Administered by Government of British Columbia · Last verified: July 2026
A lower-threshold version of British Columbia's entrepreneur immigration pathway for founders willing to start a business in a smaller BC community outside Metro Vancouver. It requires a personal net worth of at least $300,000 and a business investment of at least $100,000, plus a community referral and an exploratory visit to the host community. Like the Base stream, candidates run the business on a work permit before earning a provincial nomination toward permanent residence.
Review times vary by program, from a few weeks to a few months, so check the official page for its timeline. Grant money is usually paid after you sign a funding agreement, and cost-shared programs often reimburse you once you send proof of what you spent.
Take the 3-minute quiz to find out, and see every other Canadian program you qualify for at the same time.
Check my eligibilityBC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration: Regional Stream is generally open to incorporated, self-employed, partnership businesses, in British Columbia. Confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying.
The estimated value is Requires $100,000+ investment; pathway to permanent residence. The actual amount depends on your eligible costs, the program's budget, and approval.
1. Identify a participating community with a population under 75,000 2. Complete an exploratory visit and obtain a community referral 3. Register and submit an Expression of Interest through the BC PNP portal 4. If invited, submit a full application and run the business on a work permit
Enables investors to receive a 30% tax credit on equity they put into your company
INCENTIVESubsidized mentorship and business advisory support (no cash grant)
INCENTIVENon-repayable grants up to $99,999; First Citizens Fund loans up to $115,000