1 Eligibility Requirements:

Community:

To be eligible for the EI – Regional Pilot, communities must have a population of fewer than 75,000 and be located beyond 30 km of a municipality of more than 75,000. Communities must also demonstrate their capacity to support foreign entrepreneurs through established networks of business support and settlement agencies.

Education:

Obtained a post-secondary credential, OR, experience as an active business owner-manager for at least 3 of the last 5 years with 100% ownership in the business

Experience:

More than 3 years of experience as a business owner-manager, OR, more than 4 years of experience as a senior manager, OR, a combination of at least 1 year of experience as a business owner-manager and at least 2 years of experience as a senior manager within the last 5 years

Language Requirement:

Minimum of CLB 4 equivalent in English or French. Must submit copy of language proficiency test at registration.

Minimum Language Test Scores Required (CLB 4)
	Listening	Speaking	Speaking	Writing
IELTS	4.5	3.5	4	4
CELPIP	4	4	4	4
TEF	145	121	181	181

 

Admissibility:

Must be admissible to Canada and have valid status to stay or work in Canada. Cannot have unresolved refugee claim or be under a removal order.

Eligible Business:

Establish a new business in a participating BC community that aligns with one of their economic development priorities.

The business must have strong potential for sustained commercial success.

The proposed business must be operated for the primary purpose of earning profits by providing products and/or services.

Well-established franchises may be considered eligible.

Seasonal business operating less than 8 months per year is not eligible.

The BC PNP does not pre-approve or endorse business proposals.

 

Map of BC's Development Regions:

(For information only. Communities shown on map may not be enrolled in the EI – Regional Pilot. )

Business Proposal:

Must submit a business proposal to establish a new business in BC and be referred by an enrolled community

 Ownership Percentage:

Must own at least 51% of the business in BC.

Net Worth:

Must have at least $300,000 in personal net worth which includes the spouse/common-law partner or dependent children.

Investment:

At least $100,000 in the proposed business within 610 days of arriving in BC.

Active Management:

Applicants must demonstrate their intention to actively manage the business, reside within the boundaries of the community that supported the application, and be involved in its day-to-day operations. Must live in BC for at least 75% of the time while operating the business on a work permit.

Job creation:

Must create at least one full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada within 12 months (365 days) of arrival date.

Exploratory Visit:

Must engage and visit an enrolled BC community for support/a referral before registering.

Partner with Co-registrant:

No.

Key Staff:

No.

Registration Scores:

Total 200 points (140 points for self-declared section; 60 points for business concept). No minimum business concept score.

Net Worth Verification:

Applicants must obtain a net worth verification report if they are invited to apply. Personal net worth must be legally obtained and verifiable.

Interview:

Interview is required.

Final Report:

Must submit the final report within 610 days after the issuance date of the work permit

 

2 EI - Regional Pilot Scoring Overview:

EI – Regional Pilot Scoring Overview
Scoring Sections		Points
Self-declared	Experience & Ownership	24
	Net Worth	6
	Total Personal Investment	10
	Jobs	15
	Community Population	6
	BC's Regions	12
	Adaptability	67
Self-declared SUBTOTAL score		140
Business concept	Commercial Viability	30
	Transferability of Skills	15
	Economic Benefits	15
Business concept SUBTOTAL score		60
Maximum Score Available		200

 

Minimum eligibility scores for certain sections:

You must meet the minimum scores in each of the following sections to be entered into the qualified pool:

Section	Minimum Score Required
Experience & Ownership	8
Net Worth	2
Total Personal Investment	6
Jobs	10
Eligible Personal Investment (Overall Commercial Viability)	1
Jobs Assessment (Economic Benefits)	1

 

3  Application Process:

• Preparation (research/exploratory visit/ referral from community /language test)
• BC PNP Registration (create profile, register, wait for an ITA)
• BC PNP Application (review net worth/submit application/business plan within 120 days from ITA date, attend interview, sign performance agreement, receive a letter of confirmation)
• Work Permit (receive a 2-year work permit, arrive in BC within 365 days from the date of the letter of confirmation, submit arrival report within 60 days of arrival, build the BC business)
• Nomination (submit final report between 366 to 610 days after the issuance date of the work permit, receive a confirmation of nomination)
• Permanent Residency [apply for permanent residence within 180 days from the date of the confirmation of nomination, receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and PR Visa)]

 

 

4 Related Expenses:

Government Fees:

BC: BC PNP Registration: $300 ; application: $3,500

Federal Government:  principal applicant: $1,040 (incl. $550 processing fee and $490 right of permanent resident fee); spouse or partner: $1,040; dependent children: $150/per child.

Biometrics Fees: Per Person: $85; Family (2 or more): $170

Other third-party fees: medical exams, police certificates, language testing, notary, translation, delivery and postage, etc.

Aladdin Immigration fees (excluding any government or third party charges)