British Columbia Skills Immigration
The B.C. The skilled worker program is one of the numerous immigration programs included within the BC PNP, a PNP managed by the province of British Columbia. Skilled Worker nominates the proposal of foreigners who get an offer of a job and a high probability of contributing to the B.C. labor organization.
Eligible applicants are allocated points based on the B.C. Skills Immigration Ranking System (SIRS), and only people with the highest ranking are welcomed to connect to the PNP.
General Requirements for the British Columbia Skills Immigration
Apart from fulfilling the specific criteria relevant to their category of application, candidates must also satisfy the overarching prerequisites for the BC Skills Immigration Stream.
- Unless specified otherwise, individuals applying through the Skills Immigration stream must adhere to the following conditions:
- They must have accepted an indefinite, full-time job offer in an eligible occupation at a wage consistent with industry standards and comparable to rates offered by employers in British Columbia, except for those in the Skills Immigration: International Post-Graduate category and BC PNP Tech Pilot registrants.
- Candidates must possess the qualifications required for the offered position, as determined by the BC PNP referencing the National Occupational Classification (NOC), Work BC, or industry standards.
- Those with a job offer for an occupation classified under NOC level 0 or A are exempt from providing valid language test results. However, the BC PNP reserves the right to request such results to ascertain language proficiency if necessary for the role or if language points are claimed during registration.
- Proficiency in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 is mandatory for occupations classified under NOC levels B, C, or D.
- An ownership or equity stake exceeding 10% in the British Columbia company offering the job within the five years preceding the application and throughout the BC PNP application process is not permitted.
- The employment of applicants should contribute to the economic benefit of British Columbia, such as through knowledge and skills transfer, workforce development for major projects, job creation or retention for Canadians, or support for the development of innovative products.
- Candidates must meet the minimum income requirements and submit a complete application along with the $700 application fee upon invitation.
- The employment of applicants must not negatively impact the resolution of labor disputes or hinder the training or employment opportunities of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
When will it be decided that the candidate is ineligible?
Candidates will be ineligible for nomination if they:
- Are barred from entering Canada.
- Are currently in Canada without legal status.
- Fail to demonstrate that they have applied for restoration of status within the 90-day eligibility period after their status has expired.
- Are working in Canada without authorization.
- Have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada.
- Are under a removal order in Canada or elsewhere.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Skilled Worker Category Overview
This classification is accessible to individuals possessing post-secondary education or training, coupled with work experience in a skilled occupation.
Minimum Criteria for Applicants
In addition to fulfilling the general prerequisites for the BC Skills Immigration Stream, eligible candidates under the Skilled Worker Category must:
Job Offer Requirement:
- Receive an offer of indefinite, full-time employment from an eligible B.C. employer, except for BC PNP Tech Pilot registrants.
- The job offer must pertain to an occupation classified as NOC level 0, A, or B.
Language Proficiency:
- For NOC level B occupations, applicants must exhibit sufficient language proficiency in English or French by providing language test results with a minimum CLB score of 4 in all competencies.
- Language test results are optional for NOC level 0 or A occupations unless language points are claimed, but may be requested by the BC PNP.
Work experience requirement:
- Possess a minimum of two years of directly related full-time (or equivalent) work experience in the offered skilled occupation, along with meeting the position’s credential and qualification requirements if applicable.
- Directly related work experience is defined as paid employment classified under the same NOC code as the job offer accepted by the applicant in British Columbia. Experience in a related occupation at an equal or higher NOC skill level may also be considered if sufficiently demonstrated.
Language Requirements:
- Meet the language requirements specified for their classified occupation.
Financial Capability:
- Demonstrate the ability to meet minimum income requirements and cover housing and living expenses in British Columbia by providing details such as annual wage, residential location within the province, and the number of dependents.
Employer Requirements:
- Additionally, the employer extending the job offer to the BC PNP candidate must meet the BC PNP minimum requirements for employers.
Healthcare Professional Category Overview
This category is designed for individuals seeking opportunities in healthcare professions within British Columbia.
Minimum Criteria for Applicants
In addition to fulfilling the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Stream, eligible applicants under the Healthcare Professional Category must:
Job Offer Requirement:
- Receive an offer of indefinite, full-time employment from an eligible B.C. public health authority in one of the following fields:
- Physician;
- Specialist;
- Registered nurse;
- Registered psychiatric nurse;
- Nurse practitioner; or
- Allied health professionals, such as:
- Diagnostic medical sonographer;
- Clinical pharmacist;
- Medical laboratory technologist;
- Medical radiation technologist;
- Occupational therapist; or
- Physiotherapist.
- For midwives, applicants must be registered with the College of Midwives of British Columbia and provide a letter of confirmation from an established practice group in British Columbia confirming their acceptance into the group as an affiliated midwife for a minimum of six months. This letter must be on the practice group’s official letterhead and signed by both the applicant and the head of the practice group.
Work experience requirement:
- Possess a minimum of two years of directly related full-time (or equivalent) work experience in the offered skilled occupation, along with meeting the position’s credential and qualification requirements if applicable.
- Directly related work experience is defined as paid employment classified under the same NOC code as the job offer accepted by the applicant in British Columbia. Experience in a related occupation at an equal or higher NOC skill level may also be considered if sufficiently demonstrated.
Language Proficiency:
- For NOC level B occupations, demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in English or French by submitting language test results showing a minimum score of benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all competencies.
- Language test results are not required for NOC level 0 or A occupations but may be requested at the discretion of the BC PNP.
Financial Capability:
- Demonstrate the ability to meet minimum income requirements and cover housing and living expenses in British Columbia by providing details such as annual wage, residential location within the province, and the number of dependents.
International Graduate Category Overview
This category caters to international students who have recently graduated from a Canadian university or college and are seeking opportunities in British Columbia.
Minimum Criteria for Applicants
In addition to fulfilling the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Stream, eligible applicants under the International Graduate Category must:
Job Offer Requirement:
- Obtain an offer of indefinite, full-time employment for an occupation classified as NOC level 0, A, or B from an eligible B.C. employer, except for BC PNP Tech Pilot registrants.
Educational Background:
- Hold a degree, diploma, or certificate from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada within three years of the completion date indicated on the official transcript.
- Eligible qualifications include an undergraduate or graduate degree from a Canadian post-secondary institution or a diploma from an eligible public post-secondary institution in Canada. Diplomas from private institutions are not eligible.
- Diploma programs must consist of at least eight months (two semesters) of full-time equivalent coursework. Programs with more than one-quarter co-op work or an internship are not eligible.
Work experience and qualifications:
- Applicants must possess the credentials and qualification requirements of the offered position, if applicable.
Financial Capability:
- Provide evidence of their ability to support themselves and their dependents in Canada, including details such as income and employment prospects, their intended residence location in British Columbia, and information on the number of dependents.
Language Proficiency:
- For NOC level B, C, or D occupations, demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in English or French by submitting language test results showing a minimum score of benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all competencies.
- Language test results are not mandatory for NOC level 0 and A occupations unless language points are claimed, but may be requested by the BC PNP at its discretion.
International Post-Graduate Category Overview
This category is tailored for individuals who have achieved a master’s or doctoral degree in the natural, applied, or health sciences from an institution in British Columbia.
Minimum Criteria for Applicants
In addition to fulfilling the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Stream, eligible applicants under the International Post-Graduate Category must:
Educational Qualification:
- Possess a master’s or doctoral degree from an eligible British Columbia institution within the three years preceding the application to the BC PNP.
- Eligible fields include, but are not limited to:
- Agriculture, agriculture operations, and related sciences
- Biological and biomedical sciences
- Computer and information sciences and support services
- Engineering
- Engineering technology and engineering-related fields
- Health professions and related programs
- Mathematics and statistics
- Natural resources conservation
- Physical sciences
Intent to Reside in British Columbia:
- Provide evidence demonstrating an intention to permanently reside in British Columbia, such as:
- Length of current or previous periods of residence in B.C.
- Connections to B.C. through work, study, or family
- Settlement activities undertaken (job search, finding a place to live)
- Current employment in B.C.
- Employment search details (prospective employers, applications, networking efforts)
- Community involvement
- Financial self-sufficiency in B.C.
- Plan to obtain or maintain legal authorization to work in B.C.
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Category Overview
This category is designed for individuals currently residing and working in British Columbia in eligible occupations within specific industries or in NOC skill level C or D occupations in the Northeast Development Region of the province.
Minimum Criteria for Applicants
In addition to fulfilling the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Stream, eligible applicants under the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Category must:
Job Offer Requirement:
- Obtain an offer of indefinite, full-time employment from an eligible B.C. employer in an eligible occupation.
Employment Experience:
- Have worked full-time in an ELSS-eligible occupation for at least nine consecutive months immediately before applying with the same BC employer supporting the application.
- Individuals working in the Northeast Development Region of British Columbia in any C or D-level occupation may also be eligible for this category. Eligibility in this region is not restricted to specific industries.
Employment Maintenance:
- Maintain full-time employment throughout the application process.
- If no longer eligible to work for the supporting employer when receiving an Invitation to Apply for the BC PNP, applicants may still submit an application as long as they met the conditions at the time of registration and the job offer remains valid throughout the process.
Financial Capability:
- Demonstrate the ability to meet minimum income requirements and cover housing and living expenses in British Columbia by providing details such as annual wage, location of residence in the province, and the number of dependents. Applicants must have a history of meeting this requirement for the previous nine months in the position.
Education and Licensing:
- Have completed secondary education and any licensing or certification required for the job.
Additional Requirements for Long-Haul Truck Drivers:
- Hold a valid B.C. Class 1 driver’s license, air brake endorsement, and any other required certifications, such as certification for transporting dangerous goods.
Language Proficiency:
- Submit language proficiency test results demonstrating proficiency in English at least equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in all components (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
ELSS Eligible Occupations
Occupations in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry:
- 6525: Hotel Front Desk Clerks
- 6531: Tour and Travel Guides
- 6532: Outdoor Sport and Recreational Guides
- 6533: Casino Occupations
- 6511: Maîtres d’hôtel and Hosts/Hostesses
- 6512: Bartenders
- 6513: Food and Beverage Servers
- 6711: Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Occupations
- 6731: Light Duty Cleaners
- 6732: Specialized Cleaners
- 6733: Janitors, Caretakers, and Building Superintendents
- 6721: Support Occupations in Accommodation, Travel, and Facilities Set-Up Services
- 6741: Dry Cleaning, Laundry, and Related Occupations
- 6742: Other Service Support Occupations
Occupations in the Food Processing Industry:
- 9461: Process Control and Machine Operators, Food and Beverage Processing
- 9462: Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters, Poultry Preparers, and Related Workers
- 9463: Fish and Seafood Plant Workers
- 9465: Testers and Graders, Food, Beverage, and Associated Products Processing
- 9617: Laborers in Food, Beverage, and Associated Products Processing
- 9618: Laborers in Fish and Seafood Processing
Occupations in the Trucking Industry:
- 7511: Long-Haul Truck Driver
Employer Eligibility Criteria
Employers intending to hire a candidate through the BC PNP must adhere to the following prerequisites:
- The business must be established in British Columbia and operational for a minimum of one year (two years for candidates under the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category, including those in the Northeast Development Region of B.C.).
- The business must have existing permanent, full-time employees.
- Businesses situated in the Greater Vancouver Regional District must employ at least five permanent, full-time employees (or equivalent) in B.C., while those outside this district must have a minimum of three such employees.
- A track record of sound business practices must be demonstrated by the employer.
- The offered wage must meet industry standards.
- Domestic labor market recruitment requirements must be met, showcasing recruitment efforts for the vacant position during periods when the candidate is not authorized to work.
- An employer declaration affirming compliance with these requirements is mandatory.
- A written job offer on official company letterhead must be provided, meeting specific criteria:
- Signed and dated by both the employer and applicant.
- Inclusive of job duties description, pay rate, working hours (minimum 30 hours per week), statement of permanency and full-time nature (excluding BC PNP Tech Pilot registrants), additional benefits, and any relevant collective bargaining agreements.
- Deductions from pay for recruitment or immigration fees are prohibited.
- The offered wage must align with market rates and be comparable to the average salary for the respective occupation in British Columbia.
- Individuals initially hired through a labor market opinion must receive a wage equal to or higher than that specified in the labor market opinion.
What are the income requirements?
- Applicants must ensure that their annual income in British Columbia, including their spouse’s, if applicable, meets or exceeds the income threshold.
- The calculation of the annual wage should encompass bonuses, commissions, tips, living allowances, or overtime.
- Family income thresholds vary based on the size of the family and the area of residence.
Below are the minimum income thresholds for different family sizes in both the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the rest of B.C.:
Family Income Thresholds by Residence Area:
Family Size 1:
- Greater Vancouver Regional District: $22,804
- Rest of B.C.: $19,006
Family Size 2:
- Greater Vancouver Regional District: $28,390
- Rest of B.C.: $23,659
Family Size 3:
- Greater Vancouver Regional District: $34,902
- Rest of B.C.: $29,087
Family Size 4:
- Greater Vancouver Regional District: $42,376
- Rest of B.C.: $35,316
Family Size 5:
- Greater Vancouver Regional District: $48,062
- Rest of B.C.: $40,054
Family Size 6:
- Greater Vancouver Regional District: $54,205
- Rest of B.C.: $45,175
Family size 7 or more:
- Greater Vancouver Regional District: $60,350
- Rest of B.C.: $50,296
