B.C. has made changes to the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category. These changes are effective from January 29, 2020.
New language requirement: The PNP has introduced a minimum language requirement for Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) – Base Category candidates. This change supports the successful business establishment of immigrant entrepreneurs and helps their integration into B.C. communities, as well as meeting our agreement with the federal government. Entrepreneur candidates are now required to submit proof of language proficiency by nomination to demonstrate that their language ability meets a Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4. Research shows that proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages has a significant impact on the economic and social integration of immigrants into their new country. The timing of language requirement by nomination allows strong entrepreneur candidates an opportunity to improve their language ability once they arrive in B.C. to establish their business.
Elimination of Key Staff option: Applications to the EI – Base Category will no longer be able to include key staff. This option of the EI stream has continued to diminish since 2015. This change will allow the principal applicant to be more involved in the day-to-day operations of the business, increasing the interaction with suppliers and customers, which will help in improving language proficiency. Key staff will continue to be eligible under the Strategic Projects category. These changes are in effect for new applications and do not impact those who have already registered/applied to the BC PNP EI – Base category.
The Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to actively manage a business in B.C. It is a points-based invitation system. Applicants must have the required personal and investment funds. The Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot is for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in participating regional communities across B.C.
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