British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
British Columbia (BC), the westernmost province in Canada, is a centre of cultural diversity and economic growth. BC is home to Canada’s third largest city, Vancouver, and is one of the most developed provinces in Canada. BC’s economy is focused on rich natural resources, with an emphasis on forestry, mining, agriculture, tourism, medicine, and technology sector. BC, with its nature, magnificent forests, and unique coastal climate – makes it one of the most beautiful places to live in Canada.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is designed for candidates with specific skills and experience, who are looking to settle in the province. The application for a British Columbia Provincial Nomination Certificate helps candidates receive permanent residency in Canada. The processing time for the application takes less time than other immigration programs.
The BC PNP accepts applications for two main immigration programs:
- Skills Immigration (includes Express Entry British Columbia)
- Entrepreneur Immigration
These programs are divided into different streams. Below we will provide you with additional information about each of them to help you determine if the BC PNP is right for you.
Skills Immigration
This stream of the BC PNP is intended for potential immigrants who have the appropriate skills and experience for their profession.
The BC PNP Skills Immigration program consists of the following categories:
- Skilled Worker Category – This category is intended for individuals who have a relevant job offer for a skilled profession, and have appropriate experience in it.
- Health Care Professional Category – Within this category, individuals who have relevant experience and have received a job offer in the fields of medicine, nursing, psychiatry or other healthcare professions can apply. The job offer must be one of 11 healthcare disciplines allowed by the BC PNP program.
- International Graduate Category – This category includes individuals who have graduated from accredited universities or colleges in Canada, no earlier than three years before applying for immigration, and who have received a job offer from an employer in BC.
- International Post-Graduate Category – This category includes post-graduate students from universities and colleges in British Columbia who have completed their studies in the fields of science, applied science or medical science. In this category, you do not need to receive a job offer.
- Entry Level and Semi-skilled Worker Category – In this category, individuals who have been working in BC for at least nine months, in the fields of tourism/hospitality, trucking, or food processing, are eligible for permanent residency in Canada. The individual must also have a secured job offer.
Express Entry British Columbia
Express Entry British Columbia is consistent with the Federal Express Entry selection system. This system allows suitable applicants to receive a nomination from the province of their choice (through the BC PNP application) and allows them to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
The following categories are accepted by the Express Entry program in British Columbia:
- Skilled Worker Category
- Health Care Professional Category
- International Graduate Category
- International Post-graduate Category
Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS)
On January 27, 2016, the British Columbia government announced the new Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) for the BC PNP. This is a points-based system, which determines whether candidates can be invited to apply. The assessment is based on a number of factors, such as one’s level of education, work experience, job offer, and ability to do well in BC’s labour market.
Entrepreneur Immigration
Candidates who intend to live in British Columbia and invest in its economy can apply for permanent residence in Canada using the Entrepreneur Immigration program. This program is divided into two categories:
- Entrepreneur Category – This category is for senior managers and business owners who intend to invest in the BC economy
- Strategic Projects Category – In this category, companies with foreign capital can establish businesses in British Columbia, and up to five key foreign employees of such companies can be nominated for permanent residence in the province.
The Tech Pilot Under the BC PNP
In August of 2017, British Columbia successfully launched the Tech Pilot Under the BC PNP. In this stream, the government issues weekly invitations to qualified registrants with valid job offers in key technology professions. The BC PNP Tech Pilot is designed for specialists from a list of 32 eligible occupations important for British Columbia’s technology sector, which is a major driver of economic growth in the province, with tech employment at its highest level ever recorded. The demand for talent in BC’s tech sector is increasing faster than the supply. The BC PNP Tech Pilot has been extended till June 2019.