British Columbia PNP Strategic Projects Pathway

Key Takeaways

• Purpose: This pathway allows foreign corporations to invest in BC and transfer key staff to help establish or expand BC operations.
• Eligibility: The corporation and its key staff must meet specific requirements, including significant investment in BC and job creation for Canadians.
• Process: Begins with a registration and includes several steps from an exploratory visit to BC to finalizing permanent residence for key staff.

What is the BC Strategic Projects Pathway?

The BC Strategic Projects Pathway is designed for foreign corporations aiming to expand their core business by establishing operations in British Columbia. This stream allows companies to permanently transfer key employees with specialized skills or knowledge essential to their BC-based operations. Through this program, your company can apply for up to five key employees to gain permanent residence.

Company Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Strategic Projects Pathway, your corporation must:

• Be well-established with a strong track record and in good financial standing.
• Show readiness for investment and have the capacity for international expansion.
• Provide a significant economic benefit to BC through a substantial investment.

Key Staff Eligibility

To be eligible as a key staff member, employees must:

• Be current senior employees in executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge positions essential for the BC operation.
• Be appointed to full-time, permanent roles in the BC operation.
• Receive compensation that reflects their expertise and is in line with industry standards.

Key staff will not qualify if they:

• Are prohibited from entering Canada.
• Do not have lawful status in their current residence country.
• Are in Canada without status or have an unresolved refugee claim.
• Are under a removal order in Canada or abroad.

Application Process For The BC Strategic Projects

1. Exploratory Visit to BC: Senior executives should visit BC to explore potential opportunities and learn about the local business environment.
2. Proposal Discussion: Contact the BC PNP to discuss your business proposal.
3. Register: Submit a registration, which includes company details, investment plans, and qualifications of proposed key staff. There is a $300 CAD registration fee.
4. Invitation to Apply: If your registration is approved, you will receive an invitation to submit a full application within 90 days.
5. Submit Application: Submit a complete application package, including supporting documentation for the company and key staff. There is a $3,500 CAD fee for the company and $1,000 CAD per key staff member.
6. Performance Agreements: If approved, sign a corporate Performance Agreement with BC. Each key staff member will also sign an individual Performance Agreement.
7. Work Permit & Arrival Report: Each key staff member will receive a work permit support letter valid for 90 days, allowing them to apply for a work permit. Within 60 days of arrival, key staff must submit an arrival report to the BC PNP.
8. Business Establishment & Nomination: After fulfilling all requirements in the Performance Agreement, submit a final report to the BC PNP. The program will then review the company’s accomplishments and may nominate each qualifying key staff for permanent residency.
9. Apply for Permanent Residence: Each key staff member must apply for permanent residence within 180 days of nomination.

Ineligible Businesses

The following types of businesses do not qualify for the BC Strategic Projects Pathway:

• Passive investments or businesses with redemption options.
• Bed and breakfasts, hobby farms, home-based businesses, and similar.
• Financial services like payday loans, check-cashing, money exchanges, and pawnshops.
• Specific services, including tanning salons, DVD rental stores, coin-operated laundries, and automated car washes.
• Real estate, insurance brokerage, and other brokerage businesses.