On This Page, You Will Find:
- Overview of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- BC PNP streams and pathways for skilled workers and entrepreneurs
- In-demand occupations in British Columbia
- How BC PNP draws and invitations to apply work
- Step-by-step guide to the BC PNP application process
- Frequently asked questions about eligibility, job offers, and processing
British Columbia Premier David Eby is urging the federal government to increase the number of immigrants allowed under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), citing growing demand from skilled workers in the United States and economic pressures in the province.
Speaking after S&P and Moody’s downgraded BC’s credit rating, Eby linked the province’s fiscal challenges to labour shortages and federal cuts to immigration allocations. In January 2025, Ottawa reduced BC’s PNP allocation by nearly half, part of a nationwide effort to manage population growth amid a housing crisis.
The annual PNP target has now been cut to 55,000 nominations across Canada from 2025 to 2027, down from 120,000 under previous plans. Eby said this limit is preventing BC from welcoming skilled professionals, particularly American doctors, researchers, and entrepreneurs, who have shown growing interest in relocating to Canada since Donald Trump’s election.
“They have skills that we desperately need [and] we’re unable to offer them a space,” Eby said.
About the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
The BC PNP is a joint initiative between the provincial government and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It enables BC to nominate individuals with the skills and experience needed to support the province’s economy. Once nominated, candidates can apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
BC PNP Pathways
1. Skills Immigration
This stream targets skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations. It includes five sub-streams:
- Skilled Worker
- Health Authority
- International Graduate
- International Post-Graduate
- Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled Worker
2. Express Entry BC
This stream aligns with Canada’s federal Express Entry system and offers faster processing. It covers the same four sub-streams as Skills Immigration, except the Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled Worker category:
- Skilled Worker
- Health Authority
- International Graduate
- International Post-Graduate
3. Entrepreneur Immigration
This stream is for international entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in BC. It follows a “temporary to permanent” model:
- Entrepreneurs first receive a temporary work permit
- After meeting business and residency requirements, they can apply for permanent residence
Target Occupations in British Columbia
The BC PNP prioritizes jobs in five critical sectors:
- Healthcare: Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and care aides
- Childcare: Early childhood educators
- Technology: Software engineers, developers, and IT specialists
- Construction: Engineers, tradespeople, and project managers
- Veterinary: Veterinarians and animal health technologists
These occupations are often targeted in BC PNP draws, offering faster access to Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The list is updated based on BC’s evolving labour market needs.
BC PNP Draws and Invitations to Apply
The BC PNP holds regular draws to invite top-scoring candidates from eligible streams. These include:
- Skills Immigration — Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled
- Express Entry BC — Skilled Worker, International Graduate
- Entrepreneur Immigration — General Category, Regional Pilot
Healthcare professionals and International Post-Graduates can also apply directly without needing a job offer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the BC PNP
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Choose the right stream based on your qualifications. Review requirements for work experience, education, job offers, and language ability.
Step 2: Create a BC PNP Online Profile
Register online and provide personal and professional information. You’ll be scored and ranked.
Step 3: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Top-ranked profiles are invited to apply in regular BC PNP draws.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete your application online, upload documents, and pay the processing fee.
Step 5: Receive Your Nomination
If successful, you’ll get a nomination certificate and, if applying through Express Entry, 600 additional points.
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence
Submit your PR application to IRCC before your nomination expires. Processing times vary by stream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the BC PNP?
Skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates, and entrepreneurs can apply. Most streams require a job offer from a BC employer, though some exceptions apply.
How long does the BC PNP process take?
The nomination process can take several months. After nomination, permanent residence applications submitted to IRCC may take additional months depending on the stream.
Do I need a job offer for the BC PNP?
Yes, most streams require a valid job offer from a BC employer. However, the International Post-Graduate stream does not need a job offer.
What happens if my BC PNP application is refused?
If your application is refused, you may request a review or reapply if your situation changes. You can also explore other immigration options.
What are BC’s priority sectors for immigration?
BC prioritizes immigration in healthcare, childcare, technology, construction, and veterinary fields. Candidates in these sectors often receive ITAs through targeted draws.
