Entrepreneur Immigration Streams for Canada and the BC PNP Concept or OINP Concept Requirement

1. Entrepreneur Immigration Streams for Canada and the BC PNP Concept or OINP Concept Requirement Every province in Canada has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This allows each province to focus on attracting immigrants that are likely to be the most suitable and beneficial for them. All PNPs have an entrepreneur stream. Two of the most popular are the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) and the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP). A hopeful applicant must begin the process by registering. As part of the registration process, a BC PNP Concept or OINP Concept for their business idea is required. If the applicant has a successful registration, they will then be invited to officially apply. BC PNP Options There are two BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) categories; the EI – Base Category and the EI- Regional Pilot. The base category is meant for experienced entrepreneurs who may either start a new business or purchase and grow an existing one.

2. The EI – Regional Pilot is slightly different. It is created with the intention of giving specific regional areas more flexibility to meet distinct economic priorities. In order to be appealing, the requirements, from years of experience to total net worth, are less stringent. This also only applies to the creation of new businesses. Both British Columbia paths will require a BC PNP concept and the Ontario path requires an OINP Concept for registration. and, with a few exceptions, all three paths follow the same process leading to permanent residency. BC PNP & OINP Entrepreneur Immigration Process Preparation– During this time, you are determining your eligibility (are you likely to meet the requirements?). If you do, you are encouraged to visit BC to get acquainted with existing businesses there and research the market(s). If you are planning to enter under the Regional Pilot, you must schedule an exploratory visit. Registration– This is the point at which the BC PNP concept or OINP concept is required. In the BC PNP EI-base category, the concept makes up 80 of 200 possible points. The EI-Regional Pilot BC PNP Concept is only 60 of the potential 200 points. More weight for the regional pilot is placed on the individual. The OINP concept is a total of 74 points out of 200. Once the registration, or expression of interest, is complete and scored, the candidates with the highest score are invited to apply. Application– At this state a longer form, detailed application is submitted. Candidates may be invited to attend an in-person interview. In Ontario, an in-person meeting is mandatory. Upon a successful application, the applicant will be able to apply for a temporary work permit. In addition, a performance agreement is signed outlining the expectations of the business and individual that must be met to be nominated for permanent residence later on.

3. Business Establishment– Once the work permit is obtained, you may begin implementing your business. After the requisite number of months and all the requirements of the performance agreement are met, you will be able to provide a final report. Nomination– Once the BC PNP or OINP determines from the final report that all conditions of the performance agreement have been met, a nomination for permanent residency will be made. The applicant may then officially apply for permanent residency.