The process through the regional pilot program can be summarized as follows:

1. Preparation before you register: Determine your eligibility and conduct a self-assessment. Identify a participating community in BC and conduct an exploratory visit to learn more about the community and discuss your business proposal with the designated contact. Obtain a referral from the community and ensure you have valid language test results meeting the CLB Level 4 requirement.

2. Registration to the BC PNP: After receiving your referral, complete and submit an online registration to the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). Provide details about your work/business experience, education, language ability, net worth, and your business concept in British Columbia. The BC PNP scores registrations and invites the highest-scoring registrants to proceed to the next stage.

3. Application to the BC PNP: Submit a complete application to the BC PNP. This includes submitting your detailed business plan that outlines your proposed business in British Columbia. You may also be invited to an in-person interview in Vancouver to discuss the details of your application and business plan. If your application is approved, you will be required to sign a performance agreement outlining the requirements you must meet to be nominated.

4. Business establishment (work permit) period: After obtaining a work permit based on the approval of your application, you can begin implementing your business plan, making investments, and creating jobs in BC. During this period, you will work towards establishing and operating your business as per your business plan.

5. Nomination: Once you meet the terms and conditions of your performance agreement, you must submit a final report to the BC PNP. If the BC PNP determines that you have met the requirements, you will be nominated for permanent residence.

6. Application for permanent residence: After receiving the nomination, you, along with your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children if applicable, can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee class.

The initial online application for the program is divided between the self-declared adaptability and the business concept.

To qualify, a minimum total score of 105 points is required, with a total of 200 points available. The self-declared section is worth 140 points, while the business concept section carries 60 points. There is no specific minimum score requirement for the business concept section.

The breakdown of points is as follows:

Self-Declared Adaptability:

• Experience & Ownership: A maximum of 24 points can be obtained in this category.

• Net Worth: Up to 6 points can be awarded based on the declared net worth.

• Total Personal Investment: This criterion carries a weight of 10 points.

• Jobs: The number of jobs that will be created or maintained by the business can contribute to a maximum of 15 points.

• Community Population: The population of the community where the business will be located can earn up to 6 points.

• B.C.'s Regions: The specific region of British Columbia in which the business will operate can account for 12 points.

• Self-declared Adaptability: This section carries the highest weight with a maximum score of 67 points.

Business Concept:

• Commercial Viability: The viability of the proposed business concept can earn a maximum of 30 points.

• Transferability of Skills: Up to 15 points can be awarded based on the extent to which your skills can be transferred to the proposed business.

• Economic Benefits: The potential economic benefits of the business concept can contribute to a maximum of 15 points.

There are usually around 20-30 communities participating in the program at any given time. Each participating community has identified specific economic development priorities, which can be seen on the BC PNP website. These priorities guide the types of businesses the program aims to attract.

Eligible

The BC PNP will only consider registrations for new businesses in participating communities that align with the economic development priorities identified by the community. Each community has defined eligible businesses with North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, and the proposed business must operate for the primary purpose of earning profits by providing products and/or services. Additionally, your background experience must align with the proposal, and the business must have strong potential for sustained commercial success.

Ineligible

The following kinds of businesses are ineligible under the BC PNP:

• Immigration-linked investment schemes

• Businesses with redemption options or considered passive investments

• Bed and breakfasts, hobby farms, and home-based businesses

• Payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing, and cash machine businesses

• Pawnbrokers, tanning salons, DVD rental stores, coin-operated laundries, automated car wash operations, and scrap metal recycling

• Businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs or recycling)

• Real estate brokerage, insurance brokerage, or business brokerage

• Real estate development activities

• Goods trading businesses (import/export) unless value-add is demonstrated

• Businesses involved in producing, distributing, or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services

• Any other type of business that may tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.

Franchises

Yes, franchises may be considered as eligible businesses if the proposed franchise is well-established, with the ability to expand, a sound financial track record, and has been in operation for at least 60 months (5 years). If invited to apply, you must provide evidence of support from the franchisor to set up and operate a new franchise location.

Seasonal Businesses

The BC PNP will not consider a business proposal for a seasonal business unless you can demonstrate that you will be present in British Columbia and actively manage the business on a year-round basis. You must also meet all other requirements outlined in the program guide.

If you are proposing to establish a new farm/agricultural business, you must base your business plan on or cover the issues described in the document "Taking Stock: A Farm Business Planning Workbook For The Beginning Farmer" prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture. Your business plan must demonstrate that you have thoroughly researched the feasibility of your farming operation and have established contact with relevant local stakeholders who can provide support to your enterprise.

Yes, some industries face significant regulatory requirements in Canada. While many of these highly regulated industry sectors remain eligible for the BC PNP, you, as an entrepreneur, must demonstrate that you are aware of, and will be able to meet local, provincial, and federal regulatory requirements. Failure to address the industry's regulatory requirements adequately may impact the approval of your application and your ability to meet the performance agreement obligations.

Examples of highly regulated industries include agriculture, agri-food & aquaculture, cannabis, tobacco, and alcohol production, distribution, or retailing, child care, schools and educational institutions, financial services and trading, forestry and mining, healthcare and life sciences, oil and gas, passenger transportation, pharmacology, residential care facilities, and telecommunications.

The eligible investment for the minimum required personal investment may include:

• New equipment purchases

• Leasehold improvements

• Marketing costs

• Regular operating expenses such as rent, wages, utilities, etc.

• Start-up inventory

The following investments are considered ineligible for the minimum eligible personal investment:

• Cash and working capital, including reserves and contingency funds

• Wage payments made to yourself, your family members, or other business co-owners

• Refundable deposits

• Real estate and related fees

• Purchase of an existing business or business assets

• Research and development expenses

• Fees and costs related to your immigration application, including immigration representative fees, personal net worth verification report fee, fees related to the preparation of review engagement financial statements, and BC PNP application fees. However, these investments may still be part of your business plan's total investment.