BC Invites 22 Entrepreneur Candidates in December 16 Draw
BC Issues 22 Entrepreneur Invitations in December 16 Draw
British Columbia issued 17 invitations under the Entrepreneur Base Category on December 16, 2025. The province also invited up to 5 candidates through the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot.
The minimum score stood at 115 points for the base stream. Regional pilot candidates needed 107 points to receive an invitation.
This draw demonstrates British Columbia’s continued focus on attracting experienced entrepreneurs. The province seeks business owners who can create jobs and invest capital across urban centers and smaller communities.
December 16 Draw Results
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program split invitations across two business-focused streams.
Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category
- Invitations issued: 17
- Minimum score: 115
Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot
- Invitations issued: Up to 5
- Minimum score: 107
The overall number of invitations remained modest. However, the Base category score dropped compared to earlier rounds, signaling slightly less competition toward year-end.
2025 Entrepreneur Immigration Trends
British Columbia maintained a cautious intake for entrepreneur applicants throughout 2025. The province favored small, targeted draws rather than large invitation rounds.
Earlier entrepreneur draws in 2025 included:
- November 18: 19 Base invitations with a minimum score of 121
- October 2: 11 Base invitations with a minimum score of 123
- August 19: 11 Base invitations with a minimum score of 124
The December 16 draw features the lowest minimum score in recent months. This likely reflects BC’s strategic use of remaining nomination spaces before year-end.
Base Category Leads in Invitations
The Entrepreneur Base Category remains the primary pathway for business immigration in British Columbia. It targets experienced entrepreneurs who plan to:
- Start a new business
- Purchase and expand an existing business
- Operate in major economic regions of the province
BC assesses applicants on business experience, investment amount, and job creation potential. The province also evaluates the viability of proposed business models. Consistent Base invitations confirm that BC relies on this stream to support economic activity.
Regional Pilot Creates Local Impact
The Regional Pilot issued fewer than 5 invitations. However, its importance extends beyond the numbers. Even one successful business can generate employment and stimulate growth in smaller communities.
BC keeps this stream tightly managed to ensure several outcomes. Businesses must align with community needs. Local partners need to stay actively involved. The province also prioritizes long-term economic sustainability.
The lower minimum score of 107 recognizes unique challenges in regional areas. It also acknowledges the opportunities these communities present.
What Entrepreneur Candidates Should Know
British Columbia has issued 1,110 invitations across all BC PNP streams in 2025. Up to 132 invitations went to entrepreneurs. The province confirmed it will use its full allocation by December 31, 2025.
This draw reinforces several key points for entrepreneur candidates:
- Invitation rounds remain small but consistent
- Strong business plans matter more than raw scores
- Choosing the right stream is critical to success
Applicants should prepare for changes ahead. BC plans to release a full review of its 2025 results. The province will also announce priorities for 2026 in the new year.
The December 16 draw reflects British Columbia’s disciplined approach to business immigration. Competition remains firm, but the lower score thresholds encourage serious entrepreneurs. Candidates with realistic and well-developed business proposals stand the best chance of success.
