BC PNP Base Stream: Run Your Business in BC, Earn Your PR
The Base Stream nominates experienced owners who start or buy a business anywhere in British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver. You need $600,000 net worth, $200,000 to invest and at least one-third ownership. We score your registration out of 200 points before you pay the $300 fee.
since 1991
What is the BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Stream?
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Base Stream is a British Columbia pathway for experienced business owners who start a new business or buy an existing one in BC. You need $600,000 net worth, $200,000 of personal investment, at least one-third ownership and one new full-time job. BC scores your registration out of 200 points and invites the highest scorers to apply.
What happens if your business concept scores low?
BC scores your business concept itself. You need at least 40 points there and 115 in total to enter the pool, and the $300 registration fee is non-refundable. We build the concept to the scoring grid before you register.
Why owners choose the Base stream
- Any BC location: including Metro Vancouver, as long as you live within 50 km of the business
- Buy or start: an existing business can count up to $150,000 of its price, with $50,000 committed to improve it
- Co-registrants allowed: partners can register on the same concept
- Language proof can wait: CLB 4 evidence is due at the final report
Is the Base Stream right for you?
An honest check before you pay the $300 registration fee.
A good fit if you have
- 3 years as an owner-manager, or 4 years as a senior manager, in the last 10 years
- A $600,000 net worth you can verify
- $200,000 of your own funds to invest in one BC business location
- A plan to live within 50 km of the business, with CLB 4
Consider another route if
- Your net worth is under $600,000, so the Regional stream may fit
- Your idea is home-based, passive or not an operating business
- You cannot document where your net worth came from
Another stream may fit better. Compare the BC entrepreneur streams.
Base Stream requirements
You must meet every requirement and prove it with documents. BC publishes the rules on welcomebc.ca, and after nomination you apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
Experience and education
3 years as an owner-manager, 4 years as a senior manager, or 1 year as an owner-manager plus 2 as a senior manager, in the last 10 years. Plus a post-secondary credential, or 36 of the last 60 months as a 100% owner-manager.
Net worth
At least $600,000, including your spouse or partner and dependent children. It must be legally obtained and verifiable, and BC asks for a net worth verification report if you are invited.
Investment
At least $200,000 of your own funds in one BC business location, within 610 days of arriving. You can use outside financing for amounts above the minimum.
Ownership and jobs
At least 33.33% of the business, and at least one new permanent full-time job for a Canadian citizen or PR within 420 days of arriving.
Residence and language
Live within 50 km of the business and be in BC at least 75% of the time on your work permit. Show CLB 4 in English or French by the final report.
Not sure you qualify?
Tell us your net worth, experience and business idea. We score your registration on the 200-point grid first.
How BC scores your registration: 200 points
Experience and ownership: up to 24 points
Years as an owner-manager or senior manager, and the share of the business you own. More experience and a larger share earn more points.
Net worth: up to 12 points
Your verified personal net worth. A net worth well above the $600,000 minimum earns more points.
Personal investment: up to 20 points
The amount you will invest in the business. Investing well above the $200,000 minimum earns more points.
Jobs and region: up to 24 points
Jobs you create earn up to 12 points, and the BC development region of your business earns up to 12.
Adaptability: up to 40 points
Ties to BC and other personal factors that show you will settle well. These factors are worth more than any other self-declared section.
Business concept: up to 80 points
Commercial viability earns up to 30, transferability of skills 15 and economic benefits 35. You need 40 points here, and 115 in total to enter the pool.
Compare other routes
Base not the right fit? These pages cover the other BC stream, other business provinces and the main skilled-worker routes.
Your business concept and documents
BC scores the concept itself, so the documents behind it matter.
Business concept
Your concept is scored out of 80 by BC PNP. You need at least 40 points in this section.
Net worth proof
If you are invited, you provide a net worth verification report.
Business plan
Show commercial viability, how your skills transfer and the economic benefit to BC.
Co-registrants
Partners can register together. Each must meet the minimum scores, or neither enters the pool.
Buying a business
An existing business can count up to $150,000 of its price, with $50,000 more committed to improve it.
Want your concept scored?
We build and score your concept before you register.
How the Base Stream works, step by step
Six stages from scoring your profile to your PR application.
Check your fit
We test your net worth, experience, investment and business idea against the Base rules, including the ineligible business list.
Prepare your concept and documents
Gather your net worth proof and business records, and build a concept that earns points for viability, skills and economic benefit.
Register and pay $300
BC scores your registration out of 200. Qualified registrations stay in the pool for 180 days.
Submit your application
Pay $3,500, add your net worth verification report and attend the interview that is part of approval.
Sign your agreement and get your permit
Sign the performance agreement before you invest. BC then issues a work permit support letter, valid for 90 days.
Build the business, then get nominated
Invest, hire, send your final report and receive your nomination. Then you and your family apply to IRCC for PR.
After you arrive in BC
The work permit starts a build period of 12 to 20 months.
Performance agreement
Sign it before you invest. Money spent before approval and a work permit is at your own risk.
Invest
Make your $200,000 investment within 610 days (about 20 months) of arriving in BC.
Create a job
Create at least one new full-time job for a citizen or PR within 420 days (about 14 months).
Final report
BC asks for it at least 18 months after your work permit is issued, then decides on nomination.
Apply for PR
After nomination, you and your family apply to IRCC under the Provincial Nominee class.
Want a second set of eyes?
We track your milestones from your first day in BC to your PR application.
Costs and timelines
Typical costs for a single applicant, confirmed during your consultation because government fees change.
Find your BC stream in 2 minutes
Answer a few short questions. The tool points you to the stream that fits your profile. It is general guidance, not a decision.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases, from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided to Canada and beyond.
Base Stream FAQs
What is the BC PNP Entrepreneur Base Stream?
It is a British Columbia pathway for experienced business owners who start or buy a business anywhere in BC. After you run the business under a performance agreement, BC can nominate you for permanent residence.
Can I buy an existing business?
Yes. The Base stream accepts a proposal to start a new business or buy an existing one. For a purchase, BC counts up to $150,000 of the price and expects you to commit $50,000 to improve the business.
How much money do I need?
You need a verified net worth of $600,000 and at least $200,000 of your own funds to invest in one BC business location. Outside financing can cover amounts above the minimum.
When do I have to prove my English or French?
You must reach CLB 4, but the Base stream lets you submit the test result as late as your final report. Test results are valid for 24 months.
Where in BC can I open my business?
Anywhere in BC, including Metro Vancouver. You must live within 50 km of the business and be in BC at least 75% of the time while on your work permit.
Can a partner register with me?
Yes. The Base stream allows co-registrants. Both must meet the minimum scores of 40 in the business concept and 115 in total, or neither enters the pool.
What does the Base stream cost?
Registration costs $300 and the application costs $3,500, and both are non-refundable. IRCC fees apply separately when you apply for permanent residence.
How do I get started with Amir Ismail and Associates?
Book a Strategy Consultation. In 30 minutes we score your profile, test your business idea and give you a written plan.