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British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) – All you need to know

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) is a scheme reserved for skilled workers and entrepreneurs who possess experience and qualifications in demand by British Columbia employers. The BCPNP allows successful applicants to then gain permanent residency within British Columbia.

The BCPNP was first introduced in 2001 and has since welcomed over 44,000 immigrants into the province. The program has been particularly popular amongst countries such as India, China, South Korea, Australia and the United Kingdom.

British Columbia

What are the different pathways in the BCPNP?

There are multiple pathways for immigrants looking to live and work in British Columbia. The three pathways within the BCPNP are as follows:

Skills Immigration

Skills immigration specifically covers skilled workers who are in demand within the British Columbia labour market. Individual categories within the Skills Immigration pathway include:

  • Skilled Workers
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • International Graduates
  • Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Workers
  • International Post-Graduates

Express Entry BC

Express Entry BC is a fast track option for Skilled Workers looking to settle in British Columbia.

Entrepreneur Immigration

Entrepreneur Immigration is reserved for individuals looking to start a new business within the province.

BCPNP eligibility

There are many requirements for each of the BCPNP pathways, which consist of the following:

Skilled Workers and International Graduates

To be eligible for the Skilled Worker pathway, applicants must:

  • Accept a skilled job from an employer within British Columbia
  • Be sufficiently qualified for the job
  • Have at least two years of relevant work experience
  • Show evidence of being able to support yourself and your dependents
  • Be eligible for legal immigration status in Canada
  • Meet Canada’s language requirements
  • Have a suitable wage outlined within British Columbia’s wage requirements

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare Professionals must secure a full time job from a public health authority, with Midwives obtaining a confirmation letter from an established British Columbia practice.

International Post-Graduates

International Post-Graduates must:

  • Hold a Master’s degree or Doctorate within natural or health sciences
  • Be eligible for legal immigration status in Canada
  • Have completed a relevant graduate program in British Columbia within the last three years.
  • Evidence intent to live in British Columbia.

Express Entry BC

Eligibility for Express Entry BC is as follows:

  • Applicants must receive an Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry System.
  • Have accepted a full-time job within the National Occupational Classification skilled occupation list.

All other requirements remain the same as a Skilled Worker and International Graduate.

Entrepreneur Immigration

To qualify for Entrepreneur Immigration, applicants must:

  • Have a personal net worth of at least CAD 600,000
  • Evidence of business management experience
  • Proficiency in either the England or French language
  • Evidence of plans to start a new business
  • Make a personal investment of at least CAD 200,000 into the business
  • Pay a registration fee of CAD 300
  • Pay an application fee of CAD 3,500

What is the application process for the BCPNP?

There are four steps within the BCPNP application process, which are as follows:

Registration

Applicants under the Skilled Worker, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled and International Graduates categories must register via the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). A variety of factors will be assessed at this stage, including:

  • Occupation
  • Education
  • Language ability
  • Wages

SIRS awards individual registrants with points to help British Columbia identify who will best meet current needs within the labour market. All other applicants can register directly at BCPNP online.

Invitation

Registrants who receive a sufficient number of points are added to a selection pool and have the opportunity to be invited to apply for the BCPNP. Only the highest-scoring candidates will be asked to apply, based off of the criteria mentioned above within the SIRS. Each year the allocated number of nominations for the BCPNP is set by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), with draws taking place on set days of each month.

Application

Upon receipt of an invitation, Skilled Worker, Entry Level, Semi-Skilled, and International Graduate candidates can then apply online. Once you have been invited, candidates have 30 days to complete their online application, and an application fee of CAD 1,150 will be taken. Applications will then be assessed in line with the Provincial Immigration Programs Act and Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation.

Nomination

Approved applicants will be sent confirmation of their nomination and a package outlining the next steps for your federal application submission to the IRCC.