BC PNP and Express Entry: How to Combine the Two Programs

Canada’s Federal Express Entry system and British Columbia Provincial Nominee Programs (BC PNP) are both popular immigration routes for prospective immigrants. While most Canadian immigrant applicants choose one over the other, it is also possible to combine them for added benefits.

In this guide, we will dive deep into the process, intricacies, and remarkable benefits of uniting Express Entry and BC PNP. Together, we’ll explore how this synergy can maximize your chances of securing Canada PR Visa and provide you with an edge in realizing your dreams.

Let’s First Understand BC PNP

The BC Provincial Nominee Program is a set of immigration streams for prospective immigrants who intend to settle in British Columbia. It includes streams for skilled workers, international graduates, farmers, and entrepreneurs.

BC PNP Requirements

The BC PNP Skills Immigration streams are the most popular among these. The requirements for each stream are unique. However, all Skills Immigration programs share the following general requirements for candidates:

• Demonstrate your intention to live in British Columbia
• Present an economic benefit to the province
• Possess valid immigration status. Applicable only if you are already present in Canada
• Score a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam. Candidates with job offers in occupations that fall under NOC TEER 0 or 1 are exempt from this requirement
• Possess a valid job offer for a full-time BC occupation
• Possess the qualifications required for the job the candidate has been offered
• Meet minimum income requirements

BC PNP Process

The BC PNP application process consists of the following steps:

• Determine your eligibility
• Register a BC PNP Expression of Interest
• Receive your Provincial Nominee Certificate
• Submit your Canada PR application
• Receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence

BC PNP Advantages

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) offers several advantages for prospective immigrants. Firstly, it provides a pathway for individuals with specific skills and work experience that are in high demand in the province.

The BC PNP allows candidates to earn additional points in the Express Entry system, increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Moreover, the program offers various streams tailored to different categories, including skilled workers, entrepreneurs, international graduates, and more.

BC PNP also allows for faster processing times compared to federal programs, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient immigration process for applicants.

Understanding Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration system designed to facilitate the selection and admission of skilled foreign workers who wish to become permanent residents.

This comprehensive and user-friendly online system manages the applications for three key economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For individuals with the necessary education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors to contribute to the Canadian economy.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople who possess valid job offers or provincial/territorial certifications in a skilled trade.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have acquired Canadian work experience and wish to settle permanently.

Express Entry Requirements

Each Express Entry program has unique requirements. The general ones applicable to all three are:

• Possess a minimum of 1 year of work experience in a skilled occupation. You must have gained this work experience in the last 10 years.
• Demonstrate your language proficiency by obtaining a minimum score on an approved language proficiency exam.
• Have completed College or University level education

Express Entry Application Process

The Express Entry application process is summarized below:

• Check your eligibility
• Create and submit an Express Entry profile
• Receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA)
• Submit your PR application
• Complete a police verification and medical examination
• Receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence

Express Entry Advantages

• Transparent and merit-based selection process.
• Fast processing times (within six months).
• Flexibility to live and work anywhere in Canada.
• Additional points for provincial nominations.
• Direct connection with Canadian employers through the Job Bank.
• Recognition of spousal/partner factors for additional points.
• Pathways for international graduates to transition to permanent residency.
• No mandatory job offer requirement.
• A Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) allows candidates to assess eligibility.
• Opportunities for skilled workers in various occupations to immigrate to Canada.

Combining BC PNP and Express Entry

You can combine the BC PNP with Express Entry to reap the benefits that both immigration routes offer. This approach applies to the following BC PNP programs in the Skills Immigration stream.

• BC PNP Skilled Worker Category
• BC PNP Health Authority
• BC PNP International Post Graduates Category
• BC PNP International Graduates Category

Express Entry BC Requirements

You can apply for the Express Entry BC route if you meet each of the following requirements:

• Be eligible for one of the Express Entry-linked BC PNP programs.
• Possess a Provincial nomination.
• Be eligible for at least one Federal Express Entry program.
• Possess an active Express Entry profile.

How Does Combining BC PNP With Express Entry Work?

You must follow the steps summarized below when applying for EEBC:

• Create an Express Entry profile and obtain a Job Seeker code.
• Register under the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) if you are applying through the Skilled Worker or International Graduate stream. You must apply through the BC PNP portal directly if you are applying under the Healthcare or International Post-Graduate categories.
• Receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA)
• Complete and submit your permanent residence application
• Receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence

Advantages of Combining Express Entry With BC PNP

The main advantage of using the EEBC route is that it is faster than the ordinary BC PNP route. The BC PNP route normally takes 24 months. This includes the 2 to 3 months it takes to get a provincial nomination and the 19 months it takes the Federal Government to process your PR application.

If you combine it with Express Entry, you can make it into Canada in as little as 10 months. This includes the 6 months it takes the Federal Government to process Express Entry PR applications.

Such entrepreneurs can demonstrate their planning skills, experience, and commitment to operating a business by creating a robust business plan. The business plan essentially serves as an in-depth business pitch that prospective entrepreneurs can present to IRCC’s officers.

Tips for a Successful Application

Applying through EEBC means you will need to satisfy both Provincial and Federal requirements. For this reason, you should be careful to avoid making any mistakes and submit a strong application package.

Common EEBC Mistakes to Avoid

Some common EEBC mistakes to avoid include:

Failing to Meet Both BC PNP and Express Entry Requirements: As an EEBC candidate, you must meet the requirements for both the BC PNP program you are applying under and at least one Express Entry program. Attempting to apply for EEBC without satisfying this criterion will lead to your application being rejected.

Leaving Out Documents: You must provide many documents with your BC PNP and PR application. This includes:

• Job offer letter
• A detailed job description

Forgetting to Sign the Forms: You will need to fill out numerous forms as part of the EEBC application process. You must sign each of these forms in specific places. Forgetting to do so will cause your application to be delayed or even rejected.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Here are some tips to prepare a strong application.

1. Double-Check Information and Provide Detailed Answers: You should always double-check the information you are entering in each form section. This will ensure there are no inconsistencies.

You should also strive to provide detailed answers wherever applicable. It is worth researching what details the BC PNP and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada officers seek when reviewing applications.

2. Complete Necessary Tasks Beforehand: It is vital to perform certain tasks such as completing an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) or obtaining a job offer letter before submitting your application. These tasks can take several weeks or even months to complete, so you should have such documents ready before applying.

Other steps, such as the medical exam and police clearance must be conducted only after the Government asks you to. So you don’t need to focus on these yet.

Review Your Application With a Professional’s Assistance: One of the smartest things you can do is have your application reviewed by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before submitting it.

These professionals have studied Canada’s immigration programs and understand how immigration officers assess applications. Therefore, they can spot any issues or weaknesses that could jeopardize your chance of being chosen.

As you can see, people favor the BC PNP Express Entry route for its efficiency and simple requirements. If you’re planning to apply for Canadian immigration through this route, please reach out to Elaar Immigration.

Our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants can assess whether this immigration route is the optimal one for you. They can then guide you through the EEBC application process with confidence.