British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
British Columbia, located on the westernmost part of Canada, is a province known for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the majestic Rocky Mountains to the east. One of the defining features of British Columbia is its vast wilderness. From lush coastal rainforests, with towering ancient trees and vibrant wildlife, to jagged mountain ranges and crystal-clear alpine lakes, the province offers an abundance of outdoor adventures and scenic wonders.
The coastal region of British Columbia is dotted with picturesque fjords, verdant islands, and charming coastal towns. Vancouver, the province's largest city, is a bustling metropolitan hub nestled between the ocean and mountains. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, multicultural diversity, and thriving culinary experiences, Vancouver has a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.
British Columbia is also known for its rich Indigenous heritage, with diverse First Nations cultures and art forms integrated into the province's identity. Newcomers can explore various Indigenous historical sites, museums, and galleries that showcase the vibrant traditions and stories of the Indigenous peoples.
Furthermore, British Columbia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From skiing and snowboarding in Whistler, hiking the West Coast Trail, kayaking in the Gulf Islands, or fishing in pristine rivers, there are endless opportunities to immerse oneself in nature and experience thrilling adventures.
Overall, British Columbia offers a harmonious blend of stunning natural landscapes, vibrant urban centers, cultural diversity, and outdoor pursuits. It truly captures the essence of Canada's beauty and offers a remarkable experience for locals and visitors alike.
British Columbia’s economy focuses on a strong natural resources sector, with an emphasis on forestry and mining.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) is an immigration program operated by the government of British Columbia to facilitate the nomination of foreign workers, entrepreneurs and graduates who have skills and qualifications that are in demand in the province. The program aims to attract individuals who can contribute to the economic growth and development of British Columbia.
Under the BC PNP, there are several categories through which individuals can apply for nomination.
BC Immigration Streams
1. Skills Immigration:
This category is for skilled and semi-skilled workers in occupations that are in high demand in British Columbia. Applicants must have a job offer from a BC employer (except for international post-graduates) and meet certain eligibility requirements. Skilled workers include workers in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 while semi-skilled workers may be described as entry-level positions or workers in TEER 4, 5, (workers in the hospitality sector, food processing, long-haul trucking etc)
2. Express Entry BC:
This category is linked to the federal Express Entry system and allows eligible individuals to apply for nomination if they meet the criteria of one of the federal economic immigration programs and have a valid job offer in British Columbia. Categories that can be processed through Express Entry system are;
- Skilled Worker Category
- Health Care Professional Category
- International Graduate Category
- International Post-Graduate Category
3. Entrepreneur Immigration:
This category is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish a new business or invest in an existing business in British Columbia. Applicants must demonstrate business experience, a viable business proposal, and a minimum net worth. There are three options under this stream;
Base Category:
This category is for senior managers or business owners who intend to invest funds into a proposed business in British Columbia.
Regional Pilot:
This new pilot is for international entrepreneurs looking to establish a new business in a small community in British Columbia.
Strategic Projects Category:
Foreign-controlled enterprises can set up shop in British Columbia under this category. The province can designate up to five significant foreign management, professional, or technical staff personnel for permanent residence.
4. International Graduate:
This category is for international students who have graduated from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution in British Columbia. Graduates with a valid job offer from a BC employer in a skilled occupation may be eligible to apply.
The BC PNP operates on a points-based system, where applicants are assessed on various factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Successful nominees receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate, which can expedite their immigration application to the federal government for Permanent Residency.
Processing time: 2-3 months
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, you
- Must have accepted a full-time job offer for a TEER 4 or 5 job (except for the International Post-Graduate Category);
- Must have a wage offer in line with the provincial wage rates (except for the International Post-Graduate Category);
- Must show you can support yourself and your family (except for the International Post-Graduate Category);
- Must meet minimum language requirements (for TEER 2, 3, 4, or 5 ((CLB) level 4 in all competencies) for the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Category);
- Must meet any additional requirements specific to your category;
- Employer must also be meet eligibility criteria (except for the International Post-Graduate Category).
How BC PNP works:
The first step is to register with the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) for B.C. to assess your job, education, location in B.C., language ability and wage against the provincial labour market needs.
Applicants can register by completing all the sections of the registration with BCPNP Online.
Keep in mind that applicants for the International Post-Graduate Category and Care Economy (Healthcare Professional Category) are exempt from registering with the SIRS and can apply directly through BCPNP Online.
You will subsequently be assigned a registration score based on several factors and placed in a selection pool for the selected category. Those who meet conditions and have a score over a certain level are asked to participate in a provincial draw for a provincial nomination. After that, applicants will have 30 days to apply through BCPNP Online.
If you receive a provincial nomination, you can then apply for permanent residence with the Canadian federal government
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BC PNP Tech
BC PNP Tech is a specific stream under BC PNP designed to attract and retain highly skilled tech workers in the province. It is a response to the growing demand for tech professionals in BC’s tech sector.
This initiative gives in-demand foreign workers and international students a pathway to permanent residence, so they can contribute to BC’s economy and build a great life in the province.
Since its inception in May 2017, BC PNP IT has assisted over 6,000 IT employees in being nominated for permanent residence. BC PNP Tech ensures that B.C. can continue to attract and retain the talent required to sustain and grow the province's technology economy.
For businesses interested in supporting an application through BC PNP Tech, the province provides an employer concierge service. The BC PNP holds targeted tech-only draws to ensure that qualified tech applicants have priority access to the program, resulting in faster processing of tech applications.
Benefits to applicants
- An immigration pathway that does not necessitate a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Work permit support letters for nominees so that they can apply for a new work permit or renew their current work permit and continue to work throughout the federal permanent residence process.
BC has critical need for more tech and healthcare professionals as well as early childhood educators. Under BC PNP, these occupations are prioritized, to address labour shortages in those sectors.
Contact Asare Immigration Consulting Inc. for assistance.
AICI is a leading Canadian immigration firm with a track record of success and experience providing a range of services to help individuals navigate the PNP process including providing guidance on acquiring necessary documents and information, preparing and submitting the application and representing clients during the process.