British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

British Columbia is one of the most diverse and popular Canadian provinces. It is situated on the west coast of Canada, bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the mountain ranges on the other. The province is known for its vast and rich multi-diverse nature. British Columbia is one of the top choices for immigrants looking to settle down in the province, driven by economic growth and huge labor force market needs. Vancouver, Delta, Surrey, and Burnaby are some popular cities in British Columbia. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program is an ideal pathway for skilled foreign workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs to immigrate to the province, allowing them to settle permanently in the country. 

 

What is BC PNP?

British Columbia is one of the 11 major Canadian provinces with its own provincial program known as the BC PNP. The British Columbia PNP offers different immigration pathways for skilled foreign workers, international graduates, investors, entrepreneurs, etc. Qualifying immigrants who meet the eligibility requirements can immigrate to the province and apply for permanent residence. The BC PNP program is categorized into two major streams: the British Columbia Skills Immigration stream and the British Columbia Entrepreneur stream. BC PNP selects suitable immigrants who fulfill the labor requirements within the province. Candidates chosen through the program will receive a provincial nominee letter, after which they can apply for Canada PR.

 

BC PNP Points Calculator

The BC PNP points calculator is called the Skills Registration System (SIRS). It follows a points-based system that assigns candidates a registration score that decides their probability of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The BC PNP points grid assesses candidates based on factors such as work experience, education, language proficiency, job offers in British Columbia, and employment areas.

The table below has a complete breakdown of the BC PNP points grid. 

Scoring Sections		Max. Points
Human Capital Factors (120)	Directly Related Work Experience	40
	Highest Level of Education	40
	Language Proficiency in English or French	40
Economic Factors (80)	Hourly Wage of the B.C. Job Offer	55
	Area Within B.C.	25
Total Points Available		200

 

 

Candidates must score at least 85 points out of 200 to qualify for the BC PNP program. The below table has a factor-wise breakdown of points. 

Work Experience
5 or more years	20
At least 4 but less than 5 years	16
At least 3 but less than 4 years	12
At least 2 but less than 3 years	8
At least 1 but less than 2 years	4
Less than 1 year	1
No experience	0
Additional points:
At least 1 year of directly related experience in Canada	10
Currently working full-time in B.C. for the employer in the occupation identified in the BC PNP registration	10
Maximum Score Available	40
Education
Doctoral Degree	27
Master’s Degree	22
Post-Graduate Certificate or Diploma*	15
Bachelor’s Degree	15
Associate Degree	5
Post-secondary Diploma/Certificate (Trades or Non-Trades)	5
Secondary School (High School) or Less	0
Additional points for education in B.C. or Canada
Post-secondary education completed in B.C., or	8
Post-secondary education completed in Canada (outside of B.C.)	6
Additional points for professional designation in B.C.:
Eligible professional designation in B.C.	5
Maximum Score Available	40
Language Proficiency
CLB 9+	30
CLB 8	25
CLB 7	20
CLB 6	15
CLB 5	10
CLB 4	5
CLB Below 4 or no test submitted	0
Additional points:
Language proficiency in both English and French	10
Maximum Score Available	40
Hourly wage of Job offer in B.C.
$70.00 and above	55
$69.00 to $69.99	54
$68.00 to $68.99	53
$67.00 to $67.99	52
$66.00 to $66.99	51
$65.00 to $65.99	50
$64.00 to $64.99	49
$63.00 to $63.99	48
$62.00 to $62.99	47
$61.00 to $61.99	46
$60.00 to $60.99	45
$59.00 to $59.99	44
$58.00 to $58.99	43
$57.00 to $57.99	42
$56.00 to $56.99	41
$55.00 to $55.99	40
$54.00 to $54.99	39
$53.00 to $53.99	38
$52.00 to $52.99	37
$51.00 to $51.99	36
$50.00 to $50.99	35
$49.00 to $49.99	34
$48.00 to $48.99	33
$47.00 to $47.99	32
$46.00 to $46.99	31
$45.00 to $45.99	30
$44.00 to $44.99	29
$43.00 to $43.99	28
$42.00 to $42.99	27
$41.00 to $41.99	26
$40.00 to $40.99	25
$39.00 to $39.99	24
$38.00 to $38.99	23
$37.00 to $37.99	22
$36.00 to $36.99	21
$35.00 to $35.99	20
$34.00 to $34.99	19
$33.00 to $33.99	18
$32.00 to $32.99	17
$31.00 to $31.99	16
$30.00 to $30.99	15
$29.00 to $29.99	14
$28.00 to $28.99	13
$27.00 to $27.99	12
$26.00 to $26.99	11
$25.00 to $25.99	10
$24.00 to $24.99	9
$23.00 to $23.99	8
$22.00 to $22.99	7
$21.00 to $21.99	6
$20.00 to $20.99	5
$19.00 to $19.99	4
$18.00 to $18.99	3
$17.00 to $17.99	2
$16.00 to $16.99	1
Less than $16.00	0
Maximum Score Available	55
Area of employment within B.C
Area 1: Metro Vancouver Regional District	0
Area 2: Squamish, Abbotsford, Agassiz, Mission, and Chilliwack	5
Area 3: Areas of B.C. not included in Area 1 or 2	15
Additional points:
Regional Experience, or	10
Regional Alumni
Maximum Score Available	25

 

An Overview of British Columbia PNP Streams

Skills Immigration
Category	Is a job required?	Is it currently receiving applications?	Additional Requirements
Skilled Worker	Yes	Yes	Have a minimum of two years skilled professional experience.
	(NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3)
Healthcare Professional	Yes	Yes	Have a minimum of two years of experience as a nurse, physician, allied health professional or psychiatric nurse
International Graduate	Yes	Yes	Has graduated from a qualifying college or university in the recent three years.
International Post-Graduate	No	Yes	Has graduated with a Master's or PhD from a university in British Columbia in either health sciences programs, natural or applied sciences.
Entry-level and Semi-skilled worker	Yes, candidates must be currently working.	Yes	Must be working in specific job roles in the food processing, tourism or long-haul trucking (or) must be residing and employed in the North-eastern British Columbia
Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC)
Category	Is a job required?	Is it currently receiving applications?	Additional Requirements
Skilled Worker	Yes	Yes	Have a minimum of two years of skilled professional experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, 3.
Healthcare Professional	Yes	Yes	Have a minimum of two years of experience as nurses, physicians, allied health professionals, psychiatric nurses, or a midwife with a confirmation letter from any of the established practice groups in British Columbia.
International Graduate	Yes	Yes	Has graduated from a qualifying college or university or in the recent three years.
International Post-Graduate	No	Yes	Has graduated with a Master's or PhD from a university in British Columbia in either applied, health, or natural sciences of study.

 

BC PNP Streams

The British Columbia PNP offers three major streams for eligible candidates to apply. Each BCPNP stream is further divided into sub-streams.

The list of BC PNP streams is as follows:

• Skills Immigration Stream
• Express Entry British Columbia Stream
• Entrepreneur Immigration

Skills Immigration Stream:

The BC PNP Skills Immigration stream is further divided into:

• Skilled Worker
• Health Authority
• Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS)
• International Graduate
• International Post-Graduate

Entrepreneur Immigration:

The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream is further classified into:

• Base stream
• Regional stream
• Strategic Projects

 

BC PNP Skills Immigration

The British Columbia PNP Skills Immigration category offers five different streams, particularly for skilled workers, international graduates, professionals from the healthcare sector, International postgraduates, and entry-level and semi-skilled workers. Qualifying candidates who fulfill the criteria can then apply for Canada PR.

Below is the list of streams that fall under the B.C. Skills Immigration category.

 

Skilled Worker Stream

Candidates with an eligible employment offer in a skilled occupation can apply for the BC PNP program via the skilled worker stream. Skilled workers with years of professional experience in management, technical, trade, and other qualifying occupations are eligible to reside in the Canadian province permanently.

 

Eligibility for the Skilled Worker Stream

The eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker stream are as follows:

 

• Have a full-time employment offer from an employer in British Columbia (The job offer need not be determined)
• Have the qualifications to fulfill the job responsibilities
• Have a minimum of 2 years of full-time professional experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Fulfill the language proficiency requirements
• Have a wage offer that meets the wage rates of that occupation in British Columbia
• Proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their family

Note: The employment offer need not be determined if it is one of the priority tech occupations or with a NOC code 41,200 (university professors and lecturers) to opt for the Skilled Worker EEBC option.

 

Health Authority Stream

The Health Authority stream is for eligible professionals employed in a healthcare occupation in British Columbia. Candidates with prior work experience and a valid job offer as a nurse, allied health professional, or physician can apply for the BC PNP via this stream. Midwives, nurse practitioners, and physicians also qualify for the stream. Interested candidates who meet the requirements can directly apply for the BC PNP program without registering.

 

Eligibility for Health Authority Stream

To be eligible for the Health Authority stream, one must:

• Have a full-time employment offer from a public health authority in British Columbia
• A letter from a health authority or practice group confirming your healthcare occupation in British Columbia
• Fulfill the requirements set by B.C’s public health authorities for education, training, qualification and experience

Note: To opt for the Health Authority EEBC option, the employment offer need not be determined if it is one of the priority tech occupations

 

Entry Level and Semi-Skilled

Skilled workers in select entry-level and semi-skilled job roles in specific occupations like tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking, or food processing, or those living and employed in North Eastern British Columbia, can apply for the Entry-Level and Semi-skilled stream.

 

Eligibility for Entry Level and Semi-skilled

To be eligible for the Entry Level and Semi-skilled stream, one must:

• Have a full-time employment offer from an employer in British Columbia.

• Your occupation must be listed as one of the eligible occupations for your sector. The occupations in the ELSS are defined as NOC TEER 4 or 5
• Except live-in caregivers, those who are employed in North Eastern British Columbia are eligible to apply for NOC TEER 4 or 5

• Have been continuously employed for your employer for at least nine months before registering for the program
• Have the qualifications to perform the assigned job (including fulfilling requirements for certification and registration)
• Fulfill the education and language requirements.
• Have a wage offer that meets the wage rates of that occupation in British Columbia.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their family

Note: The Entry Level and Semi-skilled stream does not have an EEBC option

 

List of Entry Level and Semi-skilled (ELSS) Occupations

Below is the list of eligible ELSS Occupations:

NOC Code	Occupations
Occupations in travel and accommodation
64314	Hotel front desk clerks
Tour and recreational guides and casino occupations
64320	Tour and travel guides
64321	Casino workers
64322	Outdoor sport and recreational guides
Occupations in food and beverage service
64300	Maîtres d’hotel and hosts/hostesses
64301	Bartenders
65200	Food and beverage servers
65201	Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
Cleaners (employed directly by hotels/resorts*)
65210	Support occupations in accommodation, travel and facilities set-up services
65310	Light duty cleaners
65311	Specialized cleaners
65312	Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners
Other service occupations (employed directly by hotels/resorts*)
65320	Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations
65329	Other service support occupations
*For the purposes of the BC PNP, a resort is defined as an accommodation facility that is associated with recreational activities. These activities can include skiing, golfing, boating, fishing, biking, swimming, horseback riding, hiking, nature-based or interpretive tours, etc.
Food processing
94140	Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing
94141	Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
94142	Fish and seafood plant workers
94143	Testers and graders, food and beverage processing
95106	Labourers in food and beverage processing

 

International Graduate Stream

The International Graduate stream is specifically for graduates who have recently qualified from any of the eligible universities or colleges in Canada in the last three years. To apply for the stream, graduates must have a degree or diploma from a post-graduate institution.

 

Eligibility for International Graduate Stream

To be eligible for the International graduate stream, one must:

• Have a degree, diploma, or certification from any of the Canadian post-secondary institutions in the last three years

• Have a full-time employment offer with the job role in NOC TEER category 1, 2, or 3.

(Occupations in management NOC TEER 0 may not be eligible for the above point)

• Have the qualification to be employed in your occupation in British Columbia
• Fulfill the language requirements
• Have a wage offer that meets the wage rates of that occupation in British Columbia
• Proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their family

Note: To opt for the International graduate EEBC option, the employment offer need not be determined if it is one of the priority tech occupations

 

International Postgraduate Stream

Graduates with a Master’s or Doctoral degree from qualifying educational institutions (universities or colleges) in British Columbia can apply for the International postgraduate stream. The degree can be obtained from natural, health, or applied sciences study courses or programs. Candidates do not require an employment offer to be eligible for this stream.

 

Eligibility for International Post-Graduate Stream

To be eligible for the International postgraduate stream, one must:

• Have pursued an eligible graduate level of education from any of the qualifying study programs at a college or university in British Columbia
• Have a Master’s degree in natural, applied, or health science programs from a qualifying university in British Columbia.
• Have a Doctoral degree in any of the study fields from a qualifying public university in British Columbia.
• International PhD students from any field who are admitted to a post-secondary educational institute in British Columbia
• Submit proof of intent and potential to reside, work, and settle in B.C.

 

Steps to apply to a B.C. Skills Immigration stream?

You can follow the below steps to apply for the BC Skills Immigration stream:

Step 1: Select a stream that best fits your profile

The first step is to choose a Skills Immigration stream that aligns with your requirements. Some of the streams under this category also have the Express Entry option, which is only for candidates in the Express Entry pool who fulfill the criteria. Profiles that receive nominations through the Express Entry option are given more points and have an expedited processing time.

Step 2: Complete your BC PNP registration

Registering for the program is the next step in expressing your interest in BC PNP. You can sign in, create an account or profile, and register for your selected stream. Upon submitting your registration request, your profile will be active in the registration pool for one year until an ITA is issued.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is required to apply for the BC PNP program. You get around 30 days to apply to submit your application. Candidates who fail to submit their application within the deadline will have their registration and invitation nullified. A new registration can be created and submitted if you wish to remain in the pool. 

Step 4: Apply for the BC PNP

You can then pay the application fee and the required documents before applying for the BC PNP program.

Step 5: Receive a nomination upon being selected

Applications that meet the eligibility criteria and are approved will be sent a provincial nomination letter through which they can apply for PR.

Step 6: Apply for PR upon meeting eligibility 

The IRCC will examine your application and grant you permanent residency upon fulfilling the eligibility.

 

List of Priority Occupations for BC PNP Skills Immigration Stream

The table below has the list of priority occupations with NOC codes for the Skills Immigration stream:

Childcare
42202	Early childhood educators and assistants
Priority construction occupations:
72102	Sheet metal workers
72103	Boilermakers
72104	Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
72105	Ironworkers
72106	Welders and related machine operators
72200	Electricians (except industrial and power system)
72201	Industrial electricians
72300	Plumbers
72301	Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
72302	Gas fitters
72310	Carpenters
72311	Cabinetmakers
72320	Bricklayers
72400	Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
72401	Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
72402	Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
72500	Crane operators
73100	Concrete finishers
73101	Tilesetters
73102	Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
73110	Roofers and shinglers
73111	Glaziers
73112	Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
73113	Floor covering installers
Priority healthcare occupations:
30010	Managers in health care
31100	Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31101	Specialists in surgery
31102	General practitioners and family physicians
31110	Dentists
31112	Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
31120	Pharmacists
31121	Dieticians and nutritionists
31200	Psychologists
32100	Nurses
32101	Nurse practitioners
32102	Nursing coordinators and supervisors
32103	Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
32110	Occupational therapists
32120	Physiotherapists
32200	Medical technologists and technicians
32201	Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants
32202	Radiological technologists and technicians
32203	Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
32204	Medical sonographers
32300	Pharmacy technicians
32301	Pharmacy assistants
34100	Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations
34101	Home child care providers
34102	Community and social service workers
34103	Social workers
34104	Marriage and family therapists
34105	Addiction counselors

 

BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration

The B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration category is mainly for experienced entrepreneurs who wish to migrate and establish a business in the province. The entrepreneur stream allows temporary to permanent immigration, allowing entrepreneurs to enter the country as temporary residents and later convert to permanent residents upon setting up a successful business in the province.

 

Requirements for the B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration Streams

The table below has the checklist of requirements for the B.C. Entrepreneur Immigration streams. 

Category	Additional Requirements
Entrepreneur Immigration	Net worth of a minimum of CAD $600,000
	Proof of experience in business or management
	Fulfill the CLB 4 language requirements in English or French
	Set up a new business or buy and grow an existing one
	Make a CAD $200,000 investment in the business
	Create one full-time employment for PR holder or a Canadian citizen
Entrepreneur Immigration - Regional	Have a net worth of a minimum of CAD $300,000
	Have three years of professional experience as a business manager or owner, or four years of senior manager professional experience, or one year of experience as an owner-manager and two years of experience as a senior manager (combined)
	Fulfill the educational requirements
	Fulfill the CLB 4 language requirements in English or French
	Business must meet additional requirements
Strategic Projects Category	Company must be well instituted and in a good financial condition;
	Must show proof of capability to invest and expand in British Columbia
	Must be able to significantly contribute to the economic growth of the province.

 

BC PNP EI: Base stream

The BC PNP Entrepreneur base category is for senior managers or business owners who plan to invest in a business in B.C.

 

Eligibility for EI: Base Stream

The eligibility requirements for the base stream are categorized into personal requirements and requirements related to jobs, business, and investments.

Personal requirements:

• Have a minimum net worth of CAD 600,000
• Be a lawful citizen of the current country of residence
• Be eligible for lawful and legal Canadian immigration status
• Have English and French language proficiency that is equivalent to CLB 4
• Have established professional experience in business management

Job, business, or investment requirements:

• Must set up an eligible new business or purchase and promote an already existing one
• Make at least CAD$200,000 of personal investment in a business
• Must be able to create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or P.R. holder 

 

How to apply for BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration: Base Stream?

You can follow the below steps to apply for the Base stream under the BC PNP Entrepreneur category:

Step 1: Draft a business plan

The first thing to do before applying for the base stream is to have a business proposal.

Step 2: Complete the registration of your proposal with the BC PNP program

Step 3: Acquire a work permit through the letter of support

Step 4: Set up and grow your business over 20 months

Step 5: Get a nomination from the British Columbia PNP

Step 6: Apply for a Canada PR upon eligibility

 

Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional stream

The province invites entrepreneurs worldwide to explore the many business opportunities within British Columbia. The regional stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who wish to invest and run a business in B.C. Any of the participating communities in the province and refer the potential applicant. Applicants with a referral can complete the registration and apply for the stream.

 

Eligibility for EI Regional Stream

To be eligible for the EI: Regional stream, one must:

• Set up a new business that aligns with the priorities of the community that refers
• Submit proof of experience in business and management
• Have a net worth of a minimum of CAD 300,000
• Make a potential personal investment of a minimum of CAD 100,000 towards the business
• Be able to offer at least one full-time employment for a Canadian citizen or PR holder
• Have English and French language proficiency that is equivalent to CLB 4
• Have the eligibility to obtain legal immigration status in Canada
• Have a legal and lawful admission to the country you are currently living in

 

List of participating communities

The table below has the list of participating communities in British Columbia:

Place	Community
Cariboo	100 Mile House
	Mackenzie
	Quesnel
	Williams Lake
Kootenay	Castlegar & Central Kootenay (Areas I & J)
	Columbia Valley & East Kootenay
	Kimberley
	Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F)
	Rossland
	Trail
Nechako	Bulkley-Nechako
North Coast	Cariboo Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (Areas B, C, E)
Northeast	Fort St. John
Thompson-Okanagan	Clinton
	Penticton
	Salmon Arm
	Vernon
Vancouver Island/Coast	Campbell River
	Comox
	Mount Waddington
	Powell River

 

Strategic Projects stream

Foreign businesses or firms that find potential for strategic investment opportunities to set up a new business or expand their primary business in the province can apply for the strategic projects stream. Foreign companies or firms can permanently shift their experienced and skilled staff to British Columbia via the strategic projects stream. The foreign businesses or firms can then apply for a nomination to support the PR process for at least five of its senior employees.

 

Eligibility for E.I. Strategic projects Stream

Given below are the eligibility factors for the company and the key staff members:

For the company to be eligible for the EI Strategic projects stream, the foreign company must:

• Be established and in a good financial state
• Must be ready to invest with the capability to expand internationally within the province
• Offer economic growth benefits to B.C. through high investments

For the staff members to be eligible for the EI Strategic projects stream, they should:

• Be a senior employee of the company with experience and qualifications required for the establishment and business operations in the province.
• The member is in a managerial or executive position or has highly advanced knowledge required to carry out the operations in the province.
• Be employed in a full-time permanent role and be involved in business operations.
• Earns a wage that is equivalent to the industry standards

 

Requirements for E.I. Strategic Projects Stream

The requirements for the E.I. Strategic projects stream are as follows:

• Make a minimum equity investment of $500,000 to carry forward the business proceedings in B.C.
• Set up a new business, buy a new one, or extend an existing one in the province.
• Generate at least three new full-time jobs for P.R. holders and Canadian citizens for each proposed foreign staff member.

 

List of ineligible business types

The business types listed below are considered ineligible for the British Columbia PNP:

• Immigration-linked investment schemes 
• Businesses with investment terms that have a redemption option
• Businesses that are passive investment programs
• Businesses related to bed and breakfasts, hobby farms, and home-based
• Businesses related to payday loans, cheque cashing, money changing, and cash machine
• Pawnbrokers
• Tanning salons
• DVD rental stores
• Coin-operated laundries
• Automated car wash operations
• Scrap metal recycling
• Businesses selling used or recycled goods
• Business brokerages, real estate brokerages, or insurance brokerage
• Activities related to Real estate development
• Goods trading businesses

 

How to apply for BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration: Strategic projects Stream?

You can follow the below steps to start the application process for the BC PNP EI: Strategic projects stream:

Step 1: Visit the province of British Columbia

Step 2: Present your business proposal to the BC PNP

Step 3: Register an interest to apply for the BC PNP

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Step 5:  Apply to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee program

Step 6: Sign the Performance Agreements

Step 7: Receive your work permit and Arrival report form

Step 8: Establish the business and obtain a PR nomination

Step 9: Apply for Canada permanent residence (PR)

 

British Columbia PNP processing time

Depending on the stream and application, the average processing time for the BC PNP streams can take six weeks to seven months.

Skills Immigration
Stage	Estimated processing time
Application	7 months
Post-nomination request	3 months
Request for review	6 months
Entrepreneur Immigration
Stage	Estimated processing time
Registration score notification	6 weeks
Application decision notification (at work permit stage)	4 months
Application decision notification (at final report stage)	4 months
Request for review	6 months

 

BC PNP fees

The table below has a complete breakdown of BC PNP fees:

Skills Immigration Fees
Registration	No fee
Application	$1,475
Request for review	$500
Entrepreneur Immigration Fees
Registration	$300
Application	$3,500
Request for review	$500
Strategic Projects Fees
Registration	$300
Application	$3,500
Key Staff	$1,000
Request for review	$500

 

BC PNP draws 2024

The table below has details of the latest BC PNP draws held in 2024.

Month	No. of draws	Total no. of Invitations
July	4	333
June	5	287
May	4	308
April	4	350
March	3	523
February	3	631
January	4	994