British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has different pathways to immigration, through which foreign nationals can apply for permanent residence in BC. This program aims to employ professionals with expert skills, low-demand workers, and investors in the country.

The Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) is a mechanism that attracts certain categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. Before applying for the BC PNP, SIRS candidates should give a detailed summary of their job offer in British Columbia, work experience, language ability, and educational level. SIRS uses the EOI/ITA framework to select applicants. Based on a point system, candidates up to 200 points, and under periodic draws. Those who score above the category-specific threshold are invited to apply for nomination.

Skills Immigration In BC PNP

The program is divided into different categories based on the applicant's job status, education, and entrepreneurial intentions. Here's a rundown of the categories:

Express Entry BC

This stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration system, which speeds up the process.

Skills Immigration

This stream is for workers with specific skills, applicable to various economic sectors in BC.

Entrepreneur Immigration

This stream aims at drawing entrepreneurs who bring contributions towards the economic growth of the province by starting new businesses or more established products.

This category doesn’t require a job offer, but the applicants must create some jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. In addition, it does not follow the Skills Immigration Registration Protocol (SIRP). To be eligible, applicants should present satisfactory evidence of their net worth and submit their business plan. 

Eligibility Criteria For The Employees

Here are the eligibility criteria for BP Express Entry skilled workers:

Eligibility Criteria For The Employers

Employers need to meet in order to offer a job under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program:

Application Process BC PNP

Here's a structured overview of the application process for the BC PNP:

Eligibility Check

Start by deciding which of the BC PNP streams you may want to apply for and make sure you have all the requirements for that stream.

Requirements Of Express Entry Stream

You need to upload your profile online at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), if you apply through Express Entry streams. These categories include candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class. You will be issued an Express Entry profile number and a validation code for the job seeker.

Register With BC PNP

For all categories, you must:

• Sign up and fill out your profile on the BCPNP Online portal.

• Enter your registration and you will be presented with a score based on work experience, education, and language proficiency among others.

Your profile will go under a competitive pool for up to 12 months, during which you may get a call to apply.

Get An Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Ensure that you are qualified for any one of these three categories, namely Skilled Worker, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled, or International Graduate, to receive an invitation to apply. Invitations for Skilled Workers under the Skilled Worker Class and for International Graduate candidates will be issued to the eligible candidates.

The deadline for sending your complete application is 30 days after you receive the invitation. 

Payment

The application processing fee is $1,150 CAD. If qualified, you have need a a net worth verification report, a comprehensive business plan, and pay a $3,500 CAD non-refundable application fee.

Permanent Residence Application

Once the BC PNP application has been approved, the final step involves applying for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Your residency status will eventually be decided based on federal criteria.

Conclusion

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a comprehensive immigration program aiming at sustaining economic growth by introducing internationally skilled workers, high-demand sector employees, investors, and entrepreneurs. This program is the most relevant tool for addressing British Columbia’s workforce and economic development challenges by providing a platform for the influx of talented migrants and investors.