British Columbia Issues Invitations Under Entrepreneur Immigration Streams: May 2025 Draw Results Released
Vancouver, BC – The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) continues to support business-driven immigration by issuing new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) streams. The latest draws were held on May 28, 2025, targeting international entrepreneurs interested in starting or purchasing a business in the province.
This draw is part of British Columbia’s broader strategy to attract global investment, promote economic development in smaller communities, and address local succession challenges.
Overview of the May 28 Draw
The BC PNP issued fewer than 14 invitations under its two entrepreneur-focused immigration pathways:
| Stream | Cut-off Score | Number of Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream | 123 | Fewer than 5 |
| Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream | 115 | 9 |
These invitations reflect the province’s continued focus on targeted, performance-based selection, especially in the business immigration category. BC has held a total of eight entrepreneur selection rounds so far in 2025.
In contrast, the province has held only one skills-based draw under its BC PNP system this year, signaling a shift in focus toward business-based immigration for the time being.
Understanding BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration Program
The BC PNP’s Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) program is designed for foreign nationals with the skills and capital to invest in and operate a business in British Columbia. It consists of two distinct streams:
1. Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream
This stream is aimed at entrepreneurs who plan to start or purchase a business anywhere in British Columbia, including urban centres such as Vancouver or Victoria.
Key features:
- No community endorsement is required
- Candidates can purchase an existing business or start a new one
- Invitations may be based on: registration score, location, business sector, and type of investment
While draws based solely on CRS score do occur, BC PNP prioritizes targeted invitations aligned with regional economic goals and population needs.
2. Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream
This stream is designed for entrepreneurs interested in starting a new business in a rural or small community that is a participant in the regional program.
Key features:
- Business must be new (not a purchase)
- Location must be in a designated rural area
- Requires an endorsement from the participating community
- Draws typically occur once a month, based on community referrals
How Are Candidates Selected?
The province uses a points-based system to evaluate entrepreneur candidates. Selection is not only based on the overall score but also on a combination of strategic priorities, including:
- Type of business (new vs. existing)
- Sector alignment with provincial or community economic development plans
- Location of the business (urban vs. rural)
- Population size and economic needs of the target community
By controlling the flow of invitations, the BC PNP aims to maintain efficient processing times and ensure alignment with its long-term economic development strategy.
Eligibility Highlights: Base vs. Regional Stream
| Feature | EI Base Stream | EI Regional Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Business Type | New or existing | New only |
| Location | Anywhere in BC | Designated rural areas |
| Community Endorsement | Not required | Required |
| Minimum Net Worth | Higher | Lower |
| Minimum Investment | Higher | Lower |
| Final Report Submission | Within 20 months | Within 12 months |
These differences allow more flexible options for candidates targeting urban centres, while encouraging investment in underserved communities through the Regional Stream.
Strategic Shift in BC PNP Focus
The contrast between business and skilled immigration draws in 2025 signals that British Columbia is currently placing stronger emphasis on economic investment via entrepreneurship. With only one skills-based draw this year, the province is clearly targeting job creation, rural revitalization, and business succession planning as top immigration priorities.
Entrepreneurs interested in applying are encouraged to consult the BC PNP official site and stay updated on monthly draw schedules and criteria updates.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
