British Columbia Immigration Nomination Programs
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- British Columbia Immigration Nomination Programs
The BC Provincial Nominee Program offers three ways to become a permanent resident in B.C. Each pathway contains different categories you can apply under, depending on your National Occupational Classification skill level, job, or international student status.
British Columbia Skills Immigration
Sub classes of the British Columbia Skills Immigration are discussed in this page along with the eligibility requirements.
BC PNP - Skilled Worker Category: British Columbia’s growing economy requires skilled workers in high-demand occupations. The Skills Immigration (SI) – Skilled Worker category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a way for workers in a professional, management, technical, trade or other skilled occupation to gain permanent residence in B.C. This category is eligible Under the Express Entry BC stream.
To qualify, you must first accept a valid job offer from a B.C. employer. You also need relevant training and experience.
Eligibility of Applicants
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skilled occupation (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B).
be qualified to perform the duties of the job
have at least two (2) years of directly related work experience
show that the applicants can support themselves and their dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
for NOC skill level B occupations, meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Eligibility of the Employer Offering a Job and their Responsibilities
Be established as an employer in good standing in B.C.
Provide full-time, indeterminate (permanent or with no set end date) employment
Have a history of good workplace and business practices
Sign an employer declaration
Meet domestic labour market recruitment requirements, where applicable
Make you a full-time, indeterminate job offer
Offer you a wage in line with industry standards
The employer should give you a written job offer
The employer should complete the employer sections of the application forms
The employer should notify the BC PNP if there are any changes in your employment status. This includes a promotion or termination; if you have been laid off or are on extended leave; or if the business has closed or changed ownership.
Public Sectors and Non-For-Profit Employers
In order to get the permanent residency under the BC Skilled Worker Category, the applications are accepted from the public sectors and non profit organizations that are permanently present in British Columbia. Examples of such organizations may include:
Provincial and regional health care authorities and agencies
Public post-secondary education and training institutions
Private, non-profit post-secondary institutions that are accredited by, or registered with, The Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC
Institutions supported by the Government of Canada or the Province of B.C. that conduct research in natural and applied sciences, engineering, computer and information systems, or health sciences
Provincial/federal/municipal government organizations and agencies
Other non-profit groups registered as charitable organizations and incorporated under the Society Act (RSBC 1996) or the Canada Corporations Act, Part II, 1970
Employers That Are Not Eligible for The Job Offer
Employers involved in producing, distributing or selling pornographic or sexually explicit products, or providing sexually oriented entertainment or services
Employment agencies and similar firms, unless they are establishing an employer/employee relationship with the registrant and/or applicant
Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.
To start the process, please create a profile with our online application and registration system, BCPNP Online. After submitting your registration, you will receive a score based on your skills and job. Periodically, we invite people with the highest scores to apply through BCPNP Online. You can create your profile by following the link, https://www.pnpapplication.gov.bc.ca/user/sign-in
BC PNP Skills Immigration - Healthcare Professional
British Columbia needs more health care professionals. The Skills Immigration (SI) – Healthcare Professional category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) helps physicians, specialists, nurses and allied health professionals work in B.C. and gain permanent residence. This category is eligible Under the Express Entry BC stream.
Eligibility of the Applicant
To be eligible for the BCPNP Skills Immigration-Healthcare Professional, the candidate:
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skilled occupation (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B).
be qualified to perform the duties of the job
have at least two (2) years of directly related work experience
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
for NOC skill level B occupations, meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Eligibility of the Employers and Their Responsibilities
be established as an employer in good standing in B.C.
provide full-time, indeterminate (permanent or with no set end date) employment
have a history of good workplace and business practices
sign an employer declaration
meet domestic labour market recruitment requirements, where applicable
make you a full-time, indeterminate job offer
offer you a wage in line with industry standards
employer should give you a written job offer
employer should complete the employer sections of the application forms
employer should notify the BC PNP if there are any changes in your employment status. This includes a promotion or termination; if you have been laid off or are on extended leave; or if the business has closed or changed ownership.
Public Sectors and Non-For-Profit Employers
In order to get the permanent residency under the BC Skilled Worker Category, the applications are accepted from the public sectors and non profit organizations that are permanently present in British Columbia. Examples of such organizations may include:
provincial and regional health care authorities and agencies
public post-secondary education and training institutions
private, non-profit post-secondary institutions that are accredited by, or registered with, The Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC
institutions supported by the Government of Canada or the Province of B.C. that conduct research in natural and applied sciences, engineering, computer and information systems, or health sciences
provincial/federal/municipal government organizations and agencies
other non-profit groups registered as charitable organizations and incorporated under the Society Act (RSBC 1996) or the Canada Corporations Act, Part II, 1970
Employers That Are Not Eligible for The Job Offer
Employers involved in producing, distributing or selling pornographic or sexually explicit products, or providing sexually oriented entertainment or services
Employment agencies and similar firms, unless they are establishing an employer/employee relationship with the registrant and/or applicant
Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.
To start the process, please create a profile with our online application and registration system, BCPNP Online. After submitting your registration, you will receive a score based on your skills and job. Periodically, we invite people with the highest scores to apply through BCPNP Online. You can create your profile by following the link, https://www.pnpapplication.gov.bc.ca/user/sign-in
BC PNP Skills Immigration – International Graduate
Did you graduate with a valid qualification from an eligible Canadian university or college within the last three years? The Skills Immigration (SI) – International Graduate category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) can help you gain permanent residence in B.C. This category is eligible Under the Express Entry BC stream.
Eligibility of the Applicant
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a National Occupational Classification skilled occupation (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B).
qualify to work in your occupation in B.C.
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
have completed a degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada in the past three years
for NOC skill level B occupations, meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Eligibility of the employers and their Responsibilities
Be established as an employer in good standing in B.C.
Provide full-time, indeterminate (permanent or with no set end date) employment
Have a history of good workplace and business practices
Sign an employer declaration
Meet domestic labour market recruitment requirements, where applicable
Make you a full-time, indeterminate job offer
Offer you a wage in line with industry standards
The employer should give you a written job offer
The employer should complete the employer sections of the application forms
The employer should notify the BC PNP if there are any changes in your employment status. This includes a promotion or termination; if you have been laid off or are on extended leave; or if the business has closed or changed ownership.
Public Sectors and Non-For-Profit Employers
In order to get the permanent residency under the BC Skilled Worker Category, the applications are accepted from the public sectors and non profit organizations that are permanently present in British Columbia. Examples of such organizations may include:
provincial and regional health care authorities and agencies
public post-secondary education and training institutions
private, non-profit post-secondary institutions that are accredited by, or registered with, The Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC
institutions supported by the Government of Canada or the Province of B.C. that conduct research in natural and applied sciences, engineering, computer and information systems, or health sciences
provincial/federal/municipal government organizations and agencies
other non-profit groups registered as charitable organizations and incorporated under the Society Act (RSBC 1996) or the Canada Corporations Act, Part II, 1970
Employers That Are Not Eligible for The Job Offer
Employers involved in producing, distributing or selling pornographic or sexually explicit products, or providing sexually oriented entertainment or services
Employment agencies and similar firms, unless they are establishing an employer/employee relationship with the registrant and/or applicant
Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.
BC PNP Skills Immigration-International Post-Graduate
In this category, the applicant must have a graduate degree from the eligible British Columbia Education Institution. The applicants do not need a job offer in this category. Your degree must be in the last three years in natural, applied or health sciences with Master’s or PhD. This category is eligible Under the Express Entry BC stream. The valid degrees are:
agriculture
biological and biomedical sciences
computer and information sciences and support services
engineering
engineering technology
health professions and related clinical sciences
mathematics and statistics
natural resources conservation and research
physical sciences
Eligibility of the Candidates
In order to qualify for this program, the applicant must have the following eligibility factors
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
have completed a valid graduate program of study at an eligible post-secondary institution in B.C. in the last three years.
show your intent and ability to live in B.C.
To start the process, please create a profile with our online application system, BCPNP Online. As an International Post-Graduate applicant, you can apply directly via BCPNP Online by following the link: https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/BC-PNP-Express-Entry-B-C/Express-Entry-B-C-Process
BC PNP Skills Immigration- Entry Level and Semi-Skilled
The Skills Immigration (SI) – Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a way for workers in a valid tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking or food processing occupation to gain permanent residence in B.C. To qualify, you must first accept a valid job offer from a B.C. employer. This category is not eligible under the Express Entry BC stream.
Eligibility of the Applicant
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer in a specific occupation in tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking, or the food processing industry. For the Northeast Development Region of B.C., you may apply in any National Occupational Classification occupation (skill level C or D).
have been working full-time for your employer for a minimum of nine consecutive months before applying
meet minimum language and education requirements
qualify to do the job offered to you
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have legal immigration status in Canada
be earning a wage in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Eligibility of the Employer and Employer’s Responsibilities
be established as an employer in good standing in B.C.
provide full-time, indeterminate (permanent or with no set end date) employment
have a history of good workplace and business practices
sign an employer declaration
meet domestic labour market recruitment requirements, where applicable
make you a full-time, indeterminate job offer
offer you a wage in line with industry standards
employer must give you a written job offer
employer must complete the employer sections of the application forms
employer must notify the BC PNP if there are any changes in your employment status. This includes a promotion or termination; if you have been laid off or are on extended leave; or if the business has closed or changed ownership.
Public Sectors and Non-For-Profit Employers
In order to get the permanent residency under the BC Skilled Worker Category, the applications are accepted from the public sectors and non profit organizations that are permanently present in British Columbia. Examples of such organizations may include:
provincial and regional health care authorities and agencies
public post-secondary education and training institutions
private, non-profit post-secondary institutions that are accredited by, or registered with, The Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC
institutions supported by the Government of Canada or the Province of B.C. that conduct research in natural and applied sciences, engineering, computer and information systems, or health sciences
provincial/federal/municipal government organizations and agencies
other non-profit groups registered as charitable organizations and incorporated under the Society Act (RSBC 1996) or the Canada Corporations Act, Part II, 1970
Employers That Are Not Eligible for The Job Offer
Employers involved in producing, distributing or selling pornographic or sexually explicit products, or providing sexually oriented entertainment or services
Employment agencies and similar firms, unless they are establishing an employer/employee relationship with the registrant and/or applicant
Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.
To start the process, please create a profile with online application and registration system, BCPNP Online. After submitting your registration, you will receive a score based on your skills and job. Periodically, BC invites people with the highest scores to apply through BCPNP Online by following the link: https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/BC-PNP-Skills-Immigration/Process.
2.1. Express Entry British Columbia
The British Columbia Express Entry System of the Provincial Nomination Program is the faster way to gain permanent residency for the eligible skilled workers. This system connects the applicants with the Federal Express Entry System.
Health Care Professional Category
Express Entry British Columbia -Skilled Worker Category
International Graduate Category
International Post-Graduate Category
British Columbia Express Entry Process -Skilled Workers
In order to be eligible for the BC Express Entry, the applicants have to follow the following procedures.
Build the profile in the IRCC Express Entry System.
After you build the EE profile and submit, you will get the Express Entry Profile Number.
At the same time, you will get the Job Seeker Validation Code
The System shows that you meet the requirements of one of the Express Entry categories i.e., either for the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or the Canadian Experience Class.
In order to qualify for the BC Express Entry, you must have a valid job offer from the British Columbia employer. You also need the relevant training and experience. Apart from that you must have the following requirements.
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a National Occupational Classification skilled occupation (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B).
qualify to work in your job in B.C.
have at least two (2) years of directly related work experience
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Eligibility of The Employer That Offers the Job for The Candidates
be established as an employer in good standing in B.C.
provide full-time, indeterminate (permanent or with no set end date) employment
have a history of good workplace and business practices
sign an employer declaration
meet domestic labour market recruitment requirements, where applicable
make you a full-time, indeterminate job offer
offer you a wage in line with industry standards
Responsibilities of the Employers
give you a written job offer
complete the employer sections of the application forms
notify the BC PNP if there are any changes in your employment status. This includes a promotion or termination; if you have been laid off or are on extended leave; or if the business has closed or changed ownership.
Public sector and non-profit employers
BC accepts applications from the following public sector and non-profit organizations with a permanent presence in B.C.:
provincial and regional health care authorities and agencies
public post-secondary education and training institutions
private, non-profit post-secondary institutions that are accredited by, or registered with, The Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC
institutions supported by the Government of Canada or the Province of B.C. that conduct research in natural and applied sciences, engineering, computer and information systems, or health sciences
provincial/federal/municipal government organizations and agencies
other non-profit groups registered as charitable organizations and incorporated under the Society Act (RSBC 1996) or the Canada Corporations Act, Part II, 1970
Ineligible employers
The BC PNP will not approve applications from:
employers involved in producing, distributing or selling pornographic or sexually explicit products, or providing sexually oriented entertainment or services
employment agencies and similar firms, unless they are establishing an employer/employee relationship with the registrant and/or applicant
any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.
British Columbia Express Entry Process- Health Care Professionals
British Columbia needs more health care professionals. The Express Entry BC (EEBC) – Healthcare Professional category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) helps physicians, specialists, nurses and allied health professionals put your valuable skills to work in the province and get permanent residence. Express Entry BC connects to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) Express Entry system to speed up the permanent residence process.
Health Match BC is a free health recruitment and placement service. It can help you find a job in your field with one of B.C.’s health authorities. Health Match BC staff can also answer your questions about the BC PNP and assist you with your application.
Find a health care job through Health Match BC.
Eligibility of the candidates
To qualify for this category, you must:
have received an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry system. This shows you meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
have the support of, or a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a public health authority as a:
physician
specialist
registered nurse
registered psychiatric nurse
nurse practitioner
allied health professional such as a:
diagnostic medical sonographer
clinical pharmacist
medical laboratory technologist
medical radiation technologist
occupational therapist
physiotherapist
if you are a midwife, have a letter of confirmation from an established practice group in B.C.
qualify to work in your occupation in B.C.
have at least two (2) years of directly related work experience
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Eligibility of The Employer That Offers the Job for The Candidates
be established as an employer in good standing in B.C.
provide full-time, indeterminate (permanent or with no set end date) employment
have a history of good workplace and business practices
sign an employer declaration
meet domestic labour market recruitment requirements, where applicable
make you a full-time, indeterminate job offer
offer you a wage in line with industry standards
Responsibilities of the Employers
give you a written job offer
complete the employer sections of the application forms
notify the BC PNP if there are any changes in your employment status. This includes a promotion or termination; if you have been laid off or are on extended leave; or if the business has closed or changed ownership.
Public sector and non-profit employers
BC accepts applications from the following public sector and non-profit organizations with a permanent presence in B.C.:
provincial and regional health care authorities and agencies
public post-secondary education and training institutions
private, non-profit post-secondary institutions that are accredited by, or registered with, The Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC
institutions supported by the Government of Canada or the Province of B.C. that conduct research in natural and applied sciences, engineering, computer and information systems, or health sciences
provincial/federal/municipal government organizations and agencies
other non-profit groups registered as charitable organizations and incorporated under the Society Act (RSBC 1996) or the Canada Corporations Act, Part II, 1970
Ineligible employers
The BC PNP will not approve applications from:
employers involved in producing, distributing or selling pornographic or sexually explicit products, or providing sexually oriented entertainment or services
employment agencies and similar firms, unless they are establishing an employer/employee relationship with the registrant and/or applicant
any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.
British Columbia Express Entry Process — International Graduate
Did you graduate with a valid qualification from an eligible Canadian university or college within the last three years? The Express Entry BC (EEBC) – International Graduate category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) can help you gain permanent residence in B.C.
Express Entry BC connects to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) Express Entry system to speed up the permanent residence process.
Eligibility of the Candidates
To qualify for this category, you must:
have received an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry system. This shows you meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a National Occupational Classification skilled occupation (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B)
qualify to work in your occupation in B.C.
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
have completed a degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada in the past three years
meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Eligibility of The Employer That Offers the Job for The Candidates
be established as an employer in good standing in B.C.
provide full-time, indeterminate (permanent or with no set end date) employment
have a history of good workplace and business practices
sign an employer declaration
meet domestic labour market recruitment requirements, where applicable
make you a full-time, indeterminate job offer
offer you a wage in line with industry standards
Responsibilities of the Employers
give you a written job offer
complete the employer sections of the application forms
notify the BC PNP if there are any changes in your employment status. This includes a promotion or termination; if you have been laid off or are on extended leave; or if the business has closed or changed ownership.
Public sector and non-profit employers
BC accepts applications from the following public sector and non-profit organizations with a permanent presence in B.C.:
provincial and regional health care authorities and agencies
public post-secondary education and training institutions
private, non-profit post-secondary institutions that are accredited by, or registered with, The Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC
institutions supported by the Government of Canada or the Province of B.C. that conduct research in natural and applied sciences, engineering, computer and information systems, or health sciences
provincial/federal/municipal government organizations and agencies
other non-profit groups registered as charitable organizations and incorporated under the Society Act (RSBC 1996) or the Canada Corporations Act, Part II, 1970
Ineligible employers
The BC PNP will not approve applications from:
employers involved in producing, distributing or selling pornographic or sexually explicit products, or providing sexually oriented entertainment or services
employment agencies and similar firms, unless they are establishing an employer/employee relationship with the registrant and/or applicant
any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.
British Columbia Express Entry System — International Post-Graduate
Do you have a graduate degree in the sciences from an eligible B.C. institution? Consider advancing your career in B.C.’s growing technology, health care, and applied sciences sectors.
The Express Entry BC (EEBC) – International Post-Graduate category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) can help you gain permanent residence in B.C. You don’t need a job offer.
Express Entry BC connects to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) Express Entry system to speed up the permanent residence process.
Which graduate degrees are valid?
You must have graduated in the last three years with a master's or doctorate (PhD) degree in the natural, applied or health sciences:
agriculture
biological and biomedical sciences
computer and information sciences and support services
engineering
engineering technology
health professions and related clinical sciences
mathematics and statistics
natural resources conservation and research
physical sciences
Eligibility of the Candidates
To qualify for this category, you must:
have received an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry system. This shows you meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
have completed a valid graduate program of study at an eligible post-secondary institution in B.C. in the last three years.
show your intent and ability to live in B.C.