The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) targets skilled workers and entrepreneurs for Canadian permanent residence, who intend to settle in the province.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- Overview of the British Columbia PNP and how it works
- BC PNP streams, including Skills Immigration, Express Entry, and Entrepreneur Immigration
- BC PNP target occupations in healthcare, childcare, technology, construction, and veterinary sectors
- BC PNP draws and how invitations to apply are issued
- Step-by-step guide to applying for the BC PNP
- Frequently asked questions about BC PNP eligibility, job offers, processing times, and reapplication options
The program is operated by the British Columbia government in partnership with the federal immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Interested candidates must follow a two-stage process: apply for nomination to the provincial government, and then, if nominated, apply for permanent residence to the federal government.
IRCC allocates to BC PNP a limited number of nominations each year.
BC PNP Streams
The BCPNP accepts applications under three major categories: Skills Immigration, Express Entry and Entrepreneur Immigration. Each has its own streams.
British Columbia Skills Immigration
The British Columbia Skills Immigration (SI) category targets skilled and semi-skilled workers and is further divided into five components:
- Skilled Workers
- Health Authority
- International Graduates
- International Post-Graduates
- Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Workers
British Columbia Express Entry
The BC Express Entry stream helps skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and graduates gain permanent residence through Express Entry. Applicants register online, need a job offer (except post-graduates), and receive a nomination if approved. Processing is fast, boosting their Express Entry score. It operates by providing Express Entry options for four of the Skills Immigration streams:
- Skilled workers
- Health Authority
- International Graduates
- International Post-Graduates
British Columbia Entrepreneur
The British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) program provides a structured pathway for international entrepreneurs who wish to establish or acquire a business in B.C. and contribute to the province’s economic growth.
This program follows a “temporary to permanent” immigration model. Entrepreneurs first receive a temporary work permit to establish their business and, upon meeting program requirements, become eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
British Columbia Target Occupations
The BC PNP identifies target occupations in five key sectors – Healthcare, Childcare, Technology, Construction, and Veterinary – for skilled worker immigration.
Jobs in these fields are prioritized in periodic targeted draws, offering eligible candidates a higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The BC PNP’s list includes National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes for specific roles, such as nurses, physicians, pharmacists, social workers, engineers, and IT specialists.
While targeted occupations receive priority, applicants in other professions can still apply through different BC PNP streams. The list is updated periodically based on British Columbia’s labour market needs.
BC PNP Draws
The BC PNP issues periodic Invitations to Apply to candidates for nomination under one of BC PNP’s eligible streams.
BC PNP streams participating in the invitation draws:
- Skills Immigration — Skilled Worker
- Skills Immigration — International Graduate
- Skills Immigration — Entry Level and Semi-Skilled
- Express Entry BC — Skilled Worker
- Express Entry BC — International Graduate
- Entrepreneur Immigration General Category
- Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot
Health Care Professional and International Post-Graduate applicants under the Express Entry and the Skills Immigration streams may apply directly to BC PNP for nomination.
Selected candidates are invited to apply for provincial nomination. Approved candidates are nominated to apply for permanent residence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the BC PNP
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Review the BC PNP streams to find the one that fits your qualifications. The program includes options for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates, and entrepreneurs. You must meet the requirements for work experience, education, and language proficiency.
Step 2: Create a BC PNP Online Profile
Register on the BC PNP Online portal and provide details about your work history, education, language skills, and job offer (if required). There is no fee for registration. Your profile will be ranked based on the BC PNP scoring system.
Step 3: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
BC PNP holds regular draws and invites top-ranked candidates to apply for provincial nomination. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must submit a complete application within 30 days.
Step 4: Submit Your BC PNP Application
Log in to your account and upload all required documents, including proof of education, work experience, and job offer (if applicable). Pay the processing fee before submitting your application.
Step 5: Receive Your BC PNP Nomination
If approved, you will receive a BC PNP nomination certificate, which gives you an additional 600 points in your Express Entry profile (if applicable). This increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence
Submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before your nomination expires. Processing times vary, but a nomination can significantly speed up your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the BC PNP?
The BC PNP is open to skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates, and entrepreneurs. Candidates must meet education, work experience, and language requirements. Most streams require a valid job offer from a BC employer.
How long does the BC PNP process take?
Processing times depend on the stream and application volume. The BC PNP nomination process can take several months, while permanent residence processing through IRCC varies.
Do I need a job offer for the BC PNP?
Most BC PNP streams require a valid job offer from an employer in British Columbia. However, the International Post-Graduate stream does not require a job offer.
What happens if my application is refused?
If your application is refused, you can request a review or reapply if your circumstances change. You may also explore other Canadian immigration pathways.
