RCIC News. 
British Columbia issued 21 entrepreneur immigration invitations on December 16, targeting both Base Stream and Regional Stream candidates with different score requirements
On This Page You Will Find:
- Latest BC PNP entrepreneur draw results with exact scores and invitation numbers
- Complete breakdown of Base Stream vs Regional Stream requirements
- Full list of participating communities for regional entrepreneurs
- How BC recovered 77% of its 2024 nomination allocation after federal cuts
- Your next steps to qualify for BC's entrepreneur immigration programs
Summary:
British Columbia just issued 21 invitations to entrepreneurs seeking provincial nomination, marking the second-largest entrepreneur draw of 2025. The December 16 selection targeted both Base Stream candidates (minimum score 115) and Regional Stream applicants (minimum score 107). With BC recovering most of its nomination allocation after federal cuts, entrepreneurs now have clearer pathways to establish businesses across the province. Whether you're planning to invest in Vancouver or smaller communities like Quesnel or Nelson, understanding these latest requirements could determine your immigration success.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- BC issued 21 entrepreneur invitations on December 16, with 17 going to Base Stream candidates (score 115+) and fewer than 5 to Regional Stream (score 107+)
- Regional Stream offers lower score requirements but limits you to specific smaller communities across six development regions
- BC has recovered 77% of its 2024 nomination allocation (6,214 spaces total) after successful lobbying following federal cuts
- Both streams require creating at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- The province plans to use its full 2025 allocation by year-end, creating urgency for qualified entrepreneurs
Maria Rodriguez had been planning her tech startup for months when she heard the news: British Columbia's latest entrepreneur immigration draw had just concluded, and the province was actively seeking business-minded immigrants like herself. For entrepreneurs eyeing Canada's west coast, December 16 marked another opportunity to secure provincial nomination through BC's competitive business immigration streams.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) extended 21 invitations to entrepreneur candidates, representing the second-largest selection round of 2025 for business immigrants. This draw targeted two distinct pathways, each designed for different entrepreneurial goals and geographic preferences.
Breaking Down the December 16 Draw Results
The latest selection round distributed invitations across BC's two entrepreneur streams, with the majority flowing to Base Stream candidates. Here's exactly what happened:
Base Stream Performance:
- 17 invitations issued
- Minimum score requirement: 115 points
- Targets entrepreneurs planning businesses anywhere in BC
Regional Stream Results:
- Fewer than 5 invitations issued
- Minimum score requirement: 107 points
- Focuses on smaller communities outside major urban centers
The 8-point difference between stream requirements reflects BC's strategy to incentivize business development in regional communities. If you're willing to establish your venture in places like Mackenzie, Castlegar, or Campbell River, you'll face less competition and lower score thresholds.
Understanding BC's Entrepreneur Immigration Pathways
Base Stream: Maximum Flexibility
The Base Stream offers entrepreneurs the freedom to establish businesses anywhere in British Columbia. Whether you're drawn to Vancouver's tech ecosystem, Victoria's tourism sector, or any other location across the province, this stream provides complete geographic flexibility.
However, that flexibility comes with higher competition. The 115-point minimum score requirement reflects strong demand from entrepreneurs seeking access to BC's major economic centers and established business networks.
Regional Stream: Strategic Community Development
BC's Regional Stream takes a targeted approach, channeling entrepreneurial investment into specific communities that need economic development. The lower 107-point threshold makes qualification easier, but you'll need to commit to establishing your business in designated areas.
Current participating communities span six regions:
Cariboo Region:
- Mackenzie
- Quesnel
Kootenay Region:
- Castlegar and Central Kootenay (Areas I & J)
- Columbia Valley and East Kootenay
- Kimberley
- Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F)
- Rossland
- Trail
Nechako Region:
- Bulkley-Nechako
Northeast Region:
- Fort St. John
Thompson-Okanagan Region:
- Penticton
- Salmon Arm
- Vernon
Vancouver Island/Coast Region:
- Campbell River
- Comox
- Mount Waddington
- Powell River
Each community offers unique advantages, from lower operating costs to specialized industry clusters. Fort St. John, for example, serves as a hub for energy sector businesses, while Vernon provides access to agricultural and tourism markets.
Job Creation Requirements Apply to Both Streams
Regardless of which stream you choose, BC requires all entrepreneur immigrants to create employment opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Specifically, you must generate at least one full-time equivalent position.
This requirement ensures that entrepreneur immigration contributes meaningfully to local employment while establishing your business presence. The job creation obligation typically begins within specific timeframes after receiving nomination and must be maintained throughout your business operations.
BC's 2025 Immigration Allocation Recovery
The December 16 draw occurred against the backdrop of BC's successful campaign to restore immigration capacity after federal cuts. Understanding this context helps explain current opportunity levels and future prospects.
The Federal Cut Impact: British Columbia started 2025 with just 4,000 nomination spaces, representing a devastating 50% reduction from 2024's allocation of 8,000 spots. This cut affected most provinces and territories as the federal government sought to reduce overall immigration volumes.
The Recovery Campaign: BC didn't accept these limitations quietly. The province launched intensive lobbying efforts, arguing that reduced immigration would harm economic growth and labor market needs. These efforts proved remarkably successful.
Two Major Increases:
- October 2 announcement: 1,254 additional nominations restored
- December 15 announcement: 960 extra nomination slots added
Current Status: BC now has 6,214 total nomination spaces for 2025, recovering approximately 77% of its 2024 allocation. The province has committed to using its full allocation before year-end, creating urgency for qualified candidates.
2025 Draw Activity Breakdown
BC's entrepreneur immigration activity this year reveals interesting patterns about program priorities and candidate demand:
Overall Draw Statistics:
- 19 total provincial immigration draws conducted
- Two categories targeted: Skills Immigration and Entrepreneur Immigration
- Most draws focused on entrepreneurs, but Skills Immigration received more total invitations
Entrepreneur Immigration Results:
- 16 draws targeting entrepreneur candidates
- Maximum 132 total invitations issued
- Base Stream: Up to 97 invitations
- Regional Stream: Up to 35 invitations
Skills Immigration Comparison:
- Only 3 draws held
- 978 total invitations issued
- Much higher per-draw invitation volumes
The data shows BC's commitment to attracting entrepreneurs while maintaining strong demand for skilled workers. The frequent entrepreneur draws (16 versus 3 for skills) suggest consistent candidate pools and regular selection cycles.
What These Numbers Mean for Your Application
If you're considering BC's entrepreneur streams, several trends from 2025 provide strategic insights:
Score Competitiveness: The consistent 115-point threshold for Base Stream indicates stable competition levels. Regional Stream's 107-point requirement has remained more accessible throughout the year.
Invitation Frequency: With 16 entrepreneur draws across 12 months, BC typically conducts selections every 3-4 weeks. This frequency provides multiple opportunities to improve your profile and reapply if initially unsuccessful.
Regional Opportunities: The 35 invitations issued through Regional Stream represent significant opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to establish businesses outside major centers. Lower competition and community support often offset the geographic limitations.
Preparing for Future Selections
BC's commitment to using its full 6,214 nomination allocation by year-end suggests continued draw activity through December. However, early 2026 planning becomes crucial given federal immigration policy uncertainties.
Immediate Action Items:
- Calculate your current point score for both streams
- Research specific communities if considering Regional Stream
- Develop your business plan with job creation components
- Gather required documentation for expression of interest submission
Strategic Considerations:
- Regional Stream's lower threshold may offset location preferences
- Base Stream competition remains consistent but manageable
- Job creation requirements affect business planning from day one
The December 16 draw reinforces BC's position as Canada's most entrepreneur-friendly province, offering multiple pathways and regular selection opportunities. Whether you choose the flexibility of Base Stream or the accessibility of Regional Stream, BC's recovered nomination capacity creates genuine opportunities for qualified business immigrants ready to contribute to the province's economic growth.
For entrepreneurs like Maria Rodriguez, these draws represent more than immigration opportunities—they're invitations to build businesses, create jobs, and establish lasting roots in one of Canada's most dynamic provinces.