British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held its 21st draw on August 25, 2026, issuing 16 invitations to entrepreneurs under its Entrepreneur Immigration category. Candidates can use the invitation to apply for a provincial nomination, which leads to Canadian permanent residence.
Draw details
| Stream | Minimum score | Invitations issued |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 115 / 200 | 11 |
| Regional | 105 / 200 | 5 |
- The Regional Stream draw recorded the highest invitation count for that stream in 2026.*
2026 entrepreneur draws (summary)
| Date | Stream | Invitations | Minimum score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 25 2026 | Base | 11 | 115 |
| Aug 25 2026 | Regional | 5 | 105 |
| Jul 28 2026 | Base | 10 | 101 |
| Jun 30 2026 | Base | 14 | 118 |
| Jun 30 2026 | Regional | 5 | 113 |
| Jun 2 2026 | Base | 15 | 117 |
| Jun 2 2026 | Regional | 5 | 117 |
| May 5 2026 | Base | 8 | 115 |
| May 5 2026 | Regional | 5 | 115 |
| Apr 14 2026 | Base | 14 | 115 |
| Mar 10 2026 | Base | 7 | 117 |
| Mar 10 2026 | Regional | 5 | 129 |
| Feb 10 2026 | Base | 13 | 121 |
| Feb 10 2026 | Regional | 5 | 105 |
| Jan 13 2026 | Base | 7 | 115 |
In 2026, the BCPNP has conducted nine entrepreneur‑selection rounds (nine Base draws and six Regional draws), inviting at least 104 entrepreneurs. Across all entrepreneur and skilled‑worker streams, the program has issued 4,942 invitations year‑to‑date.
Differences between the Base and Regional streams
| Requirement | Base Stream | Regional Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Business type | Launch a new business or acquire and grow an existing one | Launch a new business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District |
| Business experience | 3 years as owner‑manager in the past 10 years | 3 years as owner‑manager in the past 5 years |
| Education | Post‑secondary credential (or, if none, 3 years active ownership in the past 5 years) | Post‑secondary credential |
| Language | Minimum CLB 4 | Minimum CLB 4 |
| Personal net worth | $600,000 | $300,000 |
| Minimum investment | $200,000 | $100,000 |
| Minimum ownership | 31 % | 51 % |
| Community referral | Not required | Required |
| Exploratory visit | Not required | Required |
| Registration score | 115 / 200 | 105 / 200 |
| Co‑applicant registration | Allowed | Not allowed |
Application pathway
Both streams follow a similar route to permanent residence, with the Regional Stream adding two extra steps:
- Identify a participating community that matches the proposed business (Regional only).
- Complete an exploratory visit and obtain a community referral (Regional only).
- Prepare a business proposal and register with the BCPNP.
- Receive a registration score based on human‑capital and economic factors.
- Await an invitation to apply (ITA) in a future draw.
- Submit a nomination application within four months of the ITA.
- If approved, apply for a federal work permit.
- Establish and operate the business in British Columbia while on the work permit.
- Obtain the provincial nomination once program requirements are satisfied.
- Apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Candidates must meet the stream‑specific financial, ownership, and community‑engagement requirements to progress through these steps.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
