Owner Operator Program – British Columbia

Foreign entrepreneurs with a business idea and who meet all the eligibility criteria can create a profile and register online for the British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category.

Foreign entrepreneurs found eligible will receive an invitation to apply online to the BC PNP under the Entrepreneur Immigration stream. If you are invited to apply, you will have to submit a complete application through BC PNP Online within 4 months. The applicant may be required to attend an in-person interview.

Applicants whose applications are successful will be required to sign a Performance Agreement with British Columbia.

The foreign entrepreneur will have up to 20 months to implement the business proposal in British Columbia after the Performance Agreement is signed.

BC PNP will issue a letter of support, enabling you to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a two-year work permit. After the work permit is granted, the foreign entrepreneur must arrive in B.C. within 12 months of the confirmation letter’s date to establish the business.

Once the foreign entrepreneurs arrive in British Columbia, they will have 20 months from the date of arrival to build your business and meet all commitments under your performance agreement. Finally, they will be required to provide a final report to BC PNP between 18 and 20 months after you arrive in British Columbia.

If your application for  British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category nomination is successful, you will receive a confirmation of nomination as a provincial nominee.

With the confirmation of nomination as a provincial nominee, you can apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada under the Provincial Nominee Class.  Please refer to the Entrepreneur Immigration Post-Arrival Guide to learn more about the program.