British Columbia Conducts Significant Entrepreneur Immigration Draw in November
November Sees Major Entrepreneur Immigration Draw in British Columbia
British Columbia has significantly increased opportunities for international entrepreneurs by conducting one of its largest nomination rounds of 2025 under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The latest selection round highlights the province’s continued focus on attracting business innovators who can bolster regional growth and diversify local economies.
A Major Step Forward for Entrepreneur-Focused Immigration
On November 18, 2025, the province invited candidates across both of its business immigration pathways- Entrepreneur Immigration (Base Category) and Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream.
The draw is part of B.C.’s broader strategy in 2025 to enhance economic development through targeted business immigration. This year alone, the province has repeatedly prioritized entrepreneurs, citing their long-term contributions to investment, job creation, and community revitalization.
Latest Draw Statistics
he November 18 invitation round issued two separate sets of invitations, each with its own scoring cutoff: Entrepreneur Immigration Draw Results – November 18, 2025
| Stream | Minimum Score Required | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Base Category | 121 | 19 |
| Regional Stream | 115 | Fewer than 5 |
The higher number of invitations in the Base category reflects B.C.’s interest in attracting seasoned entrepreneurs capable of launching or scaling businesses in larger urban centres. Meanwhile, the Regional stream maintains a narrower intake aligned with community-specific needs in rural and smaller communities.
Why B.C. Separates Entrepreneurs Into Two Pathways
B.C. operates two distinct entrepreneur immigration streams, each designed to address different economic priorities and geographic needs.
1. Base Category: For Entrepreneurs Targeting Larger Markets
This pathway supports experienced business owners or senior managers who plan to establish or acquire a business anywhere in the province. Key characteristics include:
- No community referral required
- Higher financial requirements (approx. $600,000 net worth and $200,000 minimum investment)
- Option to purchase or expand an existing business
- At least 33% ownership required
This stream is geared toward candidates with stronger capital reserves and plans to build or scale operations in metropolitan or mid-sized markets.
2. Regional Stream: Supporting Rural and Small Community Growth
The Regional stream is designed to stimulate entrepreneurship in B.C.’s smaller communities. Unique features of this pathway include:
- Mandatory community referral after an exploratory visit
- Lower capital requirements (approx. $300,000 net worth and $100,000 investment)
- Requires entrepreneurs to hold 51% or more ownership
- Focus on starting new businesses tailored to local economic priorities
This program helps rural communities address demographic gaps, preserve essential services, and stimulate local job creation.
What Both Streams Have in Common
Regardless of the pathway, all candidates must follow a structured process:
- Register their profile with the BC PNP
- Receive an invitation based on scoring and program priorities
- Apply for a work permit and relocate to B.C.
- Establish and operate the business for the required duration
- Receive a provincial nomination for permanent residence after meeting performance criteria
This ensures that only candidates who actively contribute to the province’s economy advance to the permanent residency stage.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 18, 2025 | Base | 121 | 19 |
| Regional | 115 | Fewer than 5 | |
| October 2, 2025 | Base | 123 | 11 |
| August 19, 2025 | Base | 124 | 11 |
| Regional | 115 | Fewer than 5 | |
| 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 |
How the BC PNP Helps the Province’s Economy
The BC PNP remains a strategic resource for meeting labour demands and boosting economic activity. By focusing on both highly trained workers and entrepreneurs, this program makes competitive internationally.
The drawn candidates tend to fill positions in technology, health care, engineering, administration, and entrepreneurship, completing the economic ecosystem of the province even further.
Draw Summary
Skills Immigration Stream
- Total ITAS issued: 474
- High wage job offers: 114 candidates (NOC TEER 0,1,2,3; $90/hour or $175,000/year)
- Lowest point-based score: 140 points (360 candidates)
Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
- Total ITAs issued: 11
- Stream: Base
- Lowest score: 123 points
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 |
What this means for candidates
Candidates have more information and, perhaps, more opportunity than earlier in the year, with new transparency tools, evolving selection strategies, and expanded 2025 nomination capacity. Those headed to British Columbia should:
- Track their percentile ranking within the pool.
- Reinforce their profiles based on BC PNP scoring factors
- Pay close attention to salary, job offer quality, and NOC requirements because the province leans toward high-impact economic selection.
British Columbia’s shifting immigration landscape for 2025-2026 ushers in a more data-driven, competitive, and opportunity-rich environment in the pursuit of Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers through the province.
A Promising Outlook for Business Immigration in 2025
With eight entrepreneur-focused draws already conducted this year, B.C. continues to reinforce its commitment to attracting global business talent. By balancing opportunities between urban and regional communities, the province is leveraging immigration as a strategic tool for sustained economic resilience.
As B.C. prepares for future rounds, aspiring entrepreneurs can expect continued emphasis on innovation, community benefit, and economic impact.
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 |
