Last Updated:April 8, 2025
What is EI Strategic Projects?
This stream is for foreign corporations who have identified strategic investment opportunities in BC to establish operations that are integral to the growth and expansion of their core business. This stream enables foreign corporations to permanently transfer key staff with the corporate knowledge and expertise to BC. These employees play a critical role in actively managing the business in BC and supporting its success.
Eligibility Requirements for EI Strategic Projects
Company Requirements
- The company must be established and in sound financial condition.
- The company must demonstrate readiness and capability for international expansion into BC.
- The business must generate significant economic benefits to BC through substantial investment.
- At least $500,000 must be invested toward the business operations in BC.
- The company must either establish a new qualifying business in BC or purchase and expand an existing business.
- For each key foreign staff member proposed, the company must create at least three full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (up to a maximum of five per staff member).
Employee Requirements
- Must be a current senior employee of the foreign corporation whose role is critical for establishing and operating the BC business.
- Must be appointed as an executive or senior manager, or possess specialized expertise essential for the operation of the business in BC.
- Must be employed full-time in the BC-based business.
- The wage offered must be commensurate with the employee’s expertise and consistent with the prevailing pay scales in the industry and within the company.
Application Process for EI Strategic Projects
01Visit to BC
A senior executive representing the company visits BC to learn about opportunities and the local business environment.
02Discuss the Business Proposal
Before applying, the company must first contact BCPNP to discuss the business proposal.
03Register with BCPNP
The company must register its interest by providing details regarding its investment in BC and the qualifications of key staff. A registration fee of $300 applies.
04Apply to EI Strategic Projects
BCPNP will determine whether the foreign corporation is eligible to apply. If approved, the company must submit a complete application within 90 days. The invitation expires after 90 days; however, the corporation may opt to re-register.
05Apply to BCPNP
The company must submit all required forms—including employee forms and supporting documents. The application fee is $3,500 for the company plus an additional $1,000 for each proposed employee.
06BCPNP Review
The application is reviewed by BCPNP and the results are communicated to the company. Additional documentation may be requested, and as part of the evaluation process, each employee may be invited to a face-to-face interview at the BCPNP office in Vancouver.
07Signing of Performance Agreements
If the application is approved, the designated signatory of the company signs the Performance Agreements with BC, and each key employee must also sign.
08Obtain Work Visa and Report Entry
A support letter for a work permit (employer-specific work permit) is issued to each approved employee for applying to IRCC. This support letter is valid for 90 days.
After signing the Performance Agreements, each employee must enter BC with a valid work permit within 180 days (6 months) from the date of issuance and submit a completed arrival report to BCPNP within 60 days (2 months) of arriving in BC.
09Establishment of the Business
After fulfilling the obligations under the executed Performance Agreements, the foreign corporation must submit a final report to BCPNP demonstrating that the company has met the terms and conditions of the Performance Agreements.
10Receive the Provincial Nomination
If the company is judged to have met the Performance Agreements’ terms and conditions, each key employee who has fulfilled those conditions will receive a provincial nomination for permanent residence.
11Apply for Permanent Residence to IRCC
Nominated employees must submit their permanent residence application to IRCC within 180 days.
12Receive Your PR Card
After landing, the PR card will be delivered to the designated Canadian address within a few months.
13Receive Your PR Card
After landing, the PR card will be delivered to the designated Canadian address within a few months.
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