British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
Immigration to British Columbia
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is one of Canada’s leading immigration programs, designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international students to British Columbia. This program enables individuals to obtain permanent residency in Canada more easily and quickly, based on the needs of the province’s labor market and economy.
The benefits of the BC PNP include diverse job opportunities, excellent living conditions, an advanced education system, and access to high-quality healthcare services. Additionally, British Columbia, with its stunning natural landscapes and rich culture, offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for immigrants.
Main Categories of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP):
The BC PNP consists of two primary streams:
- Skills Immigration:
This stream is designed for skilled workers and graduates who have the skills, experience, and qualifications required by British Columbia employers. It includes the following ways:
- Skilled Worker
- Health Authority
- Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS)
- International Graduate
- International Post-Graduate
- BC PNP Tech Program
- Entrepreneur Immigration:
This stream is aimed at experienced entrepreneurs who wish to establish and actively manage a business in British Columbia. It includes the following ways:
→ Our expert consulting team is ready to support you at every stage of the BC PNP. From initial assessment and selecting the best immigration way to document preparation and application processing, we will assist you in achieving your immigration goals with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us now for professional consultation.
Live in Canada / Canada PNP Program/ British Columbia / Skills Immigration Ways
Skills Immigration Ways
The Skills Immigration stream consists of the following categories:
- Skilled Worker
This program allows individuals working in specialized, managerial, technical, trade, or professional occupations to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A full-time job offer from an employer in British Columbia. The job must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
- At least two years of full-time work experience in one of the eligible categories.
- Proof of financial ability to support oneself and dependents.
- Meeting the minimum language requirements for TEER 2 and 3 jobs.
- The job offer must meet the province’s wage standards.
This program includes an Express Entry option. To apply through Express Entry BC, you must have a valid Express Entry profile in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) system, obtain a Job Seeker Validation Code, and meet the minimum language proficiency requirements.
- Health Authority
This way is for physicians, nurses, and midwives working in British Columbia’s healthcare system who wish to obtain permanent residency. It also includes an Express Entry option.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must have one of the following:
- A permanent job offer.
- Approval to work as a physician or nurse in British Columbia.
- Approval from the British Columbia medical authority for midwives.
- Meeting the additional BC PNP eligibility requirements.
- Complying with the qualifications and licensing requirements set by public health authorities.
- Entry Level and Semi-Skilled
This way is for individuals working in entry-level or semi-skilled positions in industries such as tourism, food processing, or long-haul trucking.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A job offer from an employer in British Columbia in one of the following sectors:
- Tourism, healthcare, transportation, or food processing.
- The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
- For the Northeast Development Region, the job must fall under TEER 4 or 5.
- At least nine months of continuous, full-time work experience with the same employer.
- Receiving a wage that meets the provincial standards.
- Meeting the minimum language proficiency requirements.
- Proof of financial ability to support oneself and dependents.
Note: This program does not include an Express Entry option.
- International Graduate
The International Graduate Program will be closed to new applications as of November 26, 2024. Applications submitted after September 4, 2024, will be assessed based on the following criteria.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The applicant must have graduated from a Canadian university or college within the last three years.
- Possession of a valid credential from a Canadian educational institution:
- The submission of one of the following is required:
- Official transcripts indicating the date of program completion.
- A diploma, degree, or certificate.
- In some cases, both documents may be required.
*Academic credentials in languages other than English or French will not be accepted.
- Study location:
- At least 50% of the program must have been completed in Canada.
- Distance learning programs (whether within or outside of Canada) are not eligible.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online courses completed between January 2020 and June 2023 will be accepted if taken within Canada.
- Credentials issued by Canadian university branches outside Canada are not valid.
- Eligible credentials:
- Degrees:
- A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada.
- Diplomas & Certificates:
- Only credentials issued by public post-secondary institutions in Canada are accepted.
- Credentials from private institutions or ESL (English as a Second Language) programs are not valid.
- The program must be at least 8 months of full-time study (two academic terms).
Application Deadline:
- Applications must be submitted within three years of graduation.
- The date on the academic credential must not be more than 12 months after program completion.
Employment Requirements:
- A valid job offer from an employer in NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3.
- Managerial positions (NOC TEER 0) are not eligible.
- Certain occupations do not require a permanent job offer.
Express Entry BC (EEBC) Requirements:
- If applying through EEBC, the applicant must have a valid Express Entry profile and a Job Seeker Validation Code.
- If not applying through EEBC, these requirements do not apply.
- International Post-Graduate
The International Post-Graduate Program is also closed to new applications. Applications submitted after September 4, 2024, will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Academic qualifications:
- A master’s or doctoral degree from a recognized educational institution in British Columbia.
- No job offer is required.
- Eligibility for doctoral students:
- The applicant must be a PhD graduate from a public institution in B.C.
- PhD students who have entered the Candidacy phase are eligible to apply with official university documentation.
- Professional degrees (such as J.D. and M.D.) are not eligible.
- Intent and ability to reside in B.C.:
- The applicant must provide evidence demonstrating their intention and ability to live, work, and economically establish themselves in British Columbia.
- Failure to provide sufficient supporting documents may result in application refusal.
Application Submission Criteria:
- Applications must be submitted within three years of graduation.
- PhD students can apply after entering the “Candidacy” phase.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- The minimum language requirement for new ways is CLB 8.
Express Entry BC (EEBC) Requirements:
- A valid Express Entry profile and Job Seeker Validation Code are required for EEBC applicants.
- If not applying through EEBC, these requirements do not apply.
Eligible Fields of Study for Master’s Degrees:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Engineering and Engineering Technology
- Health Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Natural Resource Conservation
- Physical Sciences
* Master’s and undergraduate ways will open for registration in the second week of January 2025. The PhD way will also be available for applications starting in January 2025. Applications submitted before these changes take effect will be evaluated based on the policies in place at the time of submission.
- BC PNP Tech Program
The BC PNP Tech program is designed for skilled workers in the technology sector, offering a fast-track route to permanent residency. This program helps British Columbia employers recruit international talent when local skilled workers are unavailable.
Express Entry BC (EEBC) – Fast-Track Permanent Residency
- Choose an immigration stream: If you have a valid Express Entry profile and meet the criteria for a skills immigration stream, you may qualify for Express Entry BC (EEBC). This provides additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and speeds up permanent residency processing.
- Register in BC PNP Online: Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) online and receive a ranking score. Registration is valid for 12 months.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Selected applicants have 30 days to submit a complete application.
- Submit a full application: Pay the fee and upload the required documents.
- Receive a provincial nomination: Approved applicants receive a BC PNP nomination, allowing them to apply for permanent residency.
- Obtain permanent residency: Final approval is granted by (IRCC).
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Entrepreneur Immigration Ways
If you intend to immigrate to British Columbia through establishing or managing a business, the Entrepreneur Immigration Program is a suitable way for you. This program allows you to obtain a temporary residence permit first, and upon successfully establishing and managing your business, you can obtain permanent residency in Canada.
The Entrepreneur Immigration Program consists of three main categories:
- Base Stream
- Regional Stream
- Strategic Projects
- Base Stream
This way is suitable for individuals with managerial experience and sufficient financial ability to establish or expand a business in British Columbia.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A minimum net worth of $600,000 CAD.
- Business management experience. If the applicant lacks sufficient experience, a minimum two-year post-secondary education is required.
- Proficiency in English or French with a minimum CLB 4 level.
Investment & Business Requirements:
- Establishing a new business or purchasing and expanding an existing business in the province.
- A minimum personal investment of $200,000 CAD in the business.
- Creating at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Immigration Process Steps:
- Developing a Business Plan:
Prepare a comprehensive business plan tailored to your skills and the economic needs of British Columbia. Conduct the necessary research on the type of business and the most suitable location. - Registering with BC PNP:
Create an account on BCPNP Online, pay a $300 CAD fee, and submit a business concept summary. The scoring is based on human capital factors (education, experience, language) and economic factors (business potential, economic benefits, location). If accepted, your registration remains in the pool for up to six months. - Obtaining a Work Permit:
Upon approval, you will receive a support letter and must apply for a work permit with (IRCC) within 90 days. Once the work permit is issued, you have up to 12 months to enter British Columbia. - Business Establishment & Management:
After arrival, you will have a maximum of 20 months to implement your business plan, actively manage the business, and fulfill the commitments outlined in the performance agreement. - Receiving Provincial Nomination:
Within 18 to 20 months of arrival, submit your final report and proof of CLB 4 language proficiency. If approved, you must sign the nomination conditions declaration. - Applying for Permanent Residency:
After receiving the nomination certificate, you can apply for permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Class with (IRCC).
Registration & Application Details:
- After receiving the invitation to apply, your net worth and financial source must be verified by an accounting firm.
- You have four months to submit a complete application.
- You may be invited for an interview. If any discrepancy is found, the application will be rejected.
- Regional Stream
This program is designed for investors who wish to establish a business in smaller communities within British Columbia.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Establishing a new business in a target community.
- Ownership or management experience in business.
- A minimum net worth of $300,000 CAD.
- A minimum investment of $100,000 CAD in the business.
- Creating at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Proficiency in English or French with a minimum CLB 4 level.
- Holding legal immigration status.
- Strategic Projects
This category allows international companies to transfer senior employees or specialists to British Columbia and expand their business within the province.
Requirements for the Company:
- Financial stability and sustainability.
- Ability to invest and expand international operations.
- Submitting a business plan demonstrating a positive economic impact in British Columbia.
Requirements for Senior Employees:
- Having experience and expertise in establishing and managing the business in British Columbia.
- Holding a position as a senior executive, manager, or key specialist in the company.
- Being employed full-time and permanently in the province.
Restrictions:
- Each company can transfer a maximum of five senior employees.
- Individuals with inadmissible immigration status (e.g., illegal entry or deportation orders) are not eligible.
Ineligible Businesses:
- Passive investments or capital buyouts.
- Real estate, insurance, financial brokerage, or commodity trading without added value.
- Certain small businesses, including B&Bs, tanning salons, automated car washes, and second-hand stores.
Application Process:
- Exploratory Visit to British Columbia:
It is recommended that senior managers visit British Columbia to explore market conditions, investment opportunities, and the business environment. - Submitting a Business Proposal:
Before applying, the company must contact BC PNP to discuss its proposal and ensure it aligns with the province’s economic needs. - Registering for the Program:
The company must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), including company details, investment plan, and key personnel qualifications. The registration fee is $300 CAD. - Receiving an Invitation to Apply:
If eligible, the company receives an invitation to apply and has 90 days to submit a complete application. If the invitation expires, the company can re-register. - Submitting the Full Application to BC PNP:
The company must provide all required documents, including details of key employees, in a complete application package.- Application fee: $3,500 CAD for the company.
- Key employee fee: $1,000 CAD per employee.
- Interview requirement: Key employees may be required to attend an in-person interview in Vancouver.
- Signing a Performance Agreement:
If approved, the company representative and key employees must sign a Performance Agreement, outlining commitments for establishing and expanding the business. - Obtaining Work Permits & Moving to British Columbia:
- Each approved employee receives a support letter for a work permit, which must be submitted to (IRCC) within 90 days.
- Employees must enter British Columbia within six months and submit a business progress report to BC PNP within 60 days.
- Business Implementation & Provincial Nomination:
- After establishing and operating the business, the company submits a final report to BC PNP for evaluation.
- Approved key employees become eligible for provincial nomination for permanent residence.
- Applying for Permanent Residency:
- Key employees must apply for permanent residence with (IRCC) within 180 days of receiving the provincial nomination.
Program Financial Requirements:
Skilled Worker Immigration:
- Registration: Free
- Application Fee: $1,475 CAD
- Reconsideration Request: $500 CAD
Entrepreneur Immigration:
- Registration: $300 CAD
- Application Fee: $3,500 CAD
- Reconsideration Request: $500 CAD
Strategic Projects:
- Registration: $300 CAD
- Application Fee: $3,500 CAD
- Key Employee Fee: $1,000 CAD per employee
- Reconsideration Request: $500 CAD
→ For personal or business immigration assessment, contact our consultants. Our experienced team will guide you in selecting the best immigration way and assist you throughout the entire process.