BC PNP FAQs

British Columbia

Canada's westernmost province is world-famous for its beautiful scenery and cosmopolitan flair. The metropolitan area of Vancouver and the capital city of Victoria account for almost half of BC's five million residents. Many others are drawn to the province's scenic mountains, coastline and lakes, and settle in more rural areas. 


How can I immigrate to BC?

There are 6 steps to immigrating under the Provincial Nominee Program of British Columbia (BC PNP):


Step 1: Choose the stream that is right for you, and register with BC's Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). SIRS is similar to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used for Express Entry but considers other factors such as annual salary and intended region within British Columbia.

Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The BC PNP will periodically invite people who are in the registration pool to submit an application to the program. The information provided in registrations will be used to rank, select and invite candidates who are most likely to meet B.C.’s economic and labour market needs and to support B.C. government priorities.

Step 3: Submit your application through BC PNP Online. If you qualify for the Health Authority category, or the International Post-Graduate category, you can skip Steps 1 and 2 and submit an application to the BC PNP directly.

Step 4: Your application will be assessed against the selection criteria, and once approved, you will receive a provincial nomination from British Columbia.

Step 5: With your BC PNP nomination, you can now submit an application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 6: If IRCC approves your application, you will become a permanent resident of Canada. Congratulations!


What are the different categories for skills immigration under the BC PNP?

There are 5 separate categories, depending on your skill level and work experience:

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

Candidates under the Health Authority and International Post-Graduate category do not need to register for SIRS and can apply to the BC PNP directly to obtain a nomination. All other candidates are ranked in the registration pool for periodic draws. Priority is given to skilled workers in select, in-demand tech occupations, healthcare and childcare occupations, as well as veterinarians and vet technicians. For a full list of priority occupations, visit the official BC PNP website.


How do the draws work?

Invitations to apply to the skills immigration categories consider the following factors:

  • Education
  • Language skills
  • Occupation
  • Duration and skill level of work experience
  • Wage and/or skill level of job offer
  • Intent to live, work and settle in a specific region
  • Strategic priorities, that address specific labour market needs in BC or support government pilot projects and initiatives

For example, regional draws only include candidates with job offers outside the metropolitan are of Vancouver who meet the minimum score. With these draws, BC aims to fill gaps in specific areas of the province where there is a labour shortage. Minimum scores to receive an ITA are typically lower for targeted draws that consider regional or occupational priorities compared to general draws that include all applicants in the same category.


Can I apply for BC PNP and Express Entry?

Yes! The Express Entry BC (EEBC) option is available for the Skilled Worker, Health Authority and International Graduate/Post-Graduate categories if you meet the minimum criteria for at least one Express Entry program. For example, if you received an eligible job offer from a BC employer and you already have a profile in the Express Entry pool, you may want to consider to apply for the Skilled Worker category with the EEBC option. This allows for shorter processing times and fast-tracks your application for permanent residence.


Is BC really that expensive?

Many people jokingly say "BC" actually stands for "bring cash" due to the high living costs in this province. With its diverse nature, hot summers and mild winters, BC is a top destination among newcomers and Canadians alike. While Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna are the most expensive cities in Canada outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the cost of living really depends on where you live. The province even published their own Cost of Living Calculator that looks at the monthly cost for housing, transportation and other factors, and allows you to compare different areas within BC. 


If you are looking your personalized pathway to immigrate to BC, feel free to contact us.

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