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What is the BC Entrepreneur - Regional Category stream?
This stream focuses on foreign nationals who want to operate a business in British Columbia an opportunity to apply for permanent residence. Unlike the base category stream, this stream requires the candidate to be refereed by an approved British Columbia community who are interested in your business proposal.
The stream operates very similar to the expression of interest framework where the foreign national submits a profile with the provincial government. Each profile is assigned a score based on certain factors such as education, experience, language, economic viability, etc. The system will calculate the score automatically based on the information you provide.
What is the eligibility criteria?
| Active Profile (Express Entry) | Not Required |
| Provincial Connection | Must be referred by an approved community |
| Education | Post-Secondary |
| Job Offer | No |
| Language Skills | CLB 4 |
| Work Experience | In the last 5 years, 3 years as business owner or 4 years as senior manager or combination of 1 year as owner and 2 years as senior manager |
| Net Worth | Minimum $300,000 CAD |
| Investment | Investment of $100,000 CAD |
| Business ownership | Must own 51% of the business |
Will I be required to make an exploratory visit?
You may be invited by a community if your business proposal is viable. You will be required to make a IN-PERSON exploratory visit to the community.
You will NOT be eligible to apply for this stream without a IN-PERSON exploratory visit.
Which participating communities are approved by the provincial government?
Cariboo
100 Mile House
Mackenzie
Prince George
Quesnel
Williams Lake
Kootenay
Castlegar & Central Kootenay (Areas I & J)
Columbia Valley & East Kootenay
Cranbrook
Kimberley
Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F)
Rossland
Trail
West Boundary (Area E)
Mainland / Southwest
Lillooet
North Coast
Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (Areas B, C, E)
Terrace
Northeast
Fort St. John
Tumbler Ridge
Thompson-Okanagan
Chase
Clinton
Penticton
Salmon Arm
Vernon
Vancouver Island/Coast
Campbell River
Comox
Mount Waddington
Port Alberni
Powell River
How can I contact the community or find out more information ?
Please click here if you would like to get in touch with the participating community.
Will I be invited If I meet the requirements?
There is no guarantee if you will be invited. However, you will enter the pool of qualified candidates which will remain valid for 6 months.
How long do I have to submit my application after getting an ITA?
Once you get your invitation to apply, you will have up to 4 months to submit your application.
Will I be required to attend an interview?
An interview may be requested by the provincial government where you may be asked questions about your work experience, business plan, etc.
What happens once application is approved?
You will sign a performance agreement with the provincial government and get a letter of support which can be used to apply for a work permit.
How Can I Apply For This Program?
Please click here to apply for this program.
Where can I find information about the recent draws?
Please click here to see the recent draws.
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