British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP): How It Works
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a route to settle in the province that boasts one of the highest standards of living in Canada. British Columbia prides itself on steady economic growth. Thus, it’s not surprising that the program is heavily based on criteria that boost the province’s economy.
Other benefits of living in British Columbia include social and political stability. Moreover, the health system and infrastructure rank are among the leading in Canada. If you can contribute to the province’s development, there’s a good chance you can apply through this program.
This guide will help you understand the BC PNP application processes and procedures you need to go through.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program From A to Z
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program offers several pathways to the residence, grouped under the following three streams:
Firstly, to apply through any of these, you should create a profile on BC PNP Online.
What do you need to create the profile?
Your personal information (date of birth, name, etc.), passport information, contact information (phone number, email address, etc.), as well as confirm that you do not have an active registration with the BC PNP. Bear in mind that filling in the application is one of the final steps. Assuming you’ve already checked your eligibility, you need to collect the paperwork that proves everything you claim.
Finally, candidates who create profiles are graded against each other on the basis of the SIRS score:
SIRS (Skills Immigration Registration System) Score
| Economic Factors | Adaptability Factors |
| The National Occupational Classification Skill Level | Directly-related work experience |
| Annual wage | Education |
| Location of your potential job in Canada | English language proficiency |
1 – Skills Immigration (SI) Stream
The first stream focuses on the labor market needs by British Columbia employers.
Below is the list showing who can apply for Skilled Immigration Stream, in case s/he fulfills other criteria:
Skilled workers
In this case, applicants ought to have a valid permanent job offer from a B.C. employer. The job has to belong to the NOC Skill Levels required in British Columbia. Most of the jobs in skill type 0, A, and B qualify.
Additionally, the candidate needs at least two years of related working experience. Those who apply for NOC skill type B must prove they can speak and understand English by meeting the Canadian requirements. The Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 or above is enough to satisfy this criterion.
Healthcare professionals
British Columbia accepts health workers who have a full-time job offer from a public health authority in Canada. The occupations include a physician, specialist, psychiatric nurse, and nurse practitioner. Allied health professionals (e.g., clinical pharmacists, physiotherapists, laboratory technicians) also pertain.
International graduates
Immigrants who hold a degree from an official Canadian university or college can apply. The first requirement is that the degree is earned within the last three years. Next, they need to have a permanent job offer in a skilled occupation in NOC skill type 0, A, or B (same as the “Skilled Workers”).
International post-graduates
People who hold a master’s or doctorate degree in the sciences from a British Columbian university or college don’t require a job offer to apply. These degrees have to fall under technology, applied sciences, and health care fields. You can check a complete list of valid degree programs here.
Entry-Level and semi-skilled workers
This sub-category applies to individuals who have a valid permanent job in tourism, long-haul trucking, or food-processing industry. It’s required that they have worked for that employer for at least nine months prior to the application. Also, these candidates need to have legal immigration status in the country.
2 – Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) Stream
Applying for Express Entry Immigration Stream is reasonably straightforward. Criteria mirror that of the Skilled Immigration Stream, with a few exceptions. For instance, some categories of workers are excluded from the EEBC stream.
Here’s who can apply under this pathway:
- Skilled workers
- Healthcare Professionals
- International Graduates
- International Post-Graduates
Evidently, entry-level and semi-skilled workers are not eligible under the Express Entry Stream. So, that’s the biggest difference compared to the first stream. Other than that, the process goes by the same rules. This stream can be faster than the classic Skilled Workers. However, you need to meet the minimum criteria for one of the Express Entry programs to apply.
Once you create the Express Entry Profile, you’ll get the Job Seeker validation code. Afterward, you can register with the BC PNP. Again, this is a SIRS, point-based system that British Columbia uses for selection.
3 – Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Stream
Finally, the third stream presents the ideal opportunity for talented entrepreneurs looking to move to Canada. Above all, its goal is to allow highly competent businesspeople to manage their business in British Columbia. Thus, they would support economic growth in the province.
Once more, it’s required that candidates register to the BC PNP and submit their applications. What is unique about this stream is that you are encouraged to make the so-called “exploratory” visit to the province to learn about business opportunities and the local market. Afterward, you should submit a business proposal for a new business (or purchase an existing one in B.C.), and invest a minimum of CAD $200,000.
Successful applicants are granted a work permit and receive a letter of confirmation for their business plan. However, this is not where the process ends. Moreover, it’s mandatory that you implement your business plan, create job opportunities, and make investments, as stated above. Based on your success, the authorities will create a Final Report. After that, you can apply to become a permanent resident under the Provincial Nominee Program if you meet all the terms and conditions.
Final Words on British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
In summary, successful candidates of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program and their family members enjoy the right to settle in this province. Future residents will benefit from the high quality of life and the world’s top economy. Furthermore, they will have no immigration restrictions and no time limits on their stay.
In short, the BC PNP serves to determine which applicants can contribute to the province to award them residence permits. Now you’re familiar with the various ways to residency, how to apply, and what you can expect.
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