A Quick Guide to The Requirements of the BC PNP Concept and the OINP Concept

1. A Quick Guide to The Requirements of the BC PNP Concept and the OINP Concept The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) and Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) entrepreneurial streams are two of the most popular business paths for entering Canada. In either program, the success of your case will rely heavily on the BC PNP Concept or OINP Concept, respectively. Having a basic understanding of the requirements can help you determine if you and your business will be considered. BC PNP Concept requirements are broken down into five categories: general, personal, business, investment, and jobs. General requirements: • In-person, active management of the business • Must reside within 100 kilometers of the business and within BC • Demonstrate proficiency in English or French Personal requirements: • Be legally able to enter Canada and not already be in the country unlawfully • Net worth of 600,000 CDN or higher • 3 years’ experience as an owner-operator OR 4 years’ experience as a senior manager OR combination of 1 years’ experience as an owner-operator and 2 years’ experience as a senior manager

2. • Post-secondary degree OR 3 years’ experience (of the last 5 years) as an owner- manager of a business with 100% ownership Business requirements: • Establish new or purchase with the intent to improve/grow an existing business (must demonstrate a positive economic contribution to the province) • Own at least 1/3 of the of the business • May include a franchise if it meets specific requirements • May include an agriculture business if it meets specific requirements • Must comply with all applicable laws and industry specific regulations There are certain types of businesses that will not be approved. Additional details on the BC PNP Concept requirements can be found on the Welcome BC (Government of British Columbia) website. Investment requirements: • Must make an eligible investment of 200,000 CDN within 20 months of arriving in BC • Investments made prior to receiving an invitation to apply do not qualify • Must be made from personal funds, not external financing Job creation requirements: • Create one new, permanent, full time job • Proposed wages must be consistent with skill level required of the position • Maintain all existing jobs (if purchasing an existing business) The OINP Concept requirements are split into two categories: mandatory and business. The mandatory requirements of the OINP are cover several of the requirements section of the BC PNP. Mandatory requirements: • 24 months business experience in the last 60 months • Net worth of 800,000 CDN for the Greater Toronto area or 400,000 CDN for any other area • Investment of 600,000 CDN for Greater Toronto area or 200,000 CDN for any other area

3. • Control at least 1/3 of the equity in the business • Must be involved in the active, ongoing management of the business • Purpose of investment is to make a profit • Create at least 2 jobs if in Greater Toronto area or 1 for any other area There are additional requirements if purchases an existing business. Further details on all requirements for the OINP Concept can be found on the Government of Ontario website. Business requirements: • The purpose is to make a profit through selling goods or services • Must comply with all applicable laws • Cannot be a seasonal or temporary business • Business must remain in Ontario at all times Both programs are similar, so it is worth taking your time to choose the right province. Each province has their own version of the program and require an equivalent to the OINP Concept or BC PNP Concept. No matter which province you choose, whether it is one of the two discussed here or another, make sure you refer to the province’s official website to fully understand the latest requirements. You may also want to consider working with an immigration lawyer.