Dear future neighbour,
British Columbia held its most recent Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) draw on August 19, 2025, focusing exclusively on the Entrepreneur Immigration Stream. The draw reflects the province’s continued prioritization of business-minded applicants who can contribute directly to BC’s economy, while general Skills Immigration draws remain on pause.
Draw Highlights – August 19, 2025
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Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category
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Invitations Issued: 11
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Minimum Score Required: 124
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Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot
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Invitations Issued: Fewer than 5
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Minimum Score Required: 115
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With this round, British Columbia has now issued approximately 169 invitations through the Entrepreneur Stream in 2025.
Immigration Pathways Narrow in 2025
Unlike in previous years, Skills Immigration draws have been largely paused. The last round took place on May 8, 2025, when the province invited 94 candidates who were either:
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High-wage earners in BC (at least $105 per hour, working in TEER 0 or TEER 1 roles), or
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High-scoring candidates with at least 150 points in the Skills Immigration Registration System.
The pause in regular Skills Immigration rounds follows a sharp cut in BC’s annual nomination allocation — down from 8,000 in 2024 to just 4,000 in 2025. As a result, BC has shifted its strategy toward high-impact candidates and business investors who can generate immediate economic benefits.
Entrepreneur Immigration (EI)
BC PNP’s Entrepreneur Immigration stream allows foreign nationals to start a new business or buy and manage an existing one in British Columbia.
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EI Base: For entrepreneurs who plan to open or purchase a business anywhere in BC.
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EI Regional: For those who want to set up a new business in smaller, participating communities across the province.
Each option has its own rules on minimum net worth, investment, and ownership share.
| Development region | Participating communities |
|---|---|
| Cariboo | -Mackenzie
-Quesnel |
| Kootenay | -Castlegar and Central Kootenay (Areas I & J)
-Columbia Valley and East Kootenay -Kimberley -Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F) -Rossland -Trail |
| Nechako | -Bulkley-Nechako |
| Northeast | -Fort St. John |
| Thompson-Okanagan | -Penticton
-Salmon Arm -Vernon |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | -Cambell River
-Comox -Mount Waddington -Powell River |
Implications for Applicants
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Entrepreneur Immigration Remains Active
For prospective business owners and investors, the Entrepreneur Stream is one of the few active immigration channels in BC right now. However, cutoff scores remain high, meaning applicants must present competitive business proposals, strong experience, and sufficient investment capital. -
Skills Immigration Uncertainty
Skilled workers hoping for BC PNP invitations face uncertainty, as the program has limited draws to select groups. For now, the general and targeted occupation draws remain paused. Candidates in this pool may need to explore federal programs such as Express Entry or alternative provincial nominee streams.
Next Steps
British Columbia’s immigration program in 2025 highlights the province’s need to balance federal nomination limits with its economic priorities. While skilled worker opportunities are currently restricted, the Entrepreneur Stream continues to offer a pathway for applicants who can contribute jobs and investment.
Need help with your Canadian immigration process?
Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.
Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com
