British Columbia
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program BC PNP
British Columbia is recognized for the inimitable natural beauty of its coastlines and mountains, which contribute significantly to its top ranking as one of Canada’s most desirable destinations. The province also benefits from a thriving economy with growing labour needs that make it an attractive location among immigrants looking to be part of this economic success story.
As part of its immigration strategy, the province offers the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). This program provides a pathway for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to settle and contribute to the province’s growth. With its attractive opportunities and high quality of life, the BC PNP has become a sought-after option for individuals seeking to make British Columbia their new home.
Updates coming to the British Columbia provincial nominee program BC PNP
Exciting changes are coming to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), set to begin in January 2025. These updates aim to create clearer and more effective immigration pathways, particularly for recent graduates and skilled workers looking to contribute to B.C.’s vibrant economy.
Key Updates to the BC PNP
- New Graduate-Focused Streams: The BC PNP will introduce specialized streams to better support graduates entering the workforce:
- Bachelor’s Stream: Tailored for recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree from approved institutions, this pathway requires an ongoing, full-time job offer.
- Master’s Stream: Available to master’s degree holders in any field, this stream necessitates a job offer of at least one year in a skilled position.
- Doctorate Stream: Designed for PhD graduates and candidates from public universities in B.C., allowing them to apply directly for nomination.
- Higher Language Requirements: To better prepare nominees for long-term success, the BC PNP will raise its language proficiency standards across most streams. This move aligns with findings that strong English or French skills enhance job performance and economic integration.
- Greater Transparency and Safeguards: One of the goals of these changes is to provide applicants with clearer guidance on eligibility, including the required education and experience levels. This transparency helps prevent misleading practices and empowers applicants with reliable, straightforward information.
These updates underscore the province’s commitment to nurturing a workforce equipped to fill key roles in essential industries like healthcare and technology.
The categories of British Columbia BC PNP immigration program include:
The Skills Immigration Stream within the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) caters to a wide range of individuals including skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates, post-graduates, as well as entry-level and semi-skilled workers.
To be eligible, all applicants must possess a job offer or currently hold a job, with the exception of international post-graduates. This stream provides an avenue for diverse professionals to contribute their expertise and talents to the workforce of British Columbia.
Are you curious about your eligibility to get in Canada? →
Immigration Ranking System
| Factor | Maximum Points | |
| Economic Factors (120) | Skill Level of the B.C. Job Offer | 60 |
| 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 Available Points | 200 |
A. BC Skilled Worker
The stream is designed to target immigrants who have an offer of employment from a BC employer for a skilled occupation. Eligible candidates are assigned points based, and only individuals with the most competitive ranking are invited to apply to the PNP.
B. BC Healthcare Professional
The stream is designed to target immigrants who have an offer of employment from a BC health authority for an eligible occupation in healthcare. If a foreign national meets the requirements for the program, they can apply at any time.
C. BC International Graduate
The stream is designed for recent graduates from Canadian post-secondary educational institutions who have an employment offer from a BC employer. Eligible candidates are assigned points, and only individuals with the most competitive ranking are invited to apply to the PNP.
D. BC International Post-Graduate
The stream is designed for recent graduates who have received a Master’s or Doctoral degree in British Columbia. Only certain schools and programs are eligible for this pathway. If you meet the requirements for the program, you can apply at any time.
Express Entry British Columbia is an immigration program that operates in alignment with the federal government’s Express Entry system, providing eligible applicants with priority processing for their BC PNP (British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program) application and, if nominated, their permanent residence application.
Skill Immigration Catigories are as follows:
and the processing time typically ranges from 2 to 3 months.
Are you curious about your eligibility to get in Canada? →
Application Process for EE System BC
The application process for the EE BC goes as follows:
- The process begins with having a valid Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Then, applicants need to register with the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), allowing B.C. to assess their qualifications, including job, education, location, language ability, and wage, against the provincial labor market needs.
- While candidates for the International Post-Graduate and Healthcare Professional categories can directly apply through BCPNP Online, others must complete the registration with BCPNP Online.
- Based on various factors, applicants receive a registration score and enter a selection pool for their chosen category.
Selected candidates have 30 days to submit their application through BCPNP Online. If chosen, they receive a provincial nomination through the Express Entry system and are required to accept the nomination accordingly.
British Columbia is an excellent place for entrepreneurs who have been successful in their own country and want to start something new. The government has different programs that target foreign nationals or companies with high annual revenues, so it’s worth checking out.
How does BC Entrepreneur works?
CRS Ranking System
| Scoring Sections | Points |
| Self-declared | |
| Experience | 20 |
| Ownership | 4 |
| Net Worth | 12 |
| Total Personal Investment | 20 |
| Jobs | 20 |
| Regional District | 12 |
| Adaptability | 32 |
| Self-declared SUBTOTAL score | 120 |
| Business concept | |
| Commercial Viability | 30 |
| Transferability of Skills | 20 |
| Economic Benefits | 30 |
| Business concept SUBTOTAL score | 80 |
| Maximum Score Available | 200 |
BC Entrepreneur
The stream targets experienced business owners and managers who wish to live in British Columbia permanently. Applicants must demonstrate management experience and personal net worth. Successful applicants can invest in purchasing and managing a new or existing BC business. Then, the applicant becomes eligible for Canadian permanent residence.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
BC Entrepreneur Regional Pilot
The Stream of the BC PNP is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to invest in and manage a business in British Columbia. Applicants must be referred by one of the program’s participating communities in BC.
BC Strategic Projects
It targets successful foreign-owned companies who wish to establish a new branch or operation in BC. Successful companies will be required to transfer key staff to BC to manage their new proposed process. Also, they must prove their ability to generate significant annual revenue. After meeting the requirements, some staff members become eligible for permanent residence.
BC PNP Tech
BC PNP Tech is designed for skilled foreign nationals working in one of BC’s fast-paced tech occupations. The Tech program aligns with Skills Immigration, so interested applicants should review the various streams within this category to find their best fit and qualified immigration option.
BC PNP Eligible Occupations
| NOC Code | Job Title |
| 0131 | Telecommunication carriers managers |
| 0213 | Computer and information systems managers |
| 2171 | Information systems analysts and consultants |
| 2131 | Civil engineers |
| 2132 | Mechanical engineers |
| 2133 | Electrical and electronics engineers |
| 0512 | Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts |
| 2134 | Chemical engineers |
| 2147 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
| 2172 | Database analysts and data administrators |
Job Offer Requirements
The program has unique job offer requirements. Your job offer must be for any in-demand occupations to qualify for the program. If the applicant already works for the employer, they must have at least 120 days remaining in that position time of application submission.