British Columbia Invites Entrepreneurs in First Business Immigration Draw of 2026

British Columbia has remained in the regional quest to intensify the provincial economy by holding another round of selection within its Entrepreneur Immigration Program. The draw underscores how the province has continued to invest in attracting experienced business owners who can assist in the creation of jobs, investment, and long-term economic growth.

By this choice, British Columbia tries to open its doors to entrepreneurs who can start new businesses or acquire and develop the existing ones in the province.

Details of the Latest BC PNP Draw

Entrepreneur-oriented draw. 

This draw was the first business immigration selection of the year in the province, conducted by the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) on January 13, 2026.

The invitations were done in the Base stream of the Entrepreneur Immigration Program. In this round:

• Minimum required score: 115

• Number of invitations issued: 7

Even though the number of invitations was limited, the draw shows that British Columbia is still selecting high-quality entrepreneur applicants, and their business idea fits the provincial priorities carefully.

Strong Entrepreneur Draw Activity in 2025

The British Columbia business immigration is busy with the January 2026 draw coming after a very busy year. In 2025, the province made ten draws through the Base Entrepreneur stream, so it was the most often chosen immigration category in the same year.

These draws resulted in at least 93 invitations being issued to prospective entrepreneurs. The steady draw activity indicates that British Columbia is dependent on business immigration as one of the instruments in their economic development,t and especially in assisting small and medium-sized businesses.

Purpose of the Base Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

The Base Entrepreneur Immigration stream aims to receive experienced entrepreneurs who want either:

• Start a new business in British Columbia, or

• Purchase and manage an existing business in the province

In comparison to the Regional Entrepreneur stream, the Base stream does not need any community referral, which provides the candidate with a greater choice of location to set up the business.

This stream is also of particular interest to foreign entrepreneurs seeking to gain access to the major urban markets of British Columbia and pre-existing business ecosystems.

Financial Expectations Under the Base Stream

The Base Entrepreneur stream generally involves higher financial thresholds compared to other business immigration options in the province.

While individual requirements may vary depending on circumstances, candidates are typically expected to demonstrate:

• A personal net worth of approximately $600,000, and

• A minimum business investment of around $200,000

Another option available to the entrepreneurs is the investment or the expansion of the already established British Columbia business. In this instance, the generally required ownership in the enterprise is one-third by the applicants.

These conditions are used to guarantee the financial ability of the selected applicants in running a business in the province, and also their business experience.

How the Entrepreneur Immigration Process Works

Even though timescales and single case scenarios might vary, the general flow of the entrepreneur immigration pathway in British Columbia is structured:

1. Registration: Applicants make a registration in the BC PNP entrepreneur system where they are evaluated and given a score in accordance with their experience in the business, level of investment,t and the contribution they make to the province.

2. Invitation: The most successful candidates who score high are invited to apply in a draw.

3. Application and Work Permit: Short-listed applicants provide a complete application. In case approved, they are given a working permit to relocate to British Columbia and start a business.

4. Business Establishment: The business owner should be proactive in establishing, buying, or even running the business in line with the planned business.

5. Nomination for Permanent Residence: After the requirements of the program are fulfilled, the province nominates one for permanent residence.

Once a candidate has a provincial nomination, he or she may apply to the federal government in order to have Canadian permanent resident status.

Why This Matters for Business Immigrants

The fact that British Columbia still relies on entrepreneurs draws attention to the increased significance of provincial business immigration options, particularly with the federal business programs increasingly constrained.

To international entrepreneurs, most of whom come to these countries like India, provincial programs like the BC PNP are an impeccable and organised path to permanent residency,e as well as allowing candidates to establish and develop a business in Canada.

The inaugural entrepreneur attraction of 2026 in the state of British Columbia bolsters the policy against the selection obusiness-orienteded immigrants, capable of contributing significantly to the economy of the state. Although the choice is competitive, frequent draws within the Base Entrepreneur stream are indicative of continued availability of opportunities to the qualifying entrepreneurs willing to invest, provide employment, and establish successful businesses in British Columbia.

To apply successfully for the Visa, call Aptech Visa Now!

Call our well-versed team of the best immigration experts at 750 383 2132 / 91310 59075, or you can also write us at info@aptechvisa.com.

Visit Our Clients Success Stories !

Also Read - Canada Freezes Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligible Study Programs for 2026