“What are the requirements for BC PNP for international students?”
If you’re an international student in British Columbia, Canada, you may have heard of BC PNP already. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program has special programs for international students with specific requirements.
British Columbia attracts thousands of international students each year because it is home to some of North America’s best Colleges and Universities. Foreign students who have studied at selected Canadian or British Columbia educational institutions have a chance to obtain permanent resident status through many provincial immigration programs.
This guide will examine each of these BC PNP requirements for international students and help you understand if you can immigrate to Canada through these programs.
- General Requirements: Intention to live in British Columbia, ability to contribute to the province’s economy, good language skills (CLB 4 or higher), and valid immigration status in Canada.
- International Graduate Category: Diploma or degree from a Canadian College or University (minimum eight months) within the last three years and a full-time employment offer in a role under NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3. Distance education programs are not eligible.
- EEBC International Graduate Category: Valid diploma or degree from a Canadian College or University (minimum eight months) received within the last three years, a full-time employment offer in a role under NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3, and eligibility for at least one Express Entry program with a valid Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code.
- International Post-Graduate Category: Master’s or Doctoral degree in specific fields from a BC College or University. A job offer is not required.
- EEBC International Post-Graduate Category: Master’s or Doctoral degree from a BC College or University in eligible fields and eligibility for at least one Express Entry program with a valid Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code.
- Additional Notes: Express Entry eligibility and a Job Seeker Validation Code are crucial for the EEBC categories. Education credentials must be received within the last three years (except for the International Post-Graduate Category). Distance education programs are generally not accepted.
What are the different BC PNP Programs for International Students?
There are two main programs that fall under the British Columbia PNP for International students. These are the International Graduate Category and the International Post-Graduate Category.
Each of the above programs also contains a special Express Entry application method that differs from their base program. So there are actually four programs that offer British Columbia PR for international students. These are:
- International Graduate Category
- EEBC International Graduate Category
- International Post-Graduate Category
- EEBC International Post-Graduate Category
Get Professional Help with Your Canadian PR Application
Apply for Canadian PR with the Help of Licensed RCIC Experts.
International Graduate Category
This stream is for international students that possess a diploma or degree from a recognized Canadian College or University. Students applying through the BC PNP International Graduate category typically need a job offer under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 1, TEER 2 or TEER 3 category.
EEBC International Graduate Category
This stream is also for international students that possess a diploma or degree from a recognized Canadian College or University. These graduates will also need a job offer under NOC TEER 1, 2 or 3 categories.
Additionally, they must also be eligible for at least one of the following Express Entry Programs:
Graduates who wish to apply through this BC PNP program for international students must ensure they have an active Express Entry Profile and have obtained a Job Seeker Validation Code before applying.
International Post-Graduate Category
This stream is for international students that possess a Master’s degree or Doctorate degree in specific fields from a recognized British Columbia College or University. Students applying through this BC PNP International Post-Graduate category do not need a job offer to be eligible.
EEBC International Post-Graduate Category
This stream is also for international students with a Master’s or Doctorate degree from a recognized British Columbia College or University in specific fields of study. These graduates are not required to possess a job offer to apply. International Post-Graduate candidates must ensure they are eligible for at least one of the three Express Entry Programs.
Post-graduates who wish to apply through this program must ensure they have an active Express Entry Profile and have obtained a Job Seeker Validation Code before applying.
What are the BC PNP requirements for international students?
| Requirements | International Graduate | EEBC International Graduate | International Post-Graduate | EEBC International Post-Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intention to Live in BC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Benefits to British Columbia's Economy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Valid Immigration Status (Study Permit/Work Permit) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Education from College or University Location | Anywhere in Canada | Anywhere in Canada | British Columbia | British Columbia |
| Acceptable Education Programs | Any degree or diploma that is longer than 8 months | Any degree or diploma that is longer than 8 months | Masters or Doctrate level programs in specific fields | Masters or Doctrate level programs in specific fields |
| Must be eligible for the Express Entry | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Express Entry Profile No. | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Job Seeker's Validation Code | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Job Offer | NOC TEER 1, 2 or 3 Job Offer is Required | NOC TEER 1, 2 or 3 Job offer is Required | Not Required | Not Required |
Candidates applying for the above programs must meet some standard BC PNP requirements for international students.
General requirements for all international student BC PNP categories:
- Having the intention to reside in British Columbia
- Demonstrating they can benefit British Columbia’s economy
- Possessing good language skills (CLB 4 or higher)
- Holding valid immigration status in Canada
- The additional requirements for each specific program are described below.
International Graduate Category
Candidates who intend to apply through the International Graduate Category must also have the following:
- Job Offer: A signed letter specifies they have a job offer for full-time employment in a role under NOC TEER 1, 2 or 3. Candidates with a job offer under NOC TEER 0 cannot apply through this category.
- Education: A diploma or degree from a Canadian College or University under a program minimum of eight months in length. The candidate must have received this education credential no more than three years before applying. Distance education programs do not qualify under this immigration category.
EEBC International Graduate Category
Candidates who intend to apply through the Express Entry British Columbia International Graduate Category must have:
- Job Offer: A signed letter specifies they have a job offer for full-time employment in a role under NOC TEER 1, 2 or 3. Candidates with a job offer under NOC TEER 0 cannot apply through this category.
- Education: A valid diploma or degree from a Canadian College or University under a program minimum of eight months in length. The candidate must have received this education credential no more than three years before applying. Distance education programs do not qualify under this immigration category.
- Eligibility to Qualify for an Express Entry Program: The candidate must ensure they are eligible for one or more Express Entry programs.
- Express Entry Profile Number: The EEBC candidate must have a valid Express Entry Profile Number. They can obtain this by creating an Express Entry Profile and submitting it to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Job Seeker Validation Code The candidate must obtain the four-digit Job Seeker Validation Code generated by IRCC after submitting their Express Entry Profile.
International Post-Graduate Category
A valid Master’s degree or Doctoral degree from a British Columbia College or University and in one of the following fields:
- Agriculture, agriculture operations, and similarly related sciences
- Natural resources conservation
- Physical sciences
- Engineering technology and engineering-related fields
- Mathematics and statistics
- Engineering
- Health professions or related programs
- Biological and biomedical sciences
- Computer and information sciences and support services
The candidate must have received this education credential no more than three years before their application. Distance education programs do not qualify under this immigration category.
EEBC International Post-Graduate Category
Candidates who intend to apply through the Express Entry British Columbia International Post-Graduate Category must have:
- Education: A Master’s degree or Doctoral degree from a British Columbia College or University in one of the fields mentioned in the International postgraduate category. The candidate must have received this education credential no more than three years before their application. Distance education programs do not qualify under this immigration category.
- Eligibility to Qualify for an Express Entry Program: The candidate must ensure they are eligible for one or more Express Entry programs.
- Express Entry Profile Number: The EEBC candidate must have a valid Express Entry Profile Number. They can obtain this by creating an Express Entry Profile and submitting it to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Job Seeker Validation Code: The candidate must obtain the four-digit Job Seeker Validation Code generated by IRCC after submitting their Express Entry Profile.
British Columbia PR for International Students
Enquire NowNeed help?
As you can see, there are many viable routes for PR in BC Canada for international students. If you are interested in applying through any of the programs described above, please contact our experts at ELAAR Immigration.
Our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants are familiar with each of these international student programs and can help you select the right program based on your background. Contact Elaar Immigration today to start the process of settling in Canada.
