British Columbia and Alberta Investor Program

Canada, well-known for its breath-taking landscapes and booming economy, offers incredible prospects for entrepreneurs seeking to invest and start a business. The two key provinces of Canada, i.e. British Columbia and Alberta, stand out with their Business Investor Programs, providing a seamless pathway for aspiring business owners.

The interested Entrepreneurs can discover unlimited opportunities in the captivating provinces of British Columbia and Alberta through the Business Investor Program. The aspirants board on this journey by preparing a strategic business plan. Upon plan approval, a work permit facilitates active business management. After 18 months of successful operations, entrepreneurs become eligible for Canadian permanent residency nomination, marking a key milestone in their Canadian entrepreneurial adventure.

Let’s find out the key aspects of the Investor programs of both the Canadian provinces in detail.

Investing in British Columbia

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program's Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) is a pathway designed for foreign entrepreneurs seeking immigration to the province of British Columbia (B.C.). This program inspires the establishment of businesses that contribute to innovation and economic development within the region.

Entrepreneur Immigration follows a "temporary to permanent" immigration model, wherein successful candidates initially arrive in B.C. as temporary residents and can subsequently apply for permanent residency after successfully launching their businesses. The program offers various streams for entrepreneurs to choose from, including:

• Base Stream
• Regional Pilot and
• Strategic Projects

Each stream provides a unique avenue for entrepreneurs to bring their business vision to life in the thriving landscape of British Columbia.

Also read- How to Apply for Canada Immigration from India?

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Stream

The BC PNP- Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Stream is designed for the experienced entrepreneurs who intend to establish new businesses or take over and grow existing businesses in the province of British Columbia.

Key requirements of British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Stream

• personal net worth of at least CAD$600,000
• business and/or management experience; if no business experience, must have the equivalent of a 2-year post-secondary diploma
• basic English or French language skill equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher
• have been lawfully admitted in the country where you currently live
• have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada

Business, job and investment requirements

• Setup an eligible new business or buy and improve an existing business
• make an eligible personal investment of at least CAD$200,000 in the business
• create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Fees for British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Stream

• $300 registration fee
• $3,500 application fee

Stepwise Process to apply for British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration- Base Stream

• Prepare a business proposal
• Register your proposal with the BC PNP
• Get a work permit
• Build your business
• BC PNP nomination
• Permanent Residence 

Prepare a comprehensive business proposal

Begin by creating a convincing business proposal customized to your distinct expertise and experience, aligning it with the specific requirements of the British Columbia (B.C.) economy. Conduct detailed research to identify the type of business that best suits your proposal and pinpoint an ideal location in B.C. that aligns with your business objectives.

Register your proposal

• To start the Entrepreneur Immigration process in British Columbia (BC), register your business proposal through the BCPNP Online platform, paying a non-refundable $300 registration fee.
• The system assesses factors like education, experience, language, and economic viability. If you fulfil minimum requirements, enter the qualified pool for up to 6 months or until invited to apply.
• If invited, a BC PNP-authorized accounting firm analyses your net worth before submitting the application within 4 months.

Obtain Work Permit

Upon approval of your application to the BC PNP, you will get a letter of support to simplify your work permit application. This allows you and your dependents to relocate to B.C. You have a 90-day window to submit your work permit application to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Following the issuance of the work permit, you are required to arrive in B.C. within 12 months.

Shape your business 

Once you arrive in B.C., you will have up to 20 months to:

• Apply your business plan
• Actively manage your business
• Fulfil all the performance expectations in your signed performance agreement

Provincial Nomination

To qualify for nomination, it is necessary to show compliance with the terms and conditions outlined in your performance agreement. This includes submitting a final report to the BC PNP within the timeframe of 18 to 20 months from your arrival in B.C.

Following the review and assessment of your final report, and once the province is content that you have fulfilled the performance agreement terms, you will be asked to sign a Conditions of Nomination declaration.

Permanent Residence

Once you sign the declaration, you will be issued a confirmation of nomination as a provincial nominee. You may then apply for Permanent Resident (PR) to IRCC under the Provincial Nominee Class.

Also read – How to apply for Canada Start-up Visa from India

Invest in Alberta

Alberta provides an tremendous environment for commencing your own business. The people of Alberta represent an entrepreneurial spirit, strengthened by a youthful, educated, and diverse workforce. Founding a business in Alberta is streamlined by having the lowest corporate tax rate in Canada and no provincial sales tax. The province embrace skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs who contribute to job creation and choose to live and work in Alberta.

If you are an entrepreneur, explore the opportunities to start a business and secure permanent residency in Alberta. Find below the key Entrepreneur streams of Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP):

• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Rural Entrepreneur Stream

Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is an economic immigration measure designed for eligible graduates educated outside of Canada. This program is customized for those aspiring to setup a start-up enterprises and innovative businesses in Alberta.

Key Requirements for Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

1. Work Experience: Minimum 6 months of full-time experience in actively managing or owning a business, or equivalent experience with a business incubator or accelerator.
2. Education: Completion of a degree from a foreign post-secondary institution within the last 10 years, verified by an ECA, and equivalent to a Canadian degree. Refer to the IRCC website for designated organizations.
3. Business Plan: Submission of a business plan with projected financials adhering to the Business Plan Guidelines.
4. Pitch Deck: A concise 10-minute presentation (slides only) outlining the proposed business venture, focusing on investor appeal.
5. Language Proficiency: Attainment of a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 for each English language skill or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of 5 for each French language skill.
6. Business Establishment: Ownership of a minimum of 34% for businesses in urban centres or 51% for those in regional areas outside Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Areas. Business partners must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents, and the business must not be on the list of ineligible businesses.
7. Business Investment: A required minimum investment from the candidate's own equity, or from a recognized Canadian financial institution, venture capital, or angel investment firm before arriving in Alberta. Mandatory minimum investments are $100,000 for urban centres and $50,000 for regional areas. Higher investments receive more points.
8. Letter of Recommendation: Submission of a letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved designated agency.
9. Settlement Funds: Show sufficient funds to set up the business and support personal expenses during the work permit period while launching the start up.

Stepwise process for Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

1. Eligibility Review: Review the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream eligibility criteria and the AAIP Terms and Conditions before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Foreign graduates meeting stream criteria can submit their EOI through the AAIP Portal. The AAIP will review and score EOIs within 30 days, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to submit a Business Application.
3. Submitting an EOI: Submit an EOI for the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream through the AAIP Portal. EOIs are scored within 30 days, and the top ranking candidates are invited to submit a Business Application.
4. Business Application: Candidates getting an invitation can submit a Business Application online through the AAIP Portal, including the required documents and a non-refundable fee of $3,500.
5. Business Application Assessment- Once the Business Application and supporting documents are received, the AAIP will assess your Business Application.
6. Setup business- Upon getting your Business Application Approval Letter and your work permit, you must operate business. Once the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement have been met, submit the Final Report for Nomination.
7. Final Report for Nomination - If your Final Report for Nomination is approved, you will receive an email copy of the nomination certificate.

These steps provide applicants with a roadmap through the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream process, highlighting the significance of a comprehensive understanding and adherence to Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) terms and conditions.

Great opportunity for Entrepreneurs aspiring to get Canada PR Visa

The Business Investor Programs of British Columbia and Alberta offer a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs to invest in and contribute to the economic prosperity of these incredible provinces of Canada. From the flexibility of starting on a tourist visa to the pathway to permanent residency, these programs provide a comprehensive approach to realizing business aspirations in the heart of Canada.

Whether surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of British Columbia or absorbed in the dynamic economy of Alberta, these provinces beckon entrepreneurs to board on a journey of growth, success, and lasting impact.

How Visas Avenue Can Help?

Boarding on the Business Investor Program journey in British Columbia and Alberta can be a complex process, and that's where Visas Avenue come into play as your trusted partners. With a wealth of experience and expertise in navigating the complexities of immigration and business programs, Visas Avenue are committed to guiding applicants every step of the way.

From the early stages of understanding program requirements to creating a convincing business plan, Visas Avenue provide vital support. Find below the list of services Visas Avenue offer to the visa applicants:

• Pre-assessment of the application
• Documentation assistance
• Visa Application filing
• International Admissions
• IELTS Coaching
• Application follow up with the Immigration office
• Post landing services for PR

To know more and apply for immigration to Canada this year through Business Investor program this year, you may call Visas Avenue Canada migration expert on Toll-Free Number- 78-18-000-77 or E-mail at info@visasavenue.com.