British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Business Categories

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does it cost anything to submit a preliminary application form?
2. Do I need to hire an “authorized” third-party representative?
3. Who qualifies as an “authorized” third-party representative?
4. How is “active management” defined?
5. Must submitted formal applications include a business plan?
6. When does the applicant actually make their investment?
7. What happens if the application for permanent residence is not approved by the Federal Government?
8. Will a Work Permit be issued for the period while the application for permanent residence is being processed?
9. What role will communities play in welcoming new immigrants and what organizations in the communities will lead the local process?
10. Will communities be pre-screened and be prepared to welcome new immigrants?
11. Will an interpreter be allowed in the formal interview? Where does the formal interview take place?
12. Will the applicant’s primary contact for applications to the BC PNP be the Business Immigration Office (province of British Columbia), or Citizenship and Immigration Canada?

Does it cost anything to submit a preliminary application form?
No, the Business Immigration Office does not charge any fees to submit a preliminary application form.

Do I need to hire an “authorized” third-party representative?
No, you are not required to hire a third-party representative. Please note that the Business Immigration Office will only communicate with applicants and/or their authorized third-party representative(s).

Who qualifies as an “authorized” third-party representative?
The Province of British Columbia supports new federal regulations requiring all paid immigration representatives to meet the definition of “authorized representative”. As such, the BC PNP has adopted the policy that an authorized representative must be registered with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants or be a member of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society. The Business Immigration Office will only communicate with applicants and/or their authorized third-party representative(s).

How is “active management” defined?
To be considered active in business in British Columbia, a BC PNP Nominee Candidate should be a director of the company with a meaningful managerial role and cheque signing authority. They should also be involved in day-to-day and major business decisions of that company such as developing a marketing plan, purchasing machinery, meeting major customers, negotiation of financing and hiring of key staff and others.

Must submitted formal applications include a business plan?
Yes. For the BC PNP Business Categories, applicants are to establish new businesses or expand existing businesses very soon after their arrival in British Columbia. Submitting a business plan is an effective way to put forward the business concept, the study and research undertaken, the resources available, the processes and other important factors in a structured way to prove that the business is feasible and the applicant is ready. A sound business plan that the applicant has been involved in developing is a good indication of the likelihood of the business’s success.

When does the applicant actually make their investment?
An important part of the BC PNP process is the applicant’s entering into a Performance Agreement with the province, based on their submitted business plan, outlining the timelines for the investment and milestones that will be established. When the applicant enters British Columbia with a Work Permit, the applicant is expected to fulfill the commitments outlined in their Performance Agreement and make their investment accordingly.

What happens if the application for permanent residence is not approved by the Federal Government?
If the application for permanent residence is refused for reasons of medical inadmissibility, security or criminality concerns, fraudulent documents or an inability to establish the legal source of funds, the provincial government would not be likely in a position to advocate for another result and would support the federal decision. If the application is refused for reasons other than the above, the province will look at the merits of the case and may be able to advocate on the applicant’s behalf.

Will a Work Permit be issued for the period while the application for permanent residence is being processed?
The BC PNP Business Categories assist qualified applicants in obtaining Work Permits valid for 2 years for themselves and their dependents. When the BC PNP officer can verify that the terms and conditions of the Performance Agreement have been complied with, the province will make a decision to nominate the applicant to be a BC Provincial Nominee. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will then expeditiously process the Provincial Nominee's permanent residence application. Once the applicant is nominated, the BC PNP can request an extension of the Work Permit while the applicant awaits finalization of the permanent residence application.

What role will communities play in welcoming new immigrants and what organizations in the communities will lead the local process?
This depends on the communities and whether they want to take an active role in the program. If the BC PNP Business Categories applicants have identified a community that they would like to invest and live in, they are encouraged to contact directly the local Economic Development Commissions and Chambers of Commerce. These organizations have a mandate to attract business activity in the various regions of British Columbia. They are good sources of information.

Will communities be pre-screened and be prepared to welcome new immigrants?
All communities are welcome to be involved in the BC PNP. They often participate through the marketing and promotion of their own communities. They can also help in identifying business opportunities. They may provide assistance to the applicant and his/her family with respect to integration in the community. However, in view of the fact that most communities have limited resources and many times it is the leaders of the community and the enthusiasm of volunteers that contribute to their efforts, new immigrants should understand that, for the most part, they are expected to be self-sufficient.

Will an interpreter be allowed in the formal interview? Where does the formal interview take place?
A certified interpreter is allowed to be in the formal interview. All formal interviews take place in the Business Immigration Office which is located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Will the applicant’s primary contact for applications to the BC PNP be the Business Immigration Office (province of British Columbia), or Citizenship and Immigration Canada?
The province administers the BC PNP. The application is to be submitted to the province. The province will issue a Nomination Certificate to successful candidates. Citizenship and Immigration Canada, via the visa offices, processes Work Permits and Permanent Residence applications.