British Columbia continues to attract global entrepreneurial talent with its recent Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) draw. On December 16, 2025, the province held another selection round targeting foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish or take over businesses in BC, extending invitations through both the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Base Stream and the EI Regional Stream.
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Draw Results
In this round, BC PNP issued a total of 21 invitations across both streams:
| Stream | Invitations Issued | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| EI Base Stream | 17 | 115 |
| EI Regional Stream | <5 | 107 |
Most invitations were extended through the Base Stream, which aligns with BC’s approach in previous draws during 2025. This draw marked the second-largest Entrepreneur Immigration selection round of the year and the Base Stream’s second-highest invitation batch in 2025.
Understanding British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration Category
The Entrepreneur Immigration category is designed for foreign nationals who wish to either start a new business or purchase and operate an existing one in British Columbia. There are two streams:
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EI Base Stream: Intended for entrepreneurs planning to launch or manage businesses anywhere in BC. Candidates must meet a minimum score of 115 points.
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EI Regional Stream: Focused on smaller, participating communities across BC’s regional development areas, including Cariboo, Kootenay, Nechako, Northeast, Thompson-Okanagan, and Vancouver Island/Coast. Minimum required score for this stream is 105 points.
In both streams, applicants are required to create at least one full-time equivalent (FTE) job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, ensuring the program contributes directly to local economic growth.
BC PNP’s 2025 Entrepreneur and Skills Immigration Performance
Over the course of 2025, BC PNP has conducted 19 draws, targeting candidates through both the Skills Immigration and Entrepreneur Immigration categories:
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Skills Immigration category: 978 invitations issued across 3 draws
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Entrepreneur Immigration category: Up to 132 invitations issued across 16 draws
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Base Stream: 97 invitations
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Regional Stream: 35 invitations
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BC started 2025 with 4,000 nomination spaces, a reduction from 8,000 in 2024 due to federal cuts. However, after successfully lobbying the federal government, BC received two additional allocations—1,254 nominations on October 2 and 960 nominations on December 15—bringing its total allocation to 6,214 nominations. The province plans to utilize all available spaces by year-end.
Why Consider BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration Program?
British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration streams provide an excellent pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) for business-minded individuals. By contributing to local economies and creating Canadian jobs, entrepreneurs not only fulfill program requirements but also position themselves for long-term success in Canada.
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
Navigating Canada’s immigration system can be challenging, especially for entrepreneurs exploring PR pathways. ICC Immigration specializes in helping applicants like you maximize your chances of success and avoid unnecessary risks associated with uncertain immigration options.
Our services include:
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Permanent Residency Applications: Whether via Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), we streamline your PR process.
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Work Permits and Study Permits: Temporary pathways to establish your career or education, eventually leading to PR.
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Family Sponsorships: Reunite with loved ones while securing PR status.
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Expert Legal Advice: We guide you through complex immigration policies to ensure your application meets regulations and achieves the best results.
Instead of relying on asylum or uncertain methods, take control of your future through a clear, structured PR pathway. ICC Immigration offers personalized guidance and support at every step, helping you navigate the process smoothly and confidently.
Take the Next Step
If you are an entrepreneur looking to immigrate to British Columbia and secure your Permanent Residency in Canada, now is the time to explore your options. With BC PNP offering invitations through both Base and Regional streams, ICC Immigration can help assess your eligibility, prepare your application, and guide you toward your Canadian dream.