BCPNP issued 16 invitations on August 25, 2026,
BC PNP Draw Gives 16 Entrepreneurs a New Route Toward Canada PR
British Columbia has continued its focus on business immigration by selecting another group of entrepreneurs for its provincial nomination program.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) issued 16 invitations on August 25, 2026, through its Entrepreneur Immigration category. The latest round considered candidates under both the Base and Regional options.
August Selection at a Glance
| Stream | Invitations | Minimum score |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 11 | 116 |
| Regional | 5 | 116 |
The Regional Stream result stands out because the five invitations represent its largest selection in British Columbia during 2026. The August 25 round was also the ninth entrepreneur-focused selection conducted by the province this year.
British Columbia's Entrepreneur Immigration Activity in 2026
Entrepreneur selections have taken place at different intervals throughout the year, with the number of invitations and qualifying scores changing between rounds. The following figures provide a picture of the BCPNP’s entrepreneur activity so far in 2026:
| Date | Stream | Number of invitations | Minimum score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 25, 2026 | Base | 11 | 116 |
| August 25, 2026 | Regional | 5 | 116 |
| July 28, 2026 | Base | 10 | 117 |
| June 30, 2026 | Base | 14 | 118 |
| June 30, 2026 | Regional | <5 | 113 |
| June 2, 2026 | Base | 15 | 117 |
| June 2, 2026 | Regional | <5 | 117 |
| May 5, 2026 | Base | 8 | 115 |
| May 5, 2026 | Regional | <5 | 115 |
| April 14, 2026 | Base | 14 | 115 |
| March 10, 2026 | Base | 7 | 117 |
| March 10, 2026 | Regional | <5 | 129 |
| February 10, 2026 | Base | 13 | 121 |
| February 10, 2026 | Regional | <5 | 105 |
| January 13, 2026 | Base | 7 | 115 |
The nine entrepreneur rounds conducted this year have generated 15 stream-level selections in total. Nine selections were held for Base candidates and six for Regional candidates. Cumulatively, at least 104 entrepreneurs have received invitations through these 2026 selections. Across entrepreneur and skilled-worker categories combined, the BCPNP has issued at least 4,942 invitations so far this year.
Two Entrepreneur Options, Different Requirements
The Base Stream permits entrepreneurs to establish a new enterprise or purchase an existing business with the intention of developing it further. The Regional Stream is designed for those proposing a new business in an eligible community outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District.
Here is how the two pathways compare:
| Requirement | Base Stream | Regional Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible business activity | Create a new business or purchase and expand an established business | Establish a new business outside Metro Vancouver Regional District |
| Business background | At least 3 years as a business owner-manager within the previous 10 years | At least 3 years as a business owner-manager within the previous 5 years |
| Education* | Post-secondary credential | Post-secondary credential |
| Language level | Minimum CLB 4 | Minimum CLB 4 |
| Personal net worth | $600,000 or more | $300,000 or more |
| Required investment | $200,000 or more | $100,000 or more |
| Business ownership | Minimum 31.33% | Minimum 51% |
| Community referral | Not needed | Required |
| Exploratory visit | Not needed | Required |
| Registration score | At least 115/200 | At least 105/200 |
| Co-applicant registration | Allowed | Not allowed |
An applicant without a post-secondary credential can potentially qualify by showing at least three years of active business ownership and management experience during the previous five years, along with full ownership of the business.
Who Can Benefit From the TRHSI?
The initiative is aimed at foreign workers who provide essential cleaning and security services for B.C. health authorities. Unlike immigration pathways that focus primarily on highly skilled occupations, this initiative recognizes the importance of workers who help keep healthcare facilities and services operating safely.
The eligible occupations include:
- Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners — NOC 65312
- Light-duty cleaners — NOC 65310
- Security guards and related security service occupations — NOC 64410
Applicants must have employment with an eligible B.C. public health authority and work in a qualifying rural or remote location.
Regional Applicants Must Connect With a Community
The Regional option does, however, have lower financial thresholds than the Base Stream. The minimum net worth is $300,000 and the required investment starts at $100,000.
A Business-Focused Pathway to British Columbia
Source: welcomebc.ca
