British Columbia Immigration

Are you looking to immigrate to British Columbia? If so, several programs may allow you to become a permanent resident. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is one such program that can help you immigrate to BC. It is designed to attract and retain skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors who can contribute to the province’s economy.

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British Columbia is a province in Canada known for its diverse geography, bustling economy, and welcoming attitude towards immigrants. We are a trusted Canadian immigration consulting firm that has served thousands of business and individual clients through numerous changes in immigration regulations.

Who Can Apply?

There is an official British Columbia immigration program for each of the following types of people:

  • International students and their families
  • Foreign skilled workers and their families
  • Foreign entrepreneurs and investors and their families
British Columbia Immigration Streams
BC PNP Latest Draw May 30 2023BC PNP DrawNews
31 May 2023

BC PNP Latest Draw May 30 2023 ~ 196 Invitations

In the BC PNP Latest Draw, British Columbia invited 196 candidates under the General and Targeted draws, with minimum scores ranging from 60 to 107 based on occupation and other…
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BC PNP Skills Immigration

The BC PNP Skills Immigration program is suited for foreign professionals in skilled or semi-skilled jobs in high demand in British Columbia. It also contains special streams for international students that have studied in British Columbia or other Canadian provinces.

  • BC PNP Skilled Worker: This stream is open to people with two years of work experience and who also have a full-time job offer in NOC TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 from a British Columbia employer.
  • BC PNP International Graduate: This stream is for international students who graduated from a Canadian College or University and have a full-time job offer in NOC TEER Categories 1, 2, or 3 from a British Columbia employer.
  • BC PNP International Post-Graduate: This stream is for international students with a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in health, applied science, or natural sciences.
  • BC PNP Healthcare Authority: This stream is suited for foreign professionals with a full-time job offer from a British Columbia Public Health Authority body.
  • BC PNP Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled: This stream caters to entry-level or semi-skilled workers currently employed in the province.
BC PNP StreamRequirementsIs a job required?Application Fees
Skilled Workera BC employer's full-time, indefinite job offer in a NOC TEER Category 0, 1, 2, or 3, with wages commensurate with BC wage rates, and at least two years of relevant work experienceYes$1,475
International GraduateOffer of a full-time, indefinite position from a BC company in a NOC TEER Category 1, 2, or 3, at B.C. wage rates, and recent graduation from a Canadian post-secondary institution that qualifiesYes$1,475
International Post-Graduatecompletion of a BC Master's or PhD in a natural science, applied science, or health-related fieldYes$1,475
Healthcare AuthorityEmployment offer from a BC public health authorityYes$1,475
Entry Level and Semi-Skilleda qualifying NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupation and a full-time, indefinite job offer from a BC company, as well as at least 9 months of relevant work experienceYes$1,475
Application Fee: The application processing fee for the BC PNP Skills Immigration stream is $1,150.

Processing Time: The BC PNP Skills Immigration stream has an average processing time of approximately 4 months.

BC PNP Express Entry

The BC PNP Express Entry is a special subcategory within the Skills Immigration stream. This one caters to people with an active Express Entry profile and who are in the Express Entry candidates pool. This means the applicant must be eligible for at least one Canadian Federal Express entry program.

The BC PNP Express Entry categories are:

  • Express Entry BC Skilled Worker: This stream is open to people with two years of work experience and who also have a full-time job offer in NOC TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 from a British Columbia employer.
  • Express Entry BC Health Authority: This stream is suited for foreign professionals with a valid recommendation letter from a British Columbia Public Health Authority body
  • Express Entry BC International Graduate: This stream is for international students who have graduated from a Canadian College or University and have a full-time job offer in NOC TEER Categories 1, 2, or 3 from a British Columbia employer.
  • Express Entry BC International Post Graduate: This stream is for international students who obtained a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in the health, applied science, or natural sciences field.

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.

BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration

The BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration program contains streams for business people and entrepreneurs with the means and willingness to invest in BC businesses and operate them. The streams in this category are:

  • BC PNP Base Category: This stream is for people with experience in business ownership or management. Candidates must have a minimum net worth of $600,000 and be willing to invest a minimum of $200,000. They must acquire at least 33.3% of the company and create one or more jobs for Canadians.
  • BC PNP Regional Pilot: This stream is for people with experience in business ownership or management who have scored a minimum of CLB in a language proficiency exam. Candidates must have a minimum net worth of $300,000 and be willing to invest a minimum of $100,000. They must acquire at least 51% of a company in a city with a population of less than 750,000 and create one or more jobs for Canadians.

BC PNP Tech

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.

British Columbia Immigration Process

The steps to apply for British Columbia immigration are described below.

BC PNP Process Step by Step

Step 1: Identify the Right BC PNP Pathway

The first step is to identify the correct British Columbia immigration pathway. Review all the programs and streams described above and check which ones you are eligible for. If you believe you are eligible for more than one, consider speaking with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant to determine which offers you the best chance of success.

Step 2: BC PNP Registration

Next, you must create your online profile at the BC PNP Online Portal. Applicants applying through the Health Authority or Post-Graduate stream are exempt from doing this step.

You will then be entered into a candidate pool. You will receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) if selected.

Step 3: Apply for BC PNP Application Online

You will then have 30 days to complete and submit the BC PNP application online. You must also gather and submit all the required documents and pay your application fee.

Step 4: Obtain a Provincial Nomination from British Columbia

If the British Columbia authorities approve your application, you will receive a provincial nomination.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence

Once you have your nomination, you can apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system.

FAQ: British Columbia Immigration

1. What qualifications does the BC PNP require?

Depending on which particular stream you apply for, requirements change. In general, you’ll need to fulfill requirements related to the stream you’re applying under, such as schooling, work experience, language proficiency, and others.

2. Is a particular industry or occupation in demand in British Columbia?

Demand is rising in BC’s economy across several industries, including technology, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades. The list of in-demand professions is updated regularly by the BC government.

3. How can I use the BC PNP to apply for immigration?

First, find out if you qualify for a particular stream. After you’re qualified, you can register online and send an Expression of Interest (EOI). You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you are chosen, and you may then submit a finished application.

4. How long does it take to process a BC PNP?

Processing times can change depending on the stream and the specific situation. It’s a good idea to check the BC PNP website often for processing time updates.

BC PNP Employer Recommendation Letter

BC PNP Employer Recommendation Letter

Learn to write a perfect employer recommendation letter for your BC PNP application. Read more.

BC PNP High Demand Occupation List 2023

BC PNP High Demand Occupation List

Check out the BC PNP High Demand Occupation List 2023. Read more.

BC PNP Tech Occupation List

BC PNP Tech Occupation List

Here is a complete BC PNP Tech Occupations list based on the New NOC version 2021. Read more.

BC PNP Requirements for International Students

BC PNP Requirements for International Students

Learn more about the BC PNP requirements for International students in this guide. Read more.

BC PNP Employer Documents Checklist

BC PNP Requirements for International Students

Here is a checklist of all the required BC PNP employer documents. Read more.

How Can Elaar Immigration Help?

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.

Get Started with British Columbia Immigration

Move to Canada as a skilled worker, tech worker, or entrepreneur through British Columbia Immigration Programs.

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