British Colombia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP Guide)

British Columbia, located on Canada’s west coast, boasts a diverse economic landscape driven by industries such as technology, natural resources, and tourism. Vancouver, a major economic hub, is a global tech and innovation center. The natural resources sector, including forestry and mining, contributes significantly to the economy.

Immigration is a key demographic factor, with a steady influx of newcomers attracted by economic opportunities and a high quality of life. The province’s economic vitality and geographical beauty continue to make British Columbia an appealing destination for both residents and businesses.

British Colombia PNP Streams

British Colombia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) consists of mainly 2 PNP streams that you can choose from based on your profile:

1. Skills Immigration: This is for individuals with the expertise, experience, and qualifications that are sought by employers in British Columbia, including recent graduates.

2. Entrepreneur Immigration: On the other hand, Entrepreneur Immigration is designed for seasoned entrepreneurs aiming to establish and actively manage a business within the province.

1. Skills Immigration Stream

British Colombia Skills immigration stream is divided into 5 categories, applicants choose which one is suited for them:

1. Skilled Worker: The Skilled Worker stream is designed for experienced professionals in various fields, such as management, technical, and trades, to obtain permanent residence in British Columbia.
2. Entry Level and Semi-Skilled: The Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream is for individuals in specified occupations within the tourism/hospitality or food processing sectors can apply for permanent residence in British Columbia. You generally need lesser scores to be eligible under this stream. 
3. International Graduate: The International Graduate stream is for those recent graduates with a degree or diploma from a qualifying Canadian post-secondary institution an opportunity to secure permanent residence and remain in British Columbia.
4. Healthcare category: The Health Authority stream offers a pathway to permanent residence for individuals employed by a health authority in British Columbia. Physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners may also qualify for this stream.
5. International Post-Graduate Category: This stream is designed for individuals who have completed Master’s or Doctoral degrees in the natural, applied, or health sciences programs at a recognized educational institution in British Columbia. No job offer is necessary to apply in this sub-category.

Learn More about Skills Immigration BC PNP here

Skills Immigration General Requirements

Different categories have different requirements you can learn more about them in the link at here, general requirements for all the streams are:

Language Requirements

• For job offers under NOC TEER 2, 3, 4, or 5, candidates need Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 in English or French for listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Candidates with job offers under NOC TEER 0 or 1 don’t need language test results unless claiming points for language proficiency.

Job Offer Criteria

• A signed, full-time, indefinite job offer from an eligible BC employer is required. Job offers in BC Tech occupations or NOC 41200 (university professors) don’t need to be indefinite.
• The candidate must be qualified for the offered job, including mandatory certifications if needed (specific licensing for transport and healthcare jobs).
• Wages must align with the market rate, comparable to Canadians and permanent residents. The candidate should not own 10 percent or more of the offering organization.
• The candidate’s work must provide a direct economic benefit to British Columbia.

Learn more about these categories and the stream’s eligibility and requirements at Skills Immigration stream.

 How does the Application Process work?

1. Choose Your Stream and Express Entry BC (EEBC) Option:
   • Carefully review Skills Immigration streams to find the best fit.
   • 4 of the streams have an Express Entry BC (EEBC) option for faster processing.
   • Register when ready, considering EEBC for additional points.
2. Register:
   • Use BCPNP Online to submit a free registration for your selected stream.
   • If using the EEBC option, choose the Express Entry BC stream.
   • After submission, receive a score based on factors like work experience and education.
3. Wait for Invitation:
   • Most streams require an invitation to apply.
   • If invited, submit a complete application within 30 days via BCPNP Online.
   • If criteria are no longer met, do not submit; your application may be refused.
4. Apply:
   • Log into BCPNP Online, complete application sections, and pay the fee.
   • Ensure all required documents are included before submission.
   • Health Authority and International Post-Graduate streams allow direct application.
5. BC PNP Nomination:
   • If approved, receive a nomination package for permanent residence application.
   • Apply to IRCC before the Confirmation of Nomination expires.
   • Comply with nomination conditions and access post-nomination support if nominated.
6. Permanent Residence:
   • If IRCC approves, become a permanent resident of Canada.

Application Fee

$1,150 for processing. additional CAD $500 for review.

Processing time

2-3 months

Express Entry British Columbia (4 categories for faster processing)

Express Entry BC works with the federal Express Entry immigration system, which helps eligible applicants to increase the processing for both their BC PNP and if nominated, their permanent residence applications. 4 of the above categories are eligible for this stream:

• Skilled Worker Category
• Health Care Professional Category
• International Graduate Category
• International Post-Graduate Category

Read BC’s Skilled immigration stream to find about application requirments.

How to Apply?

1. Already Have Express Entry Profile: Ensure you possess a valid Express Entry profile with IRCC before starting the process.
2. Register with (Skills Immigration Registration System) SIRS: Use BCPNP Online to register with the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).  Complete sections covering job, education, location, language ability, and wage.
3. Get Registration Score: Receive a registration score based on various factors. Enter a selection pool for the chosen category.
4. Invitation to Apply: If you meet specific criteria and score above a set threshold, you may receive an invitation. Apply for a provincial nomination in a provincial draw.
5. Submit Application: Upon invitation, you have 30 days to apply through BCPNP Online.
6. Provincial Nomination: If selected, receive a provincial nomination through the Express Entry system. Accept the nomination through the Express Entry system.

Application Fee

CAD $1,150

Processing Time

2-3 months

Check out BC PNP Draws and check your eligibility through BC PNP Points Calculator

2. Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

British Columbia PNP has 3 options for applicants who want to immigrate to province as an entreprener.

1. Base stream: This stream is for individuals in senior management or business ownership roles who plan to invest funds in a prospective business in British Columbia.
2. Regional Pilot: The Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional Pilot provides a pathway for entrepreneurial individuals seeking to establish a new business in a small community and make British Columbia their new home.
3. Strategic Projects: This pathway allows foreign corporations to permanently relocate essential personnel with corporate knowledge and expertise to British Columbia. The foreign corporation can seek provincial nomination to facilitate the permanent residence of up to five senior employees who will play a key role in managing the operations in B.C.

Get complete information about the fees and eligibility requirements of each stream at B.C Entrepreneur Immigration stream.

Eligibility Requirements

Base Stream:

1. Personal Net Worth: Minimum personal net worth of CAD$600,000.
2. Business Experience: Business and/or management experience required. If no business experience, equivalent of a 2-year post-secondary diploma.
3. Language Proficiency: Basic English or French language skill at CLB level 4 or higher.
4. Legal Status: Lawfully admitted in the current country of residence. Have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada.
5. Business Investment: Establish an eligible new business or improve an existing one. Make a personal investment of at least CAD$200,000. Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Strategic Projects:

1. Equity Investment: Make a minimum equity investment of $500,000 in B.C. operations.
2. Business Establishment: Establish a new or purchase and expand an eligible business in B.C.
3. Job Creation: Create at least three new full-time equivalent jobs per foreign key staff member (up to five key staff).

Regional Pilot:

1. Business Alignment: Establish an eligible new business aligned with regional community priorities.
2. Experience and Net Worth: Demonstrate business and/or management experience. Personal net worth requirement of at least CAD$300,000.
3. Investment and Job Creation: Make a personal investment of at least CAD$100,000. Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
4. Language Proficiency and Legal Status: Must have a minimum language proficiency of CLB 4. Have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada.

Application Procedure

Entrepreneur Immigration Categories:

1. Registration and Concept Submission:
   • Complete registration and submit a brief business concept through BCPNP Online.
   • Receive a score based on the provided information and enter the qualified pool.
   • Periodically, top-scoring candidates are invited to apply.
2. Application Process:
   • Upon invitation, submit a comprehensive application within four months via BCPNP Online.
   • BC PNP-authorized accounting firm reviews personal net worth if successful.
   • Upon approval, receive a two-year work permit to establish the business in B.C.
3. Business Implementation and Permanent Residence:
   • Implement the business plan within 20 months.
   • Obtain a provincial nomination from B.C. and apply for permanent residence.

Strategic Projects Category:

1. Eligibility Check and Exploratory Visit:
   • Ensure company and key staff eligibility for the Strategic Projects Category.
   • Make an exploratory visit to B.C. to understand the local business environment.
2. Business Proposal Discussion and Registration:
   • Contact BC PNP to discuss the business proposal.
   • Register the company’s interest in applying, providing company details, proposed B.C. investment, and key staff qualifications.
3. Invitation to Apply and Application Submission:
   • If successful, receive an invitation to apply.
   • Submit the application within 90 days.
4. Work Permit and Performance Agreement:
   • Upon approval, sign a corporate Performance Agreement with the province.
   • Receive a work permit support letter for you and key staff, allowing the application for work permits through IRCC.
5. Obligations Fulfillment and Permanent Residence:
   • Upon arrival in Canada, fulfill obligations under the Performance Agreement.
   • Submit a final report to BC PNP, receive a provincial nomination, and have 180 days to apply for permanent residence with IRCC.

Learn More about Entrepreneur Immigration Stream BC PNP here

FAQs

Who all are eligible for BC PNP?

Eligibility for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) varies across streams but generally includes skilled workers with job offers, entrepreneurs with investment plans, and international graduates with job offers from B.C. employers. Specific criteria depend on the chosen immigration category.

How much fees does it cost for BC PNP?

The fees for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) vary by category. Generally, the processing fee for skilled workers is CAD$1,150, entrepreneurs pay CAD$3,500, and the registration fee for the Regional Pilot is CAD$300. Additional fees may apply depending on the stream and circumstances.

What is the processing time for BC PNP?

The processing time for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) varies based on the specific immigration category and individual circumstances. Generally, processing times can range from 4 weeks to 3 months.

Which stream is easiest to be eligible for BC PNP?

The Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) category of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is designed for individuals with job offers in eligible occupations within the tourism/hospitality or food processing sectors.

How many scores do I need to qualify for BC PNP?

The score required to qualify for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) varies by immigration stream and is based on factors like education, work experience, and language proficiency. Here’s average score from draws.

• Skilled Worker – 113
• Skilled Worker – EEBC option – 113
• International Graduate – 115
• International Graduate – EEBC option – 115
• Entry Level and Semi-Skilled – 94

What is the difference between skilled stream and express entry in BC?

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a provincial immigration pathway that allows the province to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on its economic and labor market needs. Express Entry is a federal system managing immigration applications, and candidates in the Express Entry pool can receive a provincial nomination through BC PNP, earning additional points for their Express Entry profile.

What is the difference between BC Skills Immigration and BC Skills Immigration express entry?

BC Skills Immigration is for those not in the federal Express Entry pool, offering a pathway to permanent residence in British Columbia. BC Skills Immigration Express Entry is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, allowing candidates in the Express Entry pool to receive priority processing for both their BC PNP and, if nominated, their permanent residence applications.