British Columbia has issued new invitations to entrepreneurs seeking permanent residence through the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program.
In the latest draw held on September 22, 2026, British Columbia invited 10 candidates under the Entrepreneur Immigration – Base category and fewer than five candidates under the Regional category. Both streams recorded a minimum score of 119.
The latest BC PNP draw 2026 marks the province’s tenth Entrepreneur Immigration invitation round of the year.
September 22, 2026 BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Draw
| Stream | Minimum Score | Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur Immigration – Base | 119 | 10 |
| Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional | 119 | Fewer than 5 |
The BC PNP does not publish an exact invitation number when fewer than five candidates are invited. Therefore, the precise number of Regional invitations from this draw has not been released.
BC PNP Entrepreneur Score Rises to 119
The minimum score for the Entrepreneur Immigration – Base category increased from 116 on August 25 to 119 on September 22.
This makes 119 the highest Base-category score since February 10, 2026, when the minimum score reached 121.
The Regional category also increased from 116 to 119. However, the Regional score remains below the 129 recorded during the March 10, 2026 draw.
For the second consecutive month, both Entrepreneur Immigration streams were selected at the same minimum score.
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Draws in 2026
The 2026 invitation rounds have shown that minimum scores can change from one draw to another.
| Date | Stream | Minimum Score | Invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 22, 2026 | Base | 119 | 10 |
| Sept. 22, 2026 | Regional | 119 | Fewer than 5 |
| Aug. 25, 2026 | Base | 116 | 11 |
| Aug. 25, 2026 | Regional | 116 | 5 |
| July 28, 2026 | Base | 117 | 10 |
| June 30, 2026 | Base | 118 | 14 |
| June 2, 2026 | Base | 117 | 15 |
| May 5, 2026 | Base | 115 | 8 |
| April 14, 2026 | Base | 115 | 14 |
| March 10, 2026 | Base | 117 | 7 |
| Feb. 10, 2026 | Base | 121 | 13 |
| Jan. 13, 2026 | Base | 115 | 7 |
Based only on rounds where an exact number was published, British Columbia has issued at least 114 Entrepreneur Immigration invitations in 2026.
How Does BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Work?
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish or purchase and actively manage a business in British Columbia.
Unlike the BC PNP Skills Immigration pathway, Entrepreneur Immigration uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) registration system.
Candidates receive a registration score based on factors such as:
- Business experience
- Personal net worth
- Investment amount
- Business proposal
- Job creation
- Education
- Language ability
- Business ownership and management experience
Candidates with eligible registrations can enter the selection pool and may receive an invitation to submit a full application.
An invitation does not automatically mean permanent residence approval. After an application is approved, the entrepreneur generally signs a performance agreement with British Columbia and receives authorization to establish or operate the proposed business.
Once the required conditions are met, the entrepreneur may become eligible for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.
What Is the Difference Between Base and Regional Entrepreneur Immigration?
The Entrepreneur Immigration – Base category allows eligible entrepreneurs to establish or purchase and operate a business anywhere in British Columbia, subject to the program requirements.
The Regional category is designed to encourage business investment and economic development in smaller communities outside the province’s major population centres.
The Regional pathway has different requirements related to investment, net worth, business location and community support.
Entrepreneurs should therefore determine which category matches their business plan before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Skills Immigration Remains an Important BC PNP Pathway
Entrepreneur Immigration is only one part of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.
The province also conducts Skills Immigration draws for workers in targeted sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Construction
- Veterinary care
- Other high-economic-impact occupations
On September 17, 2026, British Columbia issued 33 invitations through the Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative, with a minimum score of 60.
On September 10, the province also invited candidates from several targeted groups, including early childhood educators, priority healthcare workers, construction trades workers and veterinary care workers.
This shows that BC PNP immigration pathways continue to cover both business immigration and skilled worker immigration.
Does the BC PNP Entrepreneur Score Affect Express Entry CRS?
No.
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration score of 119 is different from the federal Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Entrepreneur candidates are selected through the BC PNP’s entrepreneur registration system rather than directly from the federal Express Entry pool.
However, eligible candidates applying through a BC PNP Skills Immigration pathway may receive a provincial nomination that provides an additional 600 CRS points toward Express Entry.
Therefore, applicants should not compare a BC PNP Entrepreneur score directly with an Express Entry CRS score.
What Does the September 2026 Draw Mean for Entrepreneurs?
The September 22 draw shows that British Columbia continues to invite entrepreneurs through both its Base and Regional pathways.
With the minimum score reaching 119 in both categories, entrepreneurs interested in British Columbia business immigration should carefully review their business proposal, investment plans, personal net worth and other eligibility factors before entering the registration pool.
Because BC PNP invitation scores and program priorities can change between rounds, the September 22 score should not be treated as a guaranteed threshold for future draws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration score on September 22, 2026?
The minimum score was 119 for both the Entrepreneur Immigration – Base and Regional categories.
How many entrepreneurs did BC invite?
British Columbia issued 10 invitations under the Base category and fewer than five under the Regional category.
Can I apply directly for permanent residence after receiving an invitation?
No. An invitation allows an eligible registrant to submit a full application. Permanent residence depends on meeting the applicable provincial and federal requirements.
Is the BC PNP Entrepreneur score the same as Express Entry CRS?
No. The two scoring systems are separate. The Entrepreneur Immigration score is based on the BC PNP’s entrepreneur selection system, while CRS is used for federal Express Entry.
What is the BC PNP Regional Entrepreneur Immigration category?
It is a pathway designed to encourage eligible entrepreneurs to establish businesses in participating smaller communities in British Columbia.
Conclusion
The September 22, 2026 BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration draw invited 10 entrepreneurs through the Base category and fewer than five through the Regional category. Both streams had a minimum score of 119.
The increase from August’s score of 116 highlights the changing nature of the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program. Entrepreneurs considering British Columbia should review their business experience, investment capacity, net worth, business proposal and eligibility before entering the selection pool.
For candidates considering other Canada immigration pathways, the BC PNP also offers Skills Immigration options for eligible workers in targeted occupations and sectors.
