BC PNP Eligibility Assessment Guide [2024 Updated]
Explore the key aspects of BC PNP eligibility, including the general requirements, specific criteria for different streams, the application process, and frequently asked questions.
Explore the key aspects of BC PNP eligibility, including the general requirements, specific criteria for different streams, the application process, and frequently asked questions.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a popular pathway for skilled foreign workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to obtain permanent residency in British Columbia, Canada. Those who wish to apply for these programs must ensure they meet their chosen program’s eligibility requirements. In this detailed assessment guide, we will explore the key aspects of BC PNP eligibility, including the general requirements, specific criteria for different streams, the application process, and frequently asked questions.
You can check your British Columbia PNP eligibility by following the steps below.
Many BC PNP Programs require applicants to possess work experience in specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER categories. Prospective applicants can look up the TEER code for their occupation on the Government of Canada website.
It is vital to ensure the occupation description and duties match the ones listed under the TEER code. In some cases, an applicant’s occupation may not fit under an exact TEER code. In such situations, it is best to contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant for guidance.
Once the applicant understands which TEER code they fall under, they can locate a BC PNP stream and category for their TEER category. There are dozens of British Columbia immigration programs out there, so they should take the time to learn about each one.
Once the applicant has found a program that matches their TEER code and background, they should review the program’s minimum requirements. There are BC PNP eligibility requirements for each stream, so the candidate must ensure they meet each one.
Candidates who believe they meet the eligibility for BC PNP can then proceed by registering with the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Once this is complete, they will receive a registration score based on their skills, qualification, and background. They are then entered into a candidate pool.
If the candidate’s points score is above the minimum points threshold for a BC PNP draw, they will be invited to apply for permanent residence. The candidate will then have 30 days to apply for the BC PNP.
Apply for BC PNP Program Streams with licensed experts.
Check your SIRS points using our Free BC PNP Score Calculator.
The BC PNP Skills immigration category is the biggest immigration category and contains specific streams targeting international workers, students, and entrepreneurs. These are:
The BC PNP Skilled Worker category is for managers, professionals, and workers. Such candidates must possess a minimum of two years of recognized work experience in TEER code 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
Prospective Skilled Worker candidates must also have a signed job offer letter in a TEER code 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations from a Canadian employer.
BC PNP Health Authority is for healthcare workers who are currently employed in British Columbia’s healthcare industry. Such candidates must hold a signed job offer letter from a BC Health authority. This job offer can be in any NOC TEER category.
The BC PNP International Graduate is for international students who recently graduated and hold a degree or diploma from a Canadian University or College. They must have received their education credentials in the last three years. Such candidates must also hold a valid job offer in a TEER 1, 2, or 3 occupation from a Canadian employer.
The BC PNP International Post-Graduate is for international students who hold a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. from British Columbia University. The candidate’s degree must be in either the health, natural, or applied sciences categories. This stream is unique because candidates don’t require a job offer to meet this PNP eligibility BC.
The BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Category is for people who are currently working for a Canadian employer in an occupation that falls under TEER 4 or 5 categories. These TEER categories generally correspond to occupations in the tourism, hospitality, and food processing industries.
Prospective Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream applicants must have worked for their current employer for at least 9 months and hold a signed official job offer letter from them. They must also hold a valid high school diploma.
Category | Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|
Skilled Worker | - Minimum of two years of recognized work experience in NOC TEER code 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations - Signed job offer letter from a Canadian employer in NOC TEER code 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations |
Health Authority | - Currently employed in British Columbia's healthcare industry - Signed job offer letter from a BC Health authority in any NOC TEER category |
International Graduate | - Recent graduation with a degree or diploma from a Canadian University or College (within the last three years) - Valid job offer in NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3 occupations from a Canadian employer |
International Post-Graduate | - Hold a Master's degree or Ph.D. from a British Columbia University in health, natural, or applied sciences - No job offer required for this category |
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | - Currently working for a Canadian employer in a NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupation (typically in the tourism, hospitality, or food processing industries) - Minimum of 9 months of work experience with the current employer - Signed official job offer letter from the employer - Valid high school diploma |
Processing Time: The BC PNP Skills Immigration stream has an average processing time of approximately 4 months.
Many BC PNP Skilled Worker streams have a special Express Entry option. This option allows candidates who meet specific Express Entry criteria to use the system alongside the Provincial Program and get priority in their application’s processing.
EEBC Skilled Worker applicants must meet the following requirements:
EEBC International Graduate applicants must meet the following requirements:
EEBC International Post-Graduate applicants must meet the following requirements:
EEBC Skilled Worker applicants must meet the following requirements:
Application Fee: The application processing fee for each BC Express Entry stream is $1,150.
Processing Time: The BC PNP Express Entry immigration stream has an average processing time of 2 to 3 months.
The BC PNP Entrepreneur categories are open to businesspeople and entrepreneurs with the means and willingness to start or purchase and operate businesses in British Columbia. The eligibility for each of these programs is given below.
The BC PNP Tech is a special stream for foreign tech workers with the skills and experience needed to work in the province’s tech sector. Prospective BC PNP Tech applicants must possess valid Canadian immigration status, have a valid job offer from a BC employer, and score a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam.
Application Fee: BC PNP Tech program candidates will need to pay a $1,150 application fee.
Processing Time: The total processing time for BC PNP Tech is 2-3 months.
Application Fee: BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates will need to pay a $300 registration fee and a $3,500 application fee.
Processing Time: The total processing time for BC PNP Entrepreneur immigration is 6 months.
There are plenty of possible ways to move to British Columbia. Consider reviewing each of the programs and streams discussed above and learning which one you are eligible for.
If you want to learn more about moving to British Columbia or need assistance with your application, please contact Elaar Immigration. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants are familiar with the various BC immigration programs and can guide you through the application process for each one.
Learn to write a perfect employer recommendation letter for your BC PNP application. Read more.
Check out the BC PNP High Demand Occupation List 2024. Read more.
Here is a complete BC PNP Tech Occupations list based on the New NOC version 2021. Read more.
Learn more about the BC PNP requirements for International students in this guide. Read more.
Here is a checklist of all the required BC PNP employer documents. Read more.
Move to Canada as a skilled worker, tech worker, or entrepreneur through British Columbia Immigration Programs.