BC PNP co- registrant allowed? | Yes | No |
Partner with a local business/person allowed? | Yes | |
Registration scores | Total 200 points (120 points for self-declared section; 80 points for business concept). Must score a minimum of 32 points in business concept section. | Total 200 points (140 points for self-declared section; 60 points for business concept). No minimum business concept score. Total score must be at least 105 points to qualify. |
Registration timeframe | Registrations are scored within 6 weeks | Registrations are scored within 4 weeks |
Net worth verification | You must obtain a net worth verification report if you are invited to apply. | |
Application timeframe | Application decisions are typically made within 4 months. | |
Interview required for approval? | Yes | |
The minimum amount of time to submit a final report | 18 months after issuance of a work permit | 12 months after issuance of a work permit |
Fees | Registration: $300 Application: $3,500 | Registration: $300 Application: $3,500 |
Minimum Language Test Scores Required | ||||
Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
IELTS | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
CELPIP | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
TEF | 145 | 121 | 181 | 181 |
TCF Canada | 342-374 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 4-5 |