The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category is for those who want to invest, create and actively manage a business in BC. Among other requirements, the applicant must have a personal net worth of at least $600,000, personally invest at least $200,000 in the business, and create at least one full-time job for a Canadian worker. (In practice, the personal net worth and investment amounts for approved applications tend to be significantly higher.) The BC government recently made changes for new applications under this category. The changes do not apply to applicants who have already registered/applied under this category.
- A minimum language proficiency requirement: applicants must meet Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 or above at the time of nomination, which is usually 3 – 4 years after registering for the program.
- Eliminate the option to include Key Staff in the application. This means the principal applicant must be more involved in the day-to-day operation and management of the business.
The language requirement has been in place since March 2019 for the Regional Business Immigration, but is now required for the Base Category as well. CLB Level 4 means ability to communicate basic needs, follow simple conversations or read simple instructions. The language requirement only applies to the principal applicant, not to dependents (spouse or children.) Because applicants are required to submit proof of language proficiency at the time of nomination, they will have 3 – 4 years from registering for the program to work on their language skills. The language requirement is a condition of nomination.
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