British Columbia Prioritizes Global Entrepreneurs in Targeted July PNP Draw
BC Targets Global Entrepreneurs in July PNP Draw
British Columbia has once again turned its attention to international entrepreneurs, opening doors for innovative minds to invest in and contribute to its economy. The province’s latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, held on July 8, reflects a continued strategic push to attract qualified business owners and investors to both urban and rural corners of the province.
New Invitations Extended to Entrepreneurial Applicants
In its most recent selection round, British Columbia issued fewer than 17 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under two key streams of its Entrepreneur Immigration program:
- Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream: 12 invitations, with a minimum qualifying score of 121.
- Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream: Fewer than 5 invitations, with a minimum score threshold of 115.
This draw marks the fifth time this year that B.C. has prioritized business immigration over other categories, further solidifying its commitment to fueling economic development through entrepreneurship.
2025 Trends: Entrepreneurs Take Centre Stage
Throughout 2025, British Columbia has made it clear that business innovation is at the forefront of its immigration strategy. Except for a single draw targeting skilled workers in May, the province has directed nearly all of its invitations toward entrepreneurs.
To date, British Columbia has issued:
- Approximately 39 invitations through the Base stream
- Up to 20 invitations via the Regional stream
Meanwhile, the Strategic Projects stream, which allows corporations to bring in key staff to launch or expand operations in B.C., remains dormant for the year.
2025 Entrepreneur Immigration invitations Draw List
The Government of British Columbia has officially resumed skilled immigration invitations under the BC PNP, after starting the year with entrepreneur-only draws. On May 8, 2025, the province held its first skilled worker draw, targeting applicants deemed to have the potential for significant economic contribution to the province.
A total of 94 candidates were invited to apply for provincial nomination in this highly selective round. This draw marks a pivotal shift in strategy, aligning with newly introduced limitations on British Columbia’s overall nomination capacity for 2025.
| Date | Stream | Minimum Score | Number of invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 8, 2025 | Base | 121 | 12 |
| Regional | 115 | Fewer than 5 | |
| May 28, 2025 | Base | 115 | 9 |
| Regional | 123 | Fewer than 5 | |
| April 15, 2025 | Base | 115 | 5 |
| March 18, 2025 | Base | 115 | 8 |
| Regional | 123 | Fewer than 5 | |
| January 28, 2025 | Base | 123 | Less-than 5 |
| Regional | 123 | Fewer than 5 |
Entrepreneur Pathways: A Two-Tiered Model for Business Immigrants
British Columbia offers two distinct immigration pathways for entrepreneurs, each tailored to different profiles and investment goals:
1. Base Stream: Broad Entry for Business Operators
This stream accommodates experienced entrepreneurs who want to either establish a new venture or acquire an existing business anywhere within the province. Notable features include:
- Open to any location within B.C.
- No community endorsement required
- Requires a minimum score of 115 to register
- Mandatory creation of at least one full-time job for a local resident
- Requires proof of sufficient net worth and investment capital
2. Regional Stream: Designed for Rural Revitalization
This route is built for entrepreneurs ready to build new businesses in smaller, rural communities across British Columbia. Its distinguishing features include:
- Must start a brand-new business (purchasing a business is not permitted)
- A referral from the selected community is mandatory after an exploratory visit
- A minimum registration score of 105 is required
- At least one full-time job must be created for a Canadian or permanent resident
These two streams are part of B.C.’s broader economic agenda to ensure inclusive regional development, especially in areas with lower population densities.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead for Global Entrepreneurs
British Columbia continues to draw global attention for its pro-business environment, skilled labour force, and strategic Pacific Rim location. However, entering the province through the Entrepreneur Immigration program requires a well-prepared business plan, sufficient investment readiness, and a competitive application.
As the province moves forward with its 2025 strategy, only those entrepreneurs who meet its high standards and contribute meaningfully to local economies are likely to succeed.
BC PNP Skills Immigration Category Draw 2024
| Date | Draw type | Stream | Minimum Score | Number of invitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 10, 2024 | General | Skilled Workerr | 148 | 7 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 148 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 121 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker (includes EEBC option) | 101 | less than 5 | |
| Construction | 112 | less than 5 | ||
| Healthcare | 121 | less than 5 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| December 3 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 102 | Fewer than 5 |
| Construction | 108 | Fewer than 5 | ||
| Healthcare | 121 | Fewer than 5 | ||
| Tech | 141 | Fewer than 5 | ||
| November 26, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 146 | 7 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 146 | |||
| International Graduate | 146 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 146 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 125 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 102 | less than 5 | |
| Construction | 108 | less than 5 | ||
| Healthcare | 121 | less than 5 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| November 20, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 102 | 3 |
| Construction | 107 | 4 | ||
| Healthcare | 116 | 4 | ||
| Tech | 141 | 4 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| November 13, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 143 | 10 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 143 | |||
| International Graduate | 143 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 143 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 121 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 102 | 5 | |
| Construction | 105 | 4 | ||
| Healthcare | 113 | 5 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| November 6, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 96 | 7 |
| Construction | 97 | 5 | ||
| Healthcare | 111 | 8 | ||
| Tech | 128 | 31 | ||
| October 22, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 41 |
| Construction | 89 | 31 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 11 | ||
| Tech | 117 | 60 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| October 16, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 127 | 102 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 127 | |||
| International Graduate | 127 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 127 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 38 | |
| Construction | 89 | 21 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 28 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| October 8, 2024 | Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 44 |
| Targeting 25 Construction occupations | 89 | 25 | ||
| Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations | 99 | 21 | ||
| Targeting 35 tech occupations | 116 | 83 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| October 2, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 128 | 81 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| International Graduate | 128 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 35 | |
| Targeting 25 Construction occupations | 89 | 23 | ||
| Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations | 99 | 28 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| September 24, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 42 |
| Construction | 89 | 22 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 24 | ||
| Tech | 117 | 57 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| September 17, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 128 | 65 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| International Graduate | 128 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 43 | |
| Construction | 89 | 29 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 26 | ||
| September 4, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 128 | 75 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| International Graduate | 128 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 31 | |
| Construction | 89 | 33 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 19 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| August 27, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 40 |
| Construction | 88 | 31 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 18 | ||
| Tech | 118 | 69 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| August 20, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 130 | 83 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 130 | |||
| International Graduate | 130 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 130 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 85 | 38 | |
| Construction | 89 | 20 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 15 | ||
| August 13, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 87 | 35 |
| Construction | 89 | 27 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 27 | ||
| Tech | 120 | 45 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| August 7, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 132 | 59 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 132 | |||
| International Graduate | 132 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 132 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 88 | 32 | |
| Construction | 90 | 29 | ||
| Healthcare | 101 | 24 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| July 30, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 89 | 33 |
| Construction | 90 | 27 | ||
| Healthcare | 101 | 22 | ||
| Tech | 120 | 64 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| 23rd July 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 134 | 35 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| International Graduate | 134 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 91 | 37 | |
| Construction | 92 | 17 | ||
| Healthcare | 104 | 19 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| July 9, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 134 | 35 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| International Graduate | 134 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 94 | 10 | |
| Construction | 95 | 9 | ||
| Healthcare | 104 | 12 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| July 3, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 95 | 10 |
| Construction | 98 | 13 | ||
| Healthcare | 106 | 9 | ||
| Tech | 122 | 36 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| June 25, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 134 | 35 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| International Graduate | 134 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 97 | 6 | |
| Construction | 97 | 11 | ||
| Healthcare | 106 | 11 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| June 18, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 93 | 10 |
| Construction | 93 | 11 | ||
| Healthcare | 102 | 14 | ||
| Tech | 122 | 35 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| June 11, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 131 | 39 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| International Graduate | 131 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 93 | 8 | |
| Construction | 93 | 9 | ||
| Healthcare | 102 | 12 | ||
| June 4, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 93 | 8 |
| Construction | 93 | 14 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 13 | ||
| Tech | 122 | 33 | ||
| May 28, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 131 | 35 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| International Graduate | 131 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| Express Entry & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 93 | 11 | |
| Construction | 93 | 11 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 9 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| May 22, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 93 | 5 |
| Construction | 93 | 9 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 10 | ||
| Tech | 122 | 50 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| 14th May 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 131 | 37 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| International Graduate | 131 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 131 | |||
| Express Entry & Semi-Skilled | 107 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 90 | 9 | |
| Construction | 93 | 9 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 17 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| May 7, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 90 | 11 |
| Construction | 93 | 12 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 12 | ||
| Tech | 120 | 41 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| April 30, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 131 | 47 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| International Graduate | 131 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 131 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 107 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 91 | 9 | |
| Construction | 93 | 9 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 9 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| April 23, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 92 | 11 |
| Construction | 95 | 11 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 19 | ||
| Tech | 120 | 45 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| April 16, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 132 | 39 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 132 | |||
| International Graduate | 132 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 132 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 107 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 92 | 12 | |
| Construction | 97 | 10 | ||
| Healthcare | 97 | 18 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| April 9, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 90 | 9 |
| Construction | 95 | 13 | ||
| Healthcare | 95 | 19 | ||
| Tech | 116 | 46 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| April 3, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 130 | 30 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 130 | |||
| International Graduate | 130 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 125 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 107 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 90 | 18 | |
| Construction | 95 | 10 | ||
| Healthcare | 90 | 25 | ||
| March 26, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 85 | 28 |
| Construction | 90 | 21 | ||
| Healthcare | 85 | 30 | ||
| Tech | 114 | 47 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| March 19, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 125 | 88 |
| Skilled Worker-EEBC option | 125 | |||
| International Graduate | 125 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 125 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 98 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 80 | 27 | |
| Construction | 85 | 21 | ||
| Healthcare | 80 | 30 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| March 12, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 75 | 54 |
| Construction | 80 | 30 | ||
| Healthcare | 75 | 38 | ||
| Tech | 113 | 65 | ||
| Veterinary care | 75 | less than 5 | ||
| March 5, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 126 | 54 |
| Skilled Worker-EEBC option | 126 | |||
| International Graduate | 126 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 126 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 99 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 70 | 32 | |
| Construction | 80 | 30 | ||
| Healthcare | 70 | 39 | ||
| Veterinary care | 70 | less than 5 | ||
| February 21, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 126 | 69 |
| Skilled Worker-EEBC option | 126 | |||
| International Graduate | 126 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 126 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 99 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 70 | |
| Construction | 75 | 32 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 41 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| February 13, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 64 |
| Construction | 75 | 27 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 41 | ||
| Tech | 108 | 77 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| Febrary 6, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 122 | 102 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 122 | |||
| International Graduate | 122 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 122 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 97 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 46 | |
| Construction | 75 | 26 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 39 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| January 30, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 49 |
| Construction | 75 | 29 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 27 | ||
| Tech | 103 | 89 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| January 23, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 120 | 79 |
| Skilled Worker -EEBC option | 120 | |||
| International Graduate | 120 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 120 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 98 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 66 | |
| Construction | 75 | 34 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 36 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| January 10, 2024 | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | Skilled Worker | 60 | 53 |
| Construction | 75 | 20 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 29 | ||
| Tech | 103 | 91 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| January 10, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 120 | 110 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 120 | |||
| International Graduate | 120 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 120 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 100 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 113 | |
| Construction | 75 | 74 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 75 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 |
Final Thoughts
B.C.’s most recent draw is not just about numbers—it’s a message. The province is actively recruiting business leaders who are ready to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and become long-term contributors to Canadian society.
With more draws expected later this year, international entrepreneurs with vision and capital have a unique chance to make British Columbia their business home.
To see previous draws, view the 2024 Skills Immigration draws.
| Date | Stream | Minimum Score | Number of Invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 5, 2024 | Base | 115 | 10 |
| Regional | 130 | less than 5 | |
| September 24, 2024 | Base | 122 | 6 |
| August 13, 2024 | Regional | 122 | less than 5 |
| Base | 117 | 10 | |
| June 25, 2024 | Regional | 141 | less than 5 |
| Base | 116 | 5 | |
| May 14, 2024 | Regional Pilot | 113 | less than 5 |
| Base | 116 | 5 | |
| April 16, 2024 | Regional Pilot | 119 | less than 5 |
| Base | 118 | 6 | |
| February 27, 2024 | Regional Pilot | 106 | less than 5 |
| Base | 115 | 5 | |
| January 16, 2024 | Regional Pilot | 135 | less than 5 |
| Base | 116 | less than 5 |
