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.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program BC PNP

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.

Immigration Ranking System

FactorMaximum Points
Economic Factors (120)Skill Level of the B.C. Job Offer60
Wage of the B.C. Job Offer50
Regional District of Employment10
Human Capital Factors (80)Directly Related Work Experience25
Highest Level of Education25
Language30
Total Available Points200

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:

  • Skilled Worker.
  • Health Care Professional.
  • International Graduate.
  • and International Post-Graduate categories.

and the processing time typically ranges from 2 to 3 months.

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?

  • For the Entrepreneur Immigration Categories under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), applicants must register and submit a concise business concept through BCPNP Online.
  • Based on the provided information, candidates are assigned a score and placed in the qualified pool. Periodically, those with the highest scores are invited to apply.
  • If invited, applicants have four months to submit a comprehensive application through BCPNP Online. Additionally, their personal net worth is reviewed by a BC PNP-authorized accounting firm.
  • Successful candidates are granted a two-year work permit, enabling them to establish their business in British Columbia. They are given up to 20 months to implement their business plan and can then apply for a provincial nomination from BC and permanent residence.
  • For the Strategic Projects Category, companies and their key staff must ensure eligibility before proceeding.
  • An exploratory visit to British Columbia is required to familiarize oneself with the local business environment, followed by contacting BC PNP to discuss the business proposal.
  • The company’s interest to apply is registered, providing details such as the company information, proposed investment in BC, and qualifications of the key staff.
  • BC PNP reviews the registration, and if successful, an invitation to apply is extended, requiring submission within 90 days.
  • Upon approval, each key staff member and the company must sign a corporate Performance Agreement with the province.
  • Work permit support letters are issued to each staff member, allowing them to apply for a work permit through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
  • After arriving in Canada and fulfilling obligations as per the Performance Agreement, a final report must be submitted to BC PNP.
  • Upon receiving the provincial nomination, applicants have 180 days to submit their permanent residence application with IRCC.

CRS Ranking System

Scoring SectionsPoints
Self-declared
Experience20
Ownership4
Net Worth12
Total Personal Investment20
Jobs20
Regional District12
Adaptability32
Self-declared SUBTOTAL score120
Business concept
Commercial Viability30
Transferability of Skills20
Economic Benefits30
Business concept SUBTOTAL score80
Maximum Score Available200

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.

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 CodeJob Title
0131Telecommunication carriers managers
0213Computer and information systems managers
2171Information systems analysts and consultants
2131Civil engineers
2132Mechanical engineers
2133Electrical and electronics engineers
0512Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
2134Chemical engineers
2147Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
2172Database 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.

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