British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program BCPNP
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is an immigration program that selects highly skilled immigrants to fill critical labour shortages and increase the economic benefits of immigration to the province.
PNP works in 2 stages:
- The BC PNP selects and nominates potential immigrants for permanent residence that have the ability to become economically established and who will provide significant economic benefits to the province.
- Individuals nominated by the Province of BC, are eligible to apply for a Permanent resident visa from IRCC in the Provincial Nominee Class.
IRCC gives priority to processing permanent resident visa applications for Provincial Nominees. IRCC makes the final decision on these applications.
The BC PNP program is made up of several categories divided into three main streams:
| Skills Immigration | Express Entry BC |
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| Other Streams | Entrepreneur Immigration |
| BC PNP Tech Pilot | Entrepreneur Immigration Strategic Projects |
| Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot |
The BC PNP program is made up of several categories divided into three main streams:
Skills Immigration
- Skilled Worker
- Healthcare Professional
- International Graduate
- International Post Graduate
- Entry Level & Semi skilled
Express Entry BC
- EEBC-Skilled Worker
- EEBC-Healthcare Professional
- EEBC-International Graduate
- EEBC-International Post Graduate
Entrepreneur Immigration
| Entrepreneur Immigration -Base | Strategic Projects | Regional Pilot |
Other Streams
| BC PNP program Tech Pilot |
Skills Immigration
The BC PNP Skills Immigration is for skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations in B.C. It uses a points-based invitation system. The process involves registering and applying online for the BC PNP and a paper application process for permanent residency.
SKILLED WORKER
This program allows BC to select highly skilled immigrants to fill critical labour shortages in the Province.
Skilled workers are qualified foreign workers who will be employed in skilled occupations that usually fall into (NOC 2021) TEER 0,1,2 or 3
The requirements for applying to the Skilled Workers of the BC PNP are as follows:
- Have a valid job offer from a BC Employer.
- Have at least 2 years of related work experience in related occupation.
- Demonstrate adequate financial settlement supports.
- Meet prescribed language requirements.
- Must be qualified for the job that the employer is looking to fill and employment requirements should be met.
- Employment offer must state job title and duties, rate of pay, employee’s standard hours of work and the position is both permanent & full-time in nature.
- Be eligible for legal Immigration in Canada.
An applicant will have to create a profile on BCPNP Online portal. After registering and submitting an online application an applicant will receive a score based on their skills and job. Periodically, applicants with the highest scores receive an invitation to apply through BCPNP Online.
An applicant must have an IRCC Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code to use the Express Entry BC Option.
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
This program allows BC to select highly skilled health professionals to fill critical labour shortages in the Province. It helps physicians, specialists, nurses and allied health professionals work in B.C. and gain permanent residence.
The requirements for applying to the BC PNP Health professionals are as follows:
- Have the support of a Full time job offer from a Public Health authority as a
- Physician
- Specialist
- Registered Nurse
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse
- Nurse Practioner
- Allied Health Professionals such as: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Clinical Pharmacist, Medical Lab Technologist, Medical Radiation Technologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist etc.
The requirements for applying to the BC PNP Health professionals are as follows:
- Have at least 2 years of related work experience in related occupation
- Have the credentials and education related to the occupation
- Be in an occupation that falls into (NOC 2021) TEER 0,1,2 or 3
- Have received a Permanent Full time job offer from a BC Public Health authority
- Letter from Health Authority confirming if Physician, Nurse, or midwife in BC
- Ability to meet minimum income requirements
Health Professionals can be recruited by provincial and regional health authorities through Health Match BC. Health Match BC is free health recruitment and placement service which assists applicants find a job in their field with BC health authorities.
An applicant will have to create a profile on BCPNP Online portal and apply directly.
An applicant must have an IRCC Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code to use the Express Entry BC Option.
INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE
The International student category is intended to assist employers in recruiting academically strong graduates who are expected to meet the future skill needs of their organizations.
To qualify under this International Graduate category, an applicant must:
- Have a Job offer that is a Full time permanent employment from a BC employer that falls into (NOC 2021) TEER 1,2 or 3.
- Have a wage offer in line with BC wage rates for the occupation.
- Qualify to work in their occupation in BC.
- Demonstrate financial support for self and family.
- Eligible for legal immigration to Canada.
- Submit language test results.
- Have completed a degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible post secondary institution in Canada in the past 3 years.
An applicant will have to create a profile on BCPNP Online portal. After registering and submitting an online application an applicant will receive a score based on their skills and job. Periodically, applicants with the highest scores receive an invitation to apply through BCPNP Online.
An applicant must have an IRCC Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code to use the Express Entry BC Option.
INTERNATIONAL POST GRADUATE
International Students can study in a broad range of fields of study. However, the BC PNP International Post Graduate will consider applications from academically strong students where it can be demonstrated that the student’s employment in BC will fill future skill needs. In this case, graduate degree in the sciences from an eligible B.C. institution is required for this program.
Applicants to the International Post Graduate Project must have satisfied the requirements for an eligible Masters or Doctorate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in BC within the last three years.
International graduates from programs in the natural, applied and health sciences have strong success finding employment following their studies, make a substantial contribution to key sectors such as technology and health services and help address critical skills shortages in BC.
To qualify under this International Post Graduate category, an applicant must:
- Have completed a valid graduate program of study at an eligible post secondary institution in BC in the last 3 years.
- Do not need a job offer from an employer.
- Show intent and ability to live in BC.
- Be eligible for legal immigration status in Canada.
An applicant must have graduated in the last three years with a Master’s or Doctorate (PhD) degree in the natural, applied or health sciences:
- Agriculture
- Biological & Biomedical Science
- Computer & Information Sciences and support services.
- Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Health professions and related clinical sciences.
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
- Physical Sciences
- Other eligible programs of study etc.
International students with a Graduate degree in Sciences don’t need a job offer to apply.
An applicant will have to create a profile on BCPNP Online portal and as an International Post Graduate can apply directly through BCPNP Online.
An applicant must have an IRCC Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code to use the Express Entry BC Option.
NOTE: New International Graduate PNP Streams in January 2025
British Columbia is introducing three new International Graduate PNP Streams in January 2025.These are
- The Bachelor’s stream will be for recent graduates with bachelor’s degrees from eligible post-secondary institutions. Graduates with an indeterminate full-time job offer can register for this stream
- The Master’s stream will be for recent graduates with master’s degrees from eligible post-secondary institutions, in any field of study. Graduates with a minimum one-year full-time job offer in a skilled occupation can register for this stream
- The Doctorate stream will be for graduates and candidates of doctoral level programs from eligible post-secondary institutions. Graduates and PhD candidates can apply directly to this stream. Unlike the other streams, individuals applying to this track do not necessarily need prior work experience
Each of the new streams will require a minimum Language requirement of CLB 8
These streams aim to create clearer pathways for international graduates to obtain Canadian permanent residence (PR) and improve their employment prospects across British Columbia.
BC PNP prioritizes occupations that are in high demand such as healthcare, construction, and early childhood education etc.
ENTRY LEVEL & SEMI SKILLED
The BCPNP Entry Level & Semi skilled program is for workers in a valid tourism / hospitality, long-haul trucking or food processing occupation to gain Permanent residence in B.C.
The Entry Level & Semi Skilled program applies to qualifying foreign workers in select occupations that are experiencing sensitive and constant labor shortages and eligible employers in the Tourism/hospitality, Food processing and Long haul trucking industries.
The basic requirements in order to qualify under this program are:
- Employers must provide a written offer of Permanent full time employment.
- Job offer relating to Occupations in Tourism/hospitality, Food processing and Long-haul trucking industries.
- Have been working full time with employer for the last 9 months before applying.
- Education up to a secondary level or more.
- Applicants should have basic proficiency in English & meet language requirements.
- Wage is comparable to that for equivalent jobs in BC.
- Show intent and ability to live in BC.
- Be eligible for legal immigration status in Canada.
An applicant will have to create a profile on BCPNP Online portal. After registering and submitting an online application an applicant will receive a score based on their skills and job. Periodically, applicants with the highest scores receive an invitation to apply through BCPNP Online.
EXPRESS ENTRY BC
Express Entry BC is a faster way for eligible skilled workers to immigrate to B.C. You must also qualify for a federal economic immigration program. It uses a points-based invitation system, and is an entirely web-based registration and application process for both the BC PNP and Permanent residency process.
- EEBC-Skilled Worker
- EEBC-Healthcare Professional
- EEBC-International Graduate
- EEBC-International Post Graduate
EEBC-Skilled Worker
The basic requirements in order to qualify under this program are:
- Have received a Express Entry Profile Number and a Job seeker Validation code from IRCC Express Entry system.
- Have qualified for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs.
- Have a full time permanent job offer from a BC employer in (NOC 2021) TEER 0,1,2 or 3 occupation.
- Qualify to work in your job in BC.
- Have at least 2 years of related work experience.
- Demonstrate adequate financial settlement supports.
- Must be qualified for the job that the employer is looking to fill and employment requirements should be met.
- Be eligible for legal Immigration in Canada.
An applicant will have to create a profile on BCPNP Online portal. After registering and submitting an online application an applicant will receive a score based on their skills and job. Periodically, applicants with the highest scores receive an invitation to apply through BCPNP Online.
EEBC-Healthcare Professional
The requirements for applying to the EEBC PNP Health professionals are as follows:
- Have received a Express Entry Profile Number and a Job seeker Validation code from IRCC Express Entry system.
- Have qualified for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs.
- Have the support of a Full time job offer from a Public Health authority as a
- Physician
- Specialist
- Registered Nurse
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse
- Nurse Practioner
- Allied Health Professionals such as: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Clinical Pharmacist, Medical Lab Technologist, Medical Radiation Technologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist etc.
Health Professionals can be recruited by provincial and regional health authorities through Health Match BC. Health Match BC is free health recruitment and placement service which assists applicants find a job in their field with BC health authorities.
An applicant will have to create a profile on BCPNP Online portal and apply directly.
EEBC-International Graduate
To qualify under this International Graduate category, an applicant must:
- Have received a Express Entry Profile Number and a Job seeker Validation code from IRCC Express Entry system.
- Have qualified for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs.
- Have a Job offer that is a Full time permanent employment from a BC employer.
- Have a wage offer in line with BC wage rates for the occupation.
- Qualify to work in their occupation in BC.
- Demonstrate financial support for self and family.
- Meet minimum language requirements.
- Eligible for legal immigration to Canada.
- Have completed a degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible post secondary institution in Canada in the past 3 years.
An applicant will have to create a profile on BCPNP Online portal. After registering and submitting an online application an applicant will receive a score based on their skills and job. Periodically, applicants with the highest scores receive an invitation to apply through BCPNP Online.
EEBC-International Post Graduate
Applicants to the International Post Graduate Project must have satisfied the requirements for an eligible Masters or Doctorate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in BC within the last three years.
International graduates from programs in the natural, applied and health sciences have strong success finding employment following their studies, make a substantial contribution to key sectors such as technology and health services and help address critical skills shortages in BC.
To qualify under this International Post Graduate category, an applicant must:
- Have received a Express Entry Profile Number and a Job seeker Validation code from IRCC Express Entry system.
- Have qualified for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs.
- Have completed a valid graduate program of study at an eligible post secondary institution in BC in the last 3 years.
- Do not need a job offer from an employer.
- Show intent and ability to live in BC.
- Be eligible for legal immigration status in Canada.
An applicant must have graduated in the last three years with a Master’s or Doctorate (PhD) degree in the natural, applied or health sciences:
- Agriculture
- Biological & Biomedical Science
- Computer & Information Sciences and support services.
- Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Health professions and related clinical sciences.
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
- Physical Sciences
- Other eligible programs of study etc.
International students with a Graduate degree in Sciences don’t need a job offer to apply.
An applicant will have to create a profile on BCPNP Online portal and as an International Post Graduate can apply directly through BCPNP Online.
BC PNP Online Process: “Skills Immigration Registration System” (SIRS)
Most Skills Immigration and BC Express Entry categories require a valid job offer from an employer in the province in order to be eligible.
Express Entry Candidates must have work experience in a high skilled occupation that’s considered In-Demand in the province apart from other criteria.
Candidates who wish to apply to BC PNP through any of the economic immigration programs must first register through the “Skills Immigration Registration System” (SIRS) which serves as Expression of Interest system and issues a ranking score based on BC PNP’s points grid structure. Those who meet the threshold score are invited to apply for a Provincial Nomination in a provincial draw. If selected, candidates will have 30 days to apply through BCPNP Online. If selected will receive Provincial Nomination Certificate through Express Entry System.
Express Entry candidates such as Skilled Workers and International Students must register under Skills Immigration Registration System” (SIRS). Other candidates can apply directly through BCPNP online.
Prior to registering with BCPNP a candidate must complete their Express Entry profile and obtain an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker validation code.
ENTREPRENEUR IMMIGRATION
The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for high net worth business people who can invest in and actively manage a valid business in B.C. It is a points-based system.
This type is for persons who have proven abilities and financial resources to establish a business in tune with specific Business projects in British Columbia that will make a considerable contribution to the economy of the province.
If you want to immigrate to B.C. and are ready to invest in and actively manage a valid business here, you may qualify for our Entrepreneur Immigration stream. Here is an overview of the requirements.
To qualify under this Business Entrepreneur program, an applicant must:
- Applicant plays an active role in management.
- Have Successful business / managerial experience.
- Minimum net worth CDN $ 600,000.
- Minimum investment CDN $ 200,000 in a business.
- Applicant to hold minimum 1/3 Equity of business.
- Establish an eligible new business or purchase and improve an existing business.
- Business Plan
- Business to create at least 1 job for a Citizen or Permanent resident.
- Eligible for legal immigration to Canada.
- Exploratory business visit to BC to find a business opportunity.
An applicant will have to create a profile on BCPNP Online portal. After registering and submitting an online application an applicant will receive a score based on their skills and Business Concept. Periodically, applicants with the highest scores receive an invitation to apply through BCPNP Online.
ENTREPRENEUR IMMIGRATION
Strategic Projects:
The Strategic Projects category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration stream enables foreign-controlled companies to set up a branch office or other operating facility in B.C.
The company can propose up to five key staff members who intend to settle in B.C. and who will actively manage the operation in B.C.
This type of business category is for individuals such as key managers, employees or business owners who are essential to the success of identified economic projects.
The projects category is intended to assist companies with the timely entry of skilled, key managers and technical professionals essential to the success of a business expected to generate significant economic benefits to BC.
Qualifying Criteria:
- Company has a record of successful experience in an area relevant to the proposed business outside Canada.
- Minimum Can $ 500,000 to establish or purchase and expand an eligible Business.
- Creation a minimum of 3 new jobs for Canadian residents for each key staff member.
- Establish or purchase and expand an eligible business anywhere in BC.
- Key staff is essential to the success of the proposed project.
- Key employees are qualified senior employees who are essential to the establishing and operating the business.
- Exploratory visit for the Business opportunity.
Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot
This pilot program aims to spread the benefits of Entrepreneur immigration to BC’s smaller communities of less than 75000 people through approved Immigrant entrepreneurs who want to open a new business across the province.
The businesses identified and created will have to address specific needs of the communities and maximize economic benefits of Immigration to BC.
The Eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Entrepreneur to conduct an exploratory community visit
- Provide a Business Plan to establish a new eligible business in a BC Community
- Have a minimum of $ 100000 in eligible business investments
- Have a minimum personal net worth of $ 300000
- Experience of 3 years as an active business owner-manager / or 4 years as a senior manager
- Have a post-secondary education credential or experience as Business owner
- Have a minimum of 51 % ownership of the proposed business
- Demonstrate language proficiency of CLB Level 4 or more
- Create one new job for Canadian citizen or PR of Canada
Candidates will have to present their business proposal to the community’s designated Pilot representative who will then submit a referral form to BC PNP as part of the Entrepreneur candidate’s registration.
All candidates receive a score on registration and the highest scoring candidates are invited to submit a full application to the BC PNP.
The BC PNP will issue a nomination for Permanent Residence once it determines that all business criteria in its Performance Agreement have been met by the Entrepreneur.
OTHER STREAMS:
BC PNP program TECH PILOT
The BC PNP Tech Pilot program was launched in August 2017 Pilot to support the attraction of skilled tech workers to BC. A list of 29 eligible occupations has been notified. Eligible candidates with a Job offer in one of the 29 eligible occupations may be invited to apply for Provincial Nomination, which may them be used to apply for Canadian Permanent residence.
To qualify under this BC PNP Tech Pilot program, an applicant must:
- Applicants should fall in one of the 29 eligible occupations.
- Have a valid job offer in one of the 29 eligible occupations from an eligible employer in BC.
- Job Offer should be at least one year in duration
- Both applicant and employer must meet the program requirements.
The BC PNP Tech Pilot program Process:
- Once a candidate has determined his or her category, he or she may register online and receive a registration score. Registration is free.
- Every week (subject to processing capacity), the BC PNP will conduct a tech draw to invite the highest-scoring technology sector registrants to apply.
- Invited candidates have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete online application. The government application fee is $700.
- The BC PNP will process the application on a priority basis.
- If approved, the applicant receives a nomination that he or she can use to apply for permanent residence.
- Individuals who have been nominated and who meet the conditions of their nomination will receive a work permit support letter that allows them to obtain or renew their current work permit allowing them to work throughout the process.
A New Beginning
Canada wants to attract new immigrants on an annual basis with the emphasis firmly focused on immigrants with economic and professional skills from every part of the world.
In Canada you can start a new life, with never-ending opportunities ahead of you. We will help you plan your transition to the new way of life in Canada carefully, patiently and knowledgably.
If you have questions regarding your eligibility to immigrate to Canada as a Provincial Nominee, we suggest you complete our Free PNP Assessment form either for Skilled or Business categories.
