Maple News reports that British Columbia has issued a fresh round of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), continuing its strategic focus on attracting entrepreneurial talent in 2025.
The latest draw, held on August 19, targeted business-minded individuals through two streams of the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) category: the EI Base Stream and the EI Regional Stream. This marks the sixth entrepreneur-specific draw conducted by the province this calendar year.
A total of up to 16 ITAs were issued. The EI Base Stream saw 11 invitations issued with a minimum score requirement of 124 points. The EI Regional Stream issued fewer than 5 invitations, with a lower cut-off score of 115. These two pathways are designed to support entrepreneurs who propose establishing or acquiring a business that will contribute to local economic growth in British Columbia.
So far in 2025, the province has invited fewer than 70 candidates through all three of its Entrepreneur Immigration streams. The invitation breakdown includes fewer than 45 invitations under the Base Stream, fewer than 25 under the Regional Stream, and none under the Strategic Projects Stream.
British Columbia appears to be prioritizing entrepreneurial immigration routes this year, with the exception of one skilled worker draw held in May. This trend signals a clear emphasis on attracting individuals who can generate business activity, create jobs, and stimulate economic resilience in communities across the province—particularly in smaller and regional centres.
The EI Base Stream is primarily intended for experienced entrepreneurs planning to establish themselves in urban or densely populated regions. In contrast, the EI Regional Stream focuses on encouraging entrepreneurship in smaller communities, aligning with the province’s goal of regional economic development.
By offering these entrepreneur-focused immigration pathways, British Columbia is not only seeking business investment but also aiming to diversify its economic landscape beyond major city centres, helping to balance growth across the province.
Entrepreneurs interested in applying through the BC PNP’s business-focused streams are encouraged to monitor ongoing selection rounds and assess their eligibility based on evolving scoring thresholds and program requirements.