Regional Pilot Entrepreneur Category

Regional Pilot Entrepreneur Category

The Regional Pilot Entrepreneur Category is a program under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) that allows experienced entrepreneurs to immigrate to specific regions of British Columbia, Canada, and establish or purchase a business. This program is for individuals who want to start or purchase a business outside of the Greater Vancouver Area and the Victoria Capital Region.

This program was introduced in March 2019 and is extended till March 31, 2024.

B.C. communities

Requirements

1. Business and/or management experience:
   • Applicants must have at least 3+ years of experience as a business owner-manager, OR,
   • 4+ years of experience as a senior manager, OR,
   • A combination of 1+ year of experience as a business owner-manager and 2+ years of experience as a senior manager
2. Personal net worth
   Applicants must have a personal net worth of at least CAD 300,000
3. Investment
   Applicants must make a minimum investment of CAD 100,000 in the business they plan to start or purchase in British Columbia.
4. Language proficiency
   Applicants must demonstrate proficiency of a minimum of CLB 4 equivalent in English or French.
5. Adaptability
   Applicants must demonstrate their ability to settle in British Columbia, including factors such as education, work experience, and ties to the province.
6. Job creation
   Applicant must create at least one full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
7. Exploratory Visit
   Prospective candidates are required to travel to one of the program’s participating communities for an in-person meeting with a representative during an exploratory visit. The tour will also provide you with firsthand knowledge of the place you are considering for your business, and you will be able to determine whether the lifestyle is a good fit for your family.
8. Community Referral
   If the community is satisfied that you fulfill all the requirements, they will issue a community referral which is mandatory to move forward in the process. The decision to refer is made at the discretion of the community.

Application Process

1. Preparation
   • Research community and business needs in BC

   • Conduct an Exploratory visit to the community that you have chosen.

   • Obtain a referral from the community.
2. BC PNP registration
   • Register for the BC PNP: Register for the BC PNP by submitting an online application and paying a non-refundable fee.
   • Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the BC PNP online system, providing information about your business concept, investment, and personal profile. You will be assigned a score based on the information provided.
   • Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the BC PNP.
3. BC PNP Application
   • Net worth review
   • Submit a full application: Within 120 days of receiving the ITA, submit a complete application, including all required documents and forms, to the BC PNP.
   • Attend an interview: If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an interview with the BC PNP to discuss your business concept and plans.
   • Performance agreement
4. Work permit
   • Arrive in Canada with a work permit.

   • Build your business in BC.
5. Nomination
   • Final report

   • Conditions of nomination
   • Receive nomination: If the BC PNP approves your application, you will receive a nomination for permanent residency in Canada.
6. Permanent residence
   • Apply for permanent residency: Use your nomination to apply for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).