The BC PNP is British Columbia’s provincial immigration program
Besides the federal government, each province can run its own immigration programs to meet its labour market needs and support its economy. British Columbia’s program is the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).
Every year, British Columbia selects a number of candidates to meet its economic goals and fill labour shortages, especially in health care. Health care workers and early childhood educators are among its priorities.
The program has two main categories:
- Skills Immigration
- Entrepreneur Immigration
Here we focus on Skills Immigration. Streams 3, 4 and 5 below are now closed and are included for reference only.
1. Skilled Worker: you may be eligible if you have:
- a valid job offer from an employer in British Columbia;
- at least two years of experience in the occupation;
- a wage offer in line with the prevailing wage for the occupation;
- proof of English proficiency.
2. Health Authority (physicians, nurses and midwives): you may be eligible if you have:
- a valid job offer from a B.C. public health authority;
- recognition of your qualifications by the health authority;
- completed the required training and exams for the occupation;
- the stream’s other requirements, such as language proof.
3. International Graduate (closed): required a degree from an eligible Canadian institution, a valid job offer, a wage in line with the occupation and proof of English.
4. International Post-Graduate (closed): required a master’s degree in certain fields or a doctorate from an eligible B.C. institution, plus proof of English.
5. Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (closed): required a job offer in certain tourism, hospitality or food processing occupations, at least nine months with that employer, an appropriate wage and proof of English.
For the Skilled Worker stream, the job offer and the applicant’s experience must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation. Occupations facing shortages in B.C. are prioritized; see the priority occupations here.
Selection is points-based. Eligible registrants receive a score, and in periodic draws the province invites the highest-scoring candidates in its priority occupations.