British Columbia PNP

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program, or BC PNP, creates immigration pathways for skilled workers with the relevant work experience and training to fill in-demand jobs in British Columbia.

The immigration process and registration for the BC PNP depend on which of the pathways you can apply for. This is determined by your:

• National Occupational Classification (NOC);
• Work Experience;
• Skill Level; or
• International Student Status.

Those who successfully apply to immigrate to Canada through the program can get permanent residence when they receive a Provincial Nomination (PN) from the province. To qualify for all PNPs, you will also need the following:

• Medical Certificate;
• Police Clearance;
• Biometrics;
• Security Checks; and
• Federal Checks.

If you get a nomination from the province, you, your spouse or partner, and your dependent children can apply for permanent residence in British Columbia.

If You Have a Job Offer in BC:

For those wanting to move to Canada via the BC PNP and have a job offer in a skilled or in-demand occupation, chances are the best pathway for you falls under the British Columbia Skills Immigration Stream. This stream is a program under the BCPNP that offers pathways for skilled and semi-skilled workers. These include the Skilled Worker, Health Authority, International Graduate, International Post-Graduate, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled Worker streams. 

Candidates are scored based on work experience, education, language proficiency, hourly wage, and job location in British Columbia. Most programs require a job offer from a BC employer but do not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment. The program aims to help foreign workers and graduates contribute to the BC economy and provides an immigration pathway for tech workers and skilled refugees. Find out how you can land a job in BC here.

For Those Who Studied Outside Canada:

Skilled Worker

This stream is for skilled foreign workers who have high-demand occupations and not only want to immigrate to British Columbia but want to immigrate to Canada and get permanent residence quicker.

Health Authority

This stream is for healthcare professionals applying for permanent residence in British Columbia. It can help fill the demand currently facing the healthcare sectors as a physician, nurse, psychiatric nurse, or allied healthcare professional.

Please note that if you are a midwife, you must have: A Letter of Confirmation from an acknowledged medical institution in BC (be a member for at least six months) and A registered member with the College of Midwives of British Columbia.

BC Tech Pilot

The BC provincial government created this program for skilled tech workers to immigrate to BC through jobs noted by the Ministry of Jobs, Trade, and Technology as being in demand. In addition, the program aims to attract talented workers and international students by speeding up the permanent residence application.

What Jobs Can You Apply With For the BC PNP Tech Pilot?

There are currently 29 jobs that are eligible under the BC PNP Tech Pilot program. 

The program also has weekly draws that allow the province to choose qualified applicants.

Find out if you're eligible for the BC PNP Tech Pilot here.

Other Benefits of This Program

• You do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment; and
• You can get a work permit support letter that lets you:
• Renew your work permit; or
• Apply for a new work permit

Note:

While these programs are open to those who did not study in Canada, those who have can also be eligible for these programs.

For Those Who Studied in Canada:

International Graduate

This stream is for students who have graduated from a Canadian university or college in the last three years and want to live and work in British Columbia, Canada.

International Post Graduate

This stream is for students who have recently graduated from a BC university or college with a master's or doctorate in the natural, applied or health sciences and want to immigrate to BC, Canada.

For Those Working in Tourism, Hospitality, or Food Processing:

Besides being able to apply through the streams mentioned above directly through the BC PNP Skills Immigration Stream on the BC PNP portal online for a fast-tracked processing time of 2-3 months, you can also apply for permanent residence through the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker (ELSS) Category if you do not qualify for the previous immigration programs and work in the tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking or food processing sector.

The eligible occupations for this stream are as follows:

If you're unsure of your NOC code, here's our NOC guide. If you work in one of these occupations, here’s what you need to qualify for this program:

To apply for the SI system, you must:

Step 1: Create an online profile through the BC PNP and register.

Step 2: Choose one of the five categories:

• Skilled Worker;
• Healthcare Professional;
• International Post Graduate;
• International Graduate; or
• Entry Level and Semi-Skilled.

Step 3: Receive a registration score and enter a selection pool for your chosen category.

Step 4: Complete your registration when you receive your confirmation email and BC PNP registration number.

For a full breakdown of how to apply to a PNP, here's our full breakdown.

Please note that your registration will be kept in the pool for 12 months or until you get an Invitation to Apply from BC (if you meet all the requirements).

Visit our website here for a complete list of qualifying in-demand jobs in British Columbia.

Suppose you have found the opportunity of a lifetime in BC and want to take advantage of it quickly. In that case, you'll want to speak to a certified immigration expert like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can fully evaluate you to find the perfect stream and ensure you're ready to take on this golden opportunity once you arrive.

If You're an Entrepreneur Ready to Start a Business in the Province:

All business and investment-focused BC PNPs fall under the BC Entrepreneur Stream.

BC Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who intend to invest in and actively manage an eligible business in the province. Individuals must have business ownership and management experience. They must demonstrate that they can:

• Establish themselves in BC;
• Invest in a new or existing business; and
• Employ Canadian citizens or permanent residents to give significant economic benefits to the province

Entrepreneur Base Category

This category is for those interested in business immigration to Canada and who want to buy an existing business in British Columbia and eventually obtain permanent residence in Canada.

Entrepreneur Regional Pilot

This category is for those interested in business immigration to Canada and wants to start a new business in British Columbia and eventually obtain permanent residence in Canada.

Strategic Projects Category

This category is for foreign corporations and business owners interested in business immigration to Canada and wants to establish a subsidiary or branch in British Columbia and eventually obtain permanent residence in Canada.

Why Entrepreneurs Choose BC

Entrepreneurs like British Columbia for its strong economy, supportive business environment, and high quality of life.