British Columbia has announced to temporarily suspend immigration applications under the entrepreneur program. The province is not taking new registrations from entrepreneurs.
The temporary pause is for applications under the Base Category of the Entrepreneur Immigration stream. Candidates can still apply to the other programs under the EI: Skills immigration, Strategic projects, and Regional Pilot.
The province wants to assess the success of Entrepreneur Immigration. It will gauge whether the immigration program is meeting the province’s labor market expectations or not.
Considering the current impact of the pandemic on the province’s economy, it becomes crucial to review the efficiency of the EI – Base Category. The provincial government needs to assess whether the program is meeting its objectives and supporting economic growth.
However, the temporary pause will not affect candidates who have already submitted their applications under the Base Category of the EI stream. The province has hinted that it will provide an update regarding the restoration of the immigration stream in 2022.
The EI: Base Category is for those candidates who want to invest in the existing business or initiate their own business.
British Columbia invited 383 candidates
The province has issued 383 invitations through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. British Columbia held the draw on July 20.
Candidates from the following categories received invitations in this draw:
- Skills Immigration;
- Express Entry BC.
Around 323 Skilled workers, International Graduates, Entry level and Semi-skilled candidates received invitations under these categories. They required a minimum provincial score between 75 and 91 points.
