Immigrate to Canada through British Columbia Provincial Nominee Programs (BC PNPs). Start with a free assessment to check your eligibility.
Overview
British Columbia is among Canada’s most vibrant provinces. Just like other provinces of Canada, British Columbia has its own Provincial Nominee Program known as BC PNP. Thousands of immigrants move to this West Coast province through British Columbia Provincial Nominee Nominee Programs. This guide will examine different programs currently being offered by the province.
Types of BC PNP Programs
Each British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program falls under two streams:
- Skills Immigration: This stream includes multiple BC PNP Programs for foreign skilled workers who want to move to British Columbia and apply for permanent residence.
- Entrepreneur Immigration: BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration pathways allow business professionals, investors, and senior executives to set up a business, work and move to BC province of Canada.
Note: Some of these programs are also part of the Express Entry BC – EEBC immigration route.
BC PNP Skills Immigration
British Columbia aims to attract skilled immigrants to the province through the Skill Immigration category programs. These British Columbia PNP program options are suited for workers and recent education program graduates who possess the skills, education, and/or experience to benefit BC’s economy. The programs under the BC PNP Skills Immigration Category are as follows:
1. BC PNP Tech
This program is for employers in British Columbia’s tech industry who wish to recruit foreign workers. Such employers can hire these workers and help them immigrate only if there are no Canadian residents or permanent residents available to fill the position.
BC PNP Tech ensures that B.C. can continue to attract and retain the talent required to sustain and grow the province’s technology economy.
2. SI - Skilled Worker
This program is for skilled workers in professional, technical, management, trades, or other occupations who possess a valid Canadian job offer and wish to settle in British Columbia.
3. SI - Health Authority Category
This program is for foreign workers with a job offer who work for a health authority in British Columbia. This includes professionals such as physicians, nurses, and midwives.
4. Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS)
This program offers an immigration route for workers in specific occupations in the following industries:
- Long-haul trucking
- Tourism and hospitality
- Healthcare
- Food processing
5. International Graduate
This program is for individuals that have graduated from a Canadian College or University and possess a job offer from a recognized Canadian employer. For this, an applicant must earn a degree, diploma, or certificate from an approved post-secondary school in Canada.
Please see the Program Guide for more information on the degrees, diplomas, and certifications that are eligible.
6. International Post-Graduate
This program offers an immigration pathway for individuals that have graduated with a degree in engineering or science from a British Columbia College or University.
Note that most of these programs fall under the Express Entry BC immigration route, with the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) and BC PNP Tech being the only exceptions that do not follow Express Entry.
Applicants who intend to apply through one of the EEBC-aligned programs should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for one of the Federal Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skills Class, or the Canadian Experience Class.
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration
British Columbia aims to attract foreign entrepreneurs and business people who can invest in and operate businesses in the province. Such businesses help create jobs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents and therefore benefit the economy. This BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration category contains the following three streams:
- Base Category
- Regional Pilot
- Strategic Projects
1. EI Base Category
This program offers an immigration route for foreign entrepreneurs who intend to set up a new business or buy a pre-existing one and operate it in British Columbia.
BC uses a points-based online system to choose the highest-ranked investors with the most economically feasible company ideas from the pool.
2. EI Regional Pilot
This program is for foreign entrepreneurs who intend to set up a new business in a specific British Columbia community with local support. This business must benefit the community’s economy and align with its development goals.
3. EI Strategic Projects
This program is for foreign companies that plan to set up a branch or subsidiary location in British Columbia. This category allows international firms to move important personnel with corporate knowledge and skills to British Columbia on a permanent basis.
General Requirements for BC PNP
Prospective applicants who intend to apply for immigration through a BC Provincial Nominee Program should thoroughly understand the BC PNP requirements. Each program has distinct requirements, so prospective candidates must ensure they meet them before applying.
1. Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS)
BC PNP Skills Immigration has five different categories, skilled worker, international graduate, International post-graduate, healthcare authority, and, entry-level, semi-skilled worker. Out of these, two categories, i.e. skilled worker and international graduate, are applicable to apply for the BC PNP Tech.
Maximum Points (190 Points)
The table below shows the maximum points an individual can get as per the SIRS for the BC PNP Tech program.
| Scoring Factors | Scoring Sections | Max. Points |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Factors (110) | Skill Level of the B.C. Job Offer | 50 |
| Wage of the B.C. Job Offer | 50 | |
| Regional District of Employment | 10 | |
| Human Capital Factors (80) | Directly Related Work Experience | 25 |
| Highest Level of Education | 25 | |
| Language | 30 | |
| Total Points Available | 190 | |
Economic Factors (110 Points)
Economic factors constitute the bulk of the points for the BC PNP Tech program. These include factors related to the job offer, including annual wage, skill levels, and the regional district of the job offer.
Candidates with a job offer in certain districts receive higher points. There are also additional points if the candidate is presently working with the organization that has made the job offer. Also, candidates receive high marks if the occupation is on the list of high-demand occupations for BC or the occupation is among top management positions.
| Skill Level of the B.C. Job Offer | Max. Points |
|---|---|
| NOC Skill Level A (including Skill Type 0) | 25 |
| NOC Skill Level B | 10 |
| NOC Skill Level C | 5 |
| NOC Skill Level D | 5 |
| Additional points: | |
| Occupation is a “00” NOC | 15 |
| Currently working full-time in B.C. for the employer in the occupation identified in the BC PNP registration | 10 |
| Maximum Score Available | 50 |
| Annual Wage of the B.C. Job Offer | Points |
|---|---|
| $100,000 and above | 50 |
| $97,500 to $99,999 | 38 |
| $95,000 to $97,499 | 37 |
| $92,500 to $94,999 | 36 |
| $90,000 to $92,499 | 35 |
| $87,500 to $89,999 | 34 |
| $85,000 to $87,499 | 33 |
| $82,500 to $84,999 | 32 |
| $80,000 to $82,499 | 31 |
| $77,500 to $79,999 | 30 |
| $75,000 to $77,499 | 29 |
| $72,500 to $74,999 | 28 |
| $70,000 to $72,499 | 27 |
| $67,500 to $69,999 | 26 |
| $65,000 to $67,499 | 25 |
| $62,500 to $64,999 | 24 |
| $60,000 to $62,499 | 23 |
| $57,500 to $59,999 | 22 |
| $55,000 to $57,499 | 21 |
| $52,500 to $54,999 | 20 |
| $50,000 to $52,499 | 19 |
| $47,500 to $49,999 | 18 |
| $45,000 to $47,499 | 17 |
| $42,500 to $44,999 | 16 |
| $40,000 to $42,499 | 15 |
| $38,750 to $39,999 | 14 |
| $37,500 to $38,749 | 13 |
| $36,250 to $37,499 | 12 |
| $35,000 to $36,249 | 11 |
| $33,750 to $34,999 | 10 |
| $32,500 to $33,749 | 9 |
| $31,250 to $32,499 | 8 |
| $30,000 to $31,249 | 7 |
| $28,750 to $29,999 | 6 |
| $27,500 to $28,749 | 5 |
| $26,250 to $27,499 | 4 |
| $25,000 to $26,249 | 3 |
| Less than $25,000 | 0 |
| Maximum Score Available | 50 |
| Regional District of Employment | Points |
|---|---|
| Stikine, Central Coast, Northern Rockies, Mount Waddington, SkeenaQueen Charlotte, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Kootenay-Boundary, Alberni-Clayoquot | 10 |
| Kitimat-Stikine, Bulkley-Nechako, Squamish-Lillooet, Strathcona, Columbia-Shuswap, East Kootenay | 8 |
| Peace River, Comox Valley, Cariboo, Central Kootenay | 6 |
| Okanagan-Similkameen, Cowichan Valley, North Okanagan, Fraser-Fort George | 4 |
| Thompson-Nicola, Nanaimo, Central Okanagan | 2 |
| Capital, Fraser Valley | 2 |
| Metro Vancouver | 0 |
| Maximum Score Available | 10 |
Work Experience (25 Points)
Individuals who want to apply for the BC PNP Tech program must show relevant industry experience. The applicant’s work experience should directly relate to the job offer. Fresh international graduates with no work experience are not eligible for the program. Applicants will receive additional points if they have resided in Canada for at least one year before applying for the British Columbia tech program.
| Directly Related Work Experience in the Occupation of B.C. Job Offer | Points |
|---|---|
| 60+ months | 15 |
| 48 to 59 months | 12 |
| 36 to 47 months | 9 |
| 24 to 35 months | 6 |
| 12 months to 23 months | 3 |
| Less than 12 months | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Additional points: | |
| At least 1 year of directly related experience in Canada | 10 |
| Maximum Score Available | 25 |
Education Points (25 Points)
The education credentials of the applicant should also relate to the tech position. BC PNP Tech sector positions generally require post-secondary education. The degree must be directly related to the profession.
Candidates will receive additional points for post-secondary education in Canada, particularly in British Columbia. Moreover, there are additional points if the candidates have got an educational assessment from a qualified institution. Individuals with Industry Training Authority British Columbia (ITAB) certification also get additional points.
| Education Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Master’s or Doctorate/PhD | 17 |
| Post-Graduate Certificate or Diploma* | 11 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 11 |
| Post-secondary Diploma/Certificate (Trades)** | 11 |
| Associate Degree | 4 |
| Post-secondary Diploma/Certificate (Non-trades) | 2 |
| Secondary School (High School) or Less | 0 |
| Additional points: (NOTE: you can only receive additional points for ONE of the following) | |
| Post-secondary education completed in B.C. | 8 |
| Post-secondary education completed in Canada (outside of B.C.) | 6 |
| Educational Credential Assessment from a qualified supplier | 4 |
| Successfully completed the a (ITABC’s) challenge certification process | 4 |
| Maximum Score Available | 25 |
Language Points (30 Points)
The applicant should demonstrate suitable language proficiency in English or French. The mark requirements and criteria for the BC PNP program change over time. Contact a Canadian immigration agent to know about the minimum passing marks to qualify for the Tech program.
| Canadian Language Benchmark Level (CLB) | Points |
|---|---|
| 10+ | 30 |
| 9 | 26 |
| 8 | 22 |
| 7 | 18 |
| 6 | 14 |
| 5 | 10 |
| 4 | 6 |
| Below 4 | 0 |
| No test | 0 |
| Maximum Score Available | 30 |
2. Intention to Live in BC
Applicants must intend to reside, work, and settle in British Columbia. This evidence could include the following:
- the length of any prior and/or ongoing residence in British Columbia;
- work, education, or familial ties to British Columbia; and/or
- a list of any steps done to settle in British Columbia, such as getting a job or a place to live.
3. Provide Economic Benefit to BC
The applicant’s presence in British Columbia must economically benefit the province. They can meet this requirement if they:
- Help maintain or create jobs for Canadians
- Transfer their skills and knowledge to Canadians
- Support new product development
- Contribute to the workforce for a significant project
4. Valid Immigration Status in Canada
The BC PNP will not nominate a candidate if:
- The candidate is living in Canada out of status.
- Illegally Working in Canada
- Have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada
- The candidate is under a removal order in or outside of Canada or requires an Authorization to
Return to Canada.
5. Language Requirements
- Applicants must possess a minimum language proficiency score of CLB 4 on a recognized language test if their job offer is for an occupation that falls under NOC level B.
- There is no language proficiency requirement for applicants whose job offer is for an occupation under NOC level 0 or A.
Additional requirements apply to all BC PNP Skills Immigration categories that require a job offer:
6. Signed Job Offer Letter
Most BC PNP Skills Immigration and EEBC categories require to submit a signed job offer letter
from an eligible B.C. employer.
- Your occupation must be eligible under the category you selected.
- The job offer must be full-time employment (30 hours per week, year-round).
- It needs to be signed and dated by a BC Employer or a person who is authorized to hire employees in the company.
- The offer letter must be signed and dated by the candidate confirming the acceptance of the job offer.
- The candidate must be appointed on a continuous basis.
7. Income Requirements
Applicants must earn a minimum annual income of $26,426 CAD if their job is in Metro Vancouver Regional District. This requirement is $22,024 CAD if their job is in other parts of British Columbia.
8. Wages
Applicants must be offered a wage rate that is comparable to the wages paid to Canadian citizens and permanent residents with similar education, experience, and training.
9. Qualifications
- The applicant must be qualified to perform the duties for the occupation their job offer is in.
- If the offered employment requires obligatory certification, licensing, or registration, you must submit proof to the BC PNP at the time of application.
- You will have to demonstrate that you fulfill these requirements, or that you will achieve them soon.
10. Employer Requirements
A candidate needs the support of an eligible employer to come to Canada through the BC Provincial Nominee Program’s Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC streams. Your employer will have to meet specific requirements to be able to maintain your application.
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Step-By-Step Process: Skills Immigration
The general process for the Skills Immigration category is described below.
1. Submit Registration
Applicants must first create their online profile using the BCPNP Online portal. This registration process is not necessary for Health Authority and International Post-Graduate category applicants.
BC PNP applicants will then be entered into a pool of candidates and chosen based on their Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) score. This BC PNP point system helps filter out the most desirable candidates.
2. Invitation to Apply
Successful BC PNP candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and will need to complete an application through the BC PNP Online System within thirty days, pay BC PNP fees, and submit supporting documents.
3. Nomination
The province will nominate successful candidates for permanent residence. They will also receive additional points for their Express Entry application.
4. Applying for Permanent Residence
- Applicants can then apply for permanent residence through one of the Federal programs under the Express Entry system.
- Applicants should note that the BC PNP processing time for the Skills Immigration category is approximately three months.
Step-By-Step Process: Entrepreneur Immigration
The application process for the Entrepreneur Immigration category is summarized below:
- Make an exploratory visit to British Columbia
- Register with the BC PNP and enter the pool of candidates.
- Submit the application after being selected.
- Obtain a work permit and come to BC to implement the business plan.
- Receive a nomination after fulfilling conditions and terms in the Business Performance Agreement.
- Apply for permanent residence through IRCC.
How ELAAR can help you?
Prospective immigrants who wish to immigrate to British Columbia through any of the programs mentioned above should contact our experts. Our exceptional team of Regulated Immigration Consultants understands the British Columbia PNP requirements. They can assess your British Columbia PNP eligibility and optimize your application. Make your journey to Canada easier under the guidance of the experts at Elaar Immigration by contacting us today.
Immigrate to Canada through BC PNP Pathways
Move to Canada as a skilled worker, tech worker, or entrepreneur through British Columbia’s BC PNP Programs.
