BC PNP Eligibility Assessment Guide [2023 Updated]

Explore the key aspects of BC PNP eligibility, including the general requirements, specific criteria for different streams, the application process, and frequently asked questions.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a popular pathway for skilled foreign workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to obtain permanent residency in British Columbia, Canada. Those who wish to apply for these programs must ensure they meet their chosen program’s eligibility requirements. In this detailed assessment guide, we will explore the key aspects of BC PNP eligibility, including the general requirements, specific criteria for different streams, the application process, and frequently asked questions.

How to Check Your BC PNP Eligibility?

You can check your British Columbia PNP eligibility by following the steps below.

1. Check if your NOC TEER Code

Many BC PNP Programs require applicants to possess work experience in specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER categories. Prospective applicants can look up the TEER code for their occupation on the Government of Canada website.

It is vital to ensure the occupation description and duties match the ones listed under the TEER code. In some cases, an applicant’s occupation may not fit under an exact TEER code. In such situations, it is best to contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant for guidance.

2. Choose a BC PNP Stream and Category

Once the applicant understands which TEER code they fall under, they can locate a BC PNP stream and category for their TEER category. There are dozens of British Columbia immigration programs out there, so they should take the time to learn about each one.

3. Meet the Minimum BC PNP Requirements for Selected Program

Once the applicant has found a program that matches their TEER code and background, they should review the program’s minimum requirements. There are BC PNP eligibility requirements for each stream, so the candidate must ensure they meet each one.

4. Calculate Your BC PNP Score

Candidates who believe they meet the eligibility for BC PNP can then proceed by registering with the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Once this is complete, they will receive a registration score based on their skills, qualification, and background. They are then entered into a candidate pool.

5. Apply for BC PNP Online

If the candidate’s points score is above the minimum points threshold for a BC PNP draw, they will be invited to apply for permanent residence. The candidate will then have 30 days to apply for the BC PNP.

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BC PNP Eligibility Requirements: Skills Immigration Stream

The BC PNP Skills immigration category is the biggest immigration category and contains specific streams targeting international workers, students, and entrepreneurs. These are:

1. BC PNP Skilled Worker

The BC PNP Skilled Worker category is for managers, professionals, and workers. Such candidates must possess a minimum of two years of recognized work experience in TEER code 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.

Prospective Skilled Worker candidates must also have a signed job offer letter in a TEER code 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations from a Canadian employer.

2. BC PNP Health Authority

BC PNP Health Authority is for healthcare workers who are currently employed in British Columbia’s healthcare industry. Such candidates must hold a signed job offer letter from a BC Health authority. This job offer can be in any NOC TEER category.

3. BC PNP International Graduate

The BC PNP International Graduate is for international students who recently graduated and hold a degree or diploma from a Canadian University or College. They must have received their education credentials in the last three years. Such candidates must also hold a valid job offer in a TEER 1, 2, or 3 occupation from a Canadian employer.

4. BC PNP International Post-Graduate

The BC PNP International Post-Graduate is for international students who hold a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. from British Columbia University. The candidate’s degree must be in either the health, natural, or applied sciences categories. This stream is unique because candidates don’t require a job offer to meet this PNP eligibility BC.

5. BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled

The BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Category is for people who are currently working for a Canadian employer in an occupation that falls under TEER 4 or 5 categories. These TEER categories generally correspond to occupations in the tourism, hospitality, and food processing industries.

Prospective Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream applicants must have worked for their current employer for at least 9 months and hold a signed official job offer letter from them. They must also hold a valid high school diploma.

CategoryEligibility Criteria
Skilled Worker- Minimum of two years of recognized work experience in NOC TEER code 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
- Signed job offer letter from a Canadian employer in NOC TEER code 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
Health Authority- Currently employed in British Columbia's healthcare industry
- Signed job offer letter from a BC Health authority in any NOC TEER category
International Graduate- Recent graduation with a degree or diploma from a Canadian University or College (within the last three years)
- Valid job offer in NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3 occupations from a Canadian employer
International Post-Graduate- Hold a Master's degree or Ph.D. from a British Columbia University in health, natural, or applied sciences
- No job offer required for this category
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled- Currently working for a Canadian employer in a NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupation (typically in the tourism, hospitality, or food processing industries)
- Minimum of 9 months of work experience with the current employer
- Signed official job offer letter from the employer
- Valid high school diploma
Application Fee: The application processing fee for the BC PNP Skills Immigration stream is $1,150.

Processing Time: The BC PNP Skills Immigration stream has an average processing time of approximately 4 months.

BC PNP Eligibility: Express Entry BC

Many BC PNP Skilled Worker streams have a special Express Entry option. This option allows candidates who meet specific Express Entry criteria to use the system alongside the Provincial Program and get priority in their application’s processing.

1. Express Entry BC – Skilled Worker

EEBC Skilled Worker applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be Eligible for the BC PNP Skilled Worker Stream: The candidate must meet each Skilled Worker stream eligibility requirement mentioned above.
  • Meet the Criteria for Express Entry Programs: The EEBC candidate must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the Federal Express Entry Programs including, Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
  • Meet the Proof of Settlement Funds Requirement: EEBC applicants must show that they have the minimum funds needed to settle in British Columbia. This minimum income requirement is approximately $26,600 for applicants who intend to settle in Vancouver and $22,200 for applicants who plan to settle in other parts of British Columbia.
  • Hold an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code: Express Entry BC applicants must have created an Express Entry profile and have obtained an Express Entry Profile number and a valid Job Seeker Validation Code.

2. Express Entry BC – International Graduate

EEBC International Graduate applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be Eligible for the BC PNP International Graduate Stream: The candidate must meet each International Graduate Stream eligibility requirement mentioned above.
  • Meet the Criteria for Express Entry Programs: The EEBC candidate must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the Federal Express Entry Programs.
  • Meet the Proof of Settlement Funds Requirement (same as mentioned above)
  • Hold an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code

3. Express Entry BC – International Post-Graduate

EEBC International Post-Graduate applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be Eligible for the BC PNP International Post-Graduate Stream: The candidate must meet each International Post-Graduate Stream eligibility requirement mentioned above.
  • Meet the Criteria for Express Entry Programs: The EEBC candidate must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the Federal Express Entry Programs.
  • Meet the Proof of Settlement Funds Requirement
  • Hold an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code

4. Express Entry BC – Health Authority

EEBC Skilled Worker applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be Eligible for the BC PNP Health Authority Stream: The candidate must meet each Health Authority Stream eligibility requirement mentioned above.
  • Meet the Criteria for Express Entry Programs: The EEBC candidate must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the Federal Express Entry Programs.
  • Meet the Proof of Settlement Funds Requirement
  • Hold an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code

Application Fee: The application processing fee for each BC Express Entry stream is $1,150.

Processing Time: The BC PNP Express Entry immigration stream has an average processing time of 2 to 3 months.

Who is Eligible for BC PNP Entrepreneur?

The BC PNP Entrepreneur categories are open to businesspeople and entrepreneurs with the means and willingness to start or purchase and operate businesses in British Columbia. The eligibility for each of these programs is given below.

BC PNP Base Category

  • Work Experience: BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Base Category candidates must hold a minimum of 3 years of business ownership experience. They can also satisfy this requirement if they hold a minimum of 4 years of senior management experience.
  • Net Worth: BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Base Category candidates must have a minimum net worth of $600,000.
  • Minimum Investment: BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Base Category candidates must be capable of investing a minimum of $200,000 toward their British Columbia business.
  • Education: BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Base Category candidates must possess a valid degree or diploma from a recognized College or University. Base Category candidates are exempt from this requirement if they have previously owned and operated a business for a minimum of three years in the last five years.
  • Business Proposal: BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Base Category candidates are required to create and submit a comprehensive business proposal with an application.
  • Business Ownership Share: The BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Base Category applicant must own at least 33% of the business they plan to create or purchase.
  • Job Creation: The BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Base Category applicant’s business must create at least one full-time job for Canadians.

BC PNP Regional Pilot

  • Work Experience: BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Regional Pilot candidates must hold a minimum of 3 years of business ownership experience. They can also fulfill this requirement if they hold a minimum of 4 years of senior management experience.
  • Net Worth: BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Regional Pilot candidates must possess a minimum net worth of $300,000.
  • Minimum Investment: BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Regional Pilot candidates must be willing to invest a minimum of $100,000 toward their British Columbia business.
  • Education: BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Base Category candidates must hold a valid degree or diploma from a recognized College or University. They are exempt from this education requirement only if they have previously owned and operated a business for a minimum of three years in the last five years.
  • Business Proposal: BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Regional Pilot candidates are required to create and submit a comprehensive business proposal for their future British Columbia business venture.
  • Business Ownership Share: The BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Regional Pilot applicant must own at least 51% of their future business.
  • Job Creation: The BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Regional Pilot applicant’s business must create at least one new full-time job for Canadians.
  • Exploratory Visit: The BC PNP entrepreneur immigration Regional Pilot applicant must make an exploratory visit to the British Columbia community before registering and submitting their application.

BC PNP Tech

The BC PNP Tech is a special stream for foreign tech workers with the skills and experience needed to work in the province’s tech sector. Prospective BC PNP Tech applicants must possess valid Canadian immigration status, have a valid job offer from a BC employer, and score a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam.

Application Fee: BC PNP Tech program candidates will need to pay a $1,150 application fee.

Processing Time: The total processing time for BC PNP Tech is 2-3 months.

Application Fee: BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates will need to pay a $300 registration fee and a $3,500 application fee.

Processing Time: The total processing time for BC PNP Entrepreneur immigration is 6 months.

How Can Elaar Immigration Help?

There are plenty of possible ways to move to British Columbia. Consider reviewing each of the programs and streams discussed above and learning which one you are eligible for.

If you want to learn more about moving to British Columbia or need assistance with your application, please contact Elaar Immigration. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants are familiar with the various BC immigration programs and can guide you through the application process for each one.

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