Provincial Nominee Program for Entrepreneurs

The Provincial Nominee Program is a province-led Canadian immigration framework that allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates for permanent residence based on their economic and labour market priorities.

It is designed to support regional development by attracting applicants who are needed in specific provinces and communities.

Provincial Pathway

Who Is Eligible for the PNP

Eligibility is stream-specific and defined by each province.

To qualify, applicants must:

- meet the requirements of a provincial or territorial PNP stream
- receive a nomination from that province or territory
- be eligible for one of the federal Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class)

Applicants must qualify for a provincial or territorial stream, receive a nomination, and then submit a permanent residence application directly to IRCC.

How the Entrepreneur PNP Pathway Works

While each province has its own procedures, the entrepreneur pathway generally follows a consistent structure:

1. Province and Business Selection

The applicant selects a province and business approach, either through the purchase of an existing business or the launch of a new one aligned with regional needs.

2. Application to the Province

The province assesses the applicant’s experience, proposed investment, and business concept.

3. Provincial Approval and Work Permit

Following provincial approval, the applicant becomes eligible for a work permit and entry to Canada.

4. Active Business Operations

The entrepreneur resides in the province and operates the business in accordance with the agreed conditions.

5. Nomination for Permanent Residence

Once all obligations are met, the province issues a nomination for permanent residence.

Eligibility Requirements

Requirements vary by province and stream. However, entrepreneur programs generally include the following elements:

Language

Basic English or French at a minimum level of CLB 4 (approximately IELTS 4.0–4.5).

Business Experience

At least 3 years of business ownership or senior management experience at the owner or director level.

Investment

Timeline

Timelines depend on the province and specific stream. Quebec and Nunavut do not participate in PNP and operate separate immigration systems.

Advantages of Provincial Entrepreneur Stream

Direct Path to Permanent Residence

PNP provides a structured route to permanent residence through provincial nomination, based on meeting clearly defined business conditions rather than competing in federal selection pools.

Family Inclusion

Successful applicants may include their spouse or partner and dependent children in the permanent residence application, enabling the entire family to relocate together.

Province-Led Selection

Applications are assessed directly by the province, based on regional economic priorities, business viability, and local impact, rather than federal point-based selection systems.

Ability to Relocate Before PR

Entrepreneurs can relocate to Canada and begin operating their business under a work permit before permanent residence is granted, allowing real operations from day one.

Basic Language Proficiency

Entrepreneur streams typically require only basic English or French proficiency, making PNP accessible to experienced business owners without advanced language scores.

Performance-Based Pathway

Permanent residence is earned through real business performance, with full ownership and operational control retained by the entrepreneur.

Timeline

The entrepreneur pathway under the Provincial Nominee Program follows a staged process, with timelines varying by province and stream.

Application and Provincial Assessment

The process begins with preparation and submission to the province, followed by provincial review and approval.

Relocation and Business Operations

After approval, the applicant relocates to Canada under a work permit and begins operating the business in the nominating province.

Nomination and Permanent Residence

Once the agreed conditions are met, the province issues a nomination, allowing the applicant to apply for permanent residence at the federal level.

Our support includes:

Net Worth Preparation and Documentation

Support with structuring and preparing personal and business financial documentation in line with provincial net worth requirements for third-party verification.

Business Acquisition Identification

Assistance in identifying and assessing eligible businesses for purchase based on stream-specific criteria and provincial guidelines.

Business Concept
Development and Launch

Development and positioning of new business concepts to meet provincial economic priorities and community expectations.

Existing Business Stabilization
or Expansion

Strategic support for stabilizing, relocating, or expanding an existing business to align with nomination requirements.

Market and Opportunity Review

Evaluation of market conditions and identification of viable business opportunities, including acquisition or relocation options.

Application Coordination and Ongoing Compliance

Coordination of provincial nomination and federal permanent residence applications, including compliance review and post-arrival progress coordination.

Provincial Nominee Program for Entrepreneurs

PNP Streams Overview

Provincial Entrepreneur Stream

Who Is Eligible for the PNP

How the Entrepreneur PNP Pathway Works

Eligibility Requirements

Advantages of Provincial Entrepreneur Stream

Timeline

CBGA’s Support

Our support includes:

CBGA Newsroom