The British Columbia (“The Province”) provincial nominee program has suspended its fast-track investment program effective November 15, 2012. This means that business class BC PNP applicants who have not signed performance agreements with the Province by this date, will not be eligible for the Fast Track program. Applicants who have applied with the intention of pursuing the fast track option will be:
- Allowed to withdraw their application and receive a refund of the application processing fee or;
- Continue in the normal stream of processing whereby the applicant(s) must actively manage a business in British Columbia.
Based on 2007 statistics provided by the Province, of all the performance agreements met, the fast track program accounted for only 10% while the remaining 90% actively managed their businesses. Updated statistics are unavailable so it is unknown whether that trend has continued into 2012. Given the recent changes it can be assumed so.
Whistler Immigration specializes in small and medium business opportunities, business plans, and immigration policy. For those clients interested in pursuing business investment opportunities with the intention of actively managing and for those businesses interested in selling or spinning off a portion of their existing company we can assist.
To read more information on the suspension of the BC PNP Fast-track investment program please go to: http://www.welcomebc.ca/local/wbc/docs/pnp/PN_BusFT_FAQ.pdf