British Columbia holds provincial immigration draw targeting entrepreneurs across two PR pathways
British Columbia conducted a new selection round through its Entrepreneur Immigration category on June 30. The province targeted entrepreneurs with plans to establish a new business or acquire and grow an existing business in the province. This marks the province's seventh selection round in 2026 targeting entrepreneurs.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program issued invitations across both of its Entrepreneur Immigration streams. Applicants can check their eligibility for enhanced PNP streams on the official IRCC website. The minimum score and number of invitations varied based on stream, with the province prioritizing Base Stream candidates.
what changed in the latest draw
The June 30 draw was the province's second Entrepreneur Immigration selection of the month, breaking from its earlier pattern of holding one such round per month in 2026. With the exception of the February 10 draw, the June 30 round produced both the highest Base Stream cutoff and the lowest Regional Stream cutoff seen so far this year. This change may indicate a shift in the province's approach to entrepreneur immigration.
who is affected by this draw
Entrepreneurs with plans to establish a new business or acquire and grow an existing business in British Columbia are affected by this draw. The province has two entrepreneur streams, each with varying rules and requirements. For instance, the Base Stream and Regional Stream have different criteria for business type, business experience, education, language proficiency, personal net worth, investment, ownership, and community referral. I find it interesting that the province is trying to attract entrepreneurs with different backgrounds and experiences.
how to apply for the bc pnp
To apply, applicants can register for the BCPNP and receive a score based on human capital factors and economic factors. They can then wait for an Invitation to Apply in an upcoming draw. Once an Invitation to Apply is received, applicants can submit their nomination application within four months. If successful, they can apply for a work permit with the federal government and establish and operate their business in British Columbia. For more information, applicants can visit the official IRCC website or check out guides on Express Entry and PNP.
Applicants may also want to read about the latest developments in other provincial nominee programs, such as Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Program and Ontario's Immigrant Nominee Program. It's worth noting that these programs can change frequently, so it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest information.
Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.
Original reporting: CIC News