British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, stands out as a vibrant hub for economic opportunity, innovation, and multiculturalism. With its booming natural resource industries—especially forestry and mining—combined with a tech-forward economy and breathtaking landscapes, B.C. is an attractive destination for immigrants aiming to work, study, and settle in Canada. The province is home to Vancouver, Canada’s third-largest city, known for its diversity, sustainability, and quality of life.
Through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), eligible candidates with the skills, experience, and qualifications in demand in B.C. can be nominated for permanent residence. Whether you’re a skilled worker, an international graduate, or an entrepreneur, B.C. offers a tailored immigration pathway to help you achieve your Canadian dream.
1. Skilled Worker Category
For professionals with an eligible full-time job offer in a skilled occupation and several years of experience.
2. Healthcare Professional Category
Available to physicians, registered nurses, psychiatric nurses, or allied health professionals with experience and a valid job offer in one of 11 qualifying healthcare occupations.
3. International Graduate Category
Graduates from eligible Canadian universities or colleges within the last 3 years who have a valid job offer from a BC employer can apply under this stream.
4. International Post-Graduate Category
Designed for individuals with a Master’s or Doctoral degree from a recognized BC institution in natural, applied, or health sciences. No job offer is required.
5. Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Category
For workers in specific industries such as tourism, hospitality, long-haul trucking, and food processing, particularly in BC’s Northeast Development Region. A job offer is required.
6. Application Process
- Register with the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) – You’ll receive a score based on job offer, location, education, experience, and wage.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) – Candidates above the required score threshold are invited to submit a full application.
- Apply through BCPNP Online – Submit a complete application within 30 days of receiving an ITA.
- Receive a Nomination – Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination and can then apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
Note: Applicants under the Healthcare Professional and International Post-Graduate categories can skip SIRS and apply directly.
Fees and Processing Time
Processing Time: Approximately 2–3 months
Application Fee: CAD $1,150
Request for Review (if needed): CAD $500
General Eligibility Requirements
- Full-time job offer for a TEER 4 or 5 occupation (not required for International Post-Graduate)
- Wage offer must align with provincial standards
- Proof of financial support (except International Post-Graduate)
- Minimum language proficiency (CLB 4 or higher for TEER 2–5 roles)
- Meet any additional category-specific requirements
- Employer must meet provincial eligibility standards
| Category | Is a Job Required? | Accepting Applications? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Yes | Yes | Skilled job offer + relevant experience |
| Healthcare Professional | Yes | Yes | One of 11 eligible occupations |
| International Graduate | Yes | Yes | Graduation within 3 years + job offer from BC employer |
| International Post-Graduate | No | Yes | Master’s/PhD in eligible science programs from BC |
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | Yes | Yes | Must work in approved sectors and regions |
Express Entry British Columbia
The Express Entry BC stream connects the BC PNP with the federal Express Entry system, offering faster processing for qualified candidates. If nominated, candidates can benefit from expedited processing of both their BC PNP and permanent residence applications.
Eligible Categories for Express Entry BC:
- Skilled Worker
- Healthcare Professional
- International Graduate
- International Post-Graduate
Key Requirements:
- Must have a valid profile in the federal Express Entry system
- Must have a Job Seeker Validation Code
- Must have an accepted full-time job offer (except International Post-Graduate)
- Wage must meet B.C. labour market standards
- Proof of funds to support yourself and dependents (except International Post-Graduate)
- Minimum language requirement (CLB 7+ depending on category)
- Meet category-specific and employer eligibility criteria
Application Fee:
- CAD $1,150
Processing Time:
- 2 to 3 months
Application Steps:
- Create a federal Express Entry profile through IRCC.
- Register through SIRS on the BCPNP Online portal (not required for Healthcare and International Post-Graduate categories).
- Receive a registration score and enter the selection pool.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA) is issued to top-ranked candidates.
- Submit a full application to BC PNP within 30 days.
- Accept your provincial nomination through your Express Entry profile.
Express Entry BC Categories Overview
| Category | Is a Job Required? | Accepting Applications? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Yes | Yes | Minimum 2 years of experience in a skilled TEER 0–3 occupation |
| Healthcare Professional | Yes | Yes | 2+ years experience in one of 11 qualifying health occupations; midwives need a confirmation letter |
| International Graduate | Yes | Yes | Graduated from an eligible Canadian institution within 3 years |
| International Post-Graduate | No | Yes | Master’s or PhD from a B.C. university in natural, applied, or health sciences |
Frequently Asked Questions: BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
What is the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)?
The BC PNP is an immigration program that allows British Columbia to nominate skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates for Canadian permanent residency.
Who is eligible for the BC PNP?
Eligibility depends on the stream you apply for:
- Skills Immigration: For skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and international graduates.
- Entrepreneur Immigration: For business owners looking to invest and operate a business in BC.
Do I need a job offer to apply for BC PNP?
Yes, most applicants require a valid job offer from a BC employer, except for international post-graduates applying under the International Post-Graduate Stream.
How does the BC PNP application process work?
The process involves:
- Registering online and submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Receiving an invitation to apply based on your score.
- Submitting a full application with supporting documents.
- Getting nominated by BC and applying for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What are the processing times for BC PNP applications?
Processing times vary depending on the stream and application volume. Generally, it takes 2-3 months for BC PNP to process nominations, followed by additional time for IRCC to process permanent residency applications.
Can I apply for BC PNP through Express Entry?
Yes, BC PNP offers Express Entry BC (EEBC) options for skilled workers and international graduates, allowing faster processing of permanent residency applications.
What are the fees for applying to BC PNP?
The application fee is CAD $1,150, with an additional CAD $500 for a request for review.
What happens if my BC PNP application is refused?
If refused, you may request a review or explore alternative immigration pathways such as Express Entry, other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).