British Columbia (BC) is a top destination for immigrants thanks to its booming economy, beautiful environment, and strong demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers. If you want to settle in BC permanently, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) provides several easy-to-navigate immigration pathways.
This article gives you a step-by-step guide to immigrating to BC, focusing on two accessible streams:
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International Graduate Stream
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Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Worker Stream
We’ll cover eligibility criteria, the application process, necessary documents, and official government resources.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Understanding the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
BC PNP allows the province to nominate candidates for permanent residency (PR) who have the skills and qualifications needed in BC’s economy. BC PNP operates mainly through two categories:
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Skills Immigration (SI)
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Express Entry BC (EEBC)
Both the International Graduate and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker streams fall under the Skills Immigration (SI) category.
Applicants generally go through a two-stage process:
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Apply to BC PNP for a provincial nomination.
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If nominated, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
1. BC PNP International Graduate Stream
This stream is for recent graduates from eligible Canadian universities or colleges who have a job offer in BC.
Eligibility Requirements
For the Applicant:
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Graduation:
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Must have graduated within the last three years from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution.
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The program must have been at least eight months long.
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Job Offer:
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Must have a full-time, indeterminate (permanent or no end-date) job offer from a BC employer.
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The job must be classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC).
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Wage Requirements:
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The wage offered must be competitive compared to the BC labor market rates.
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Work Experience:
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No prior work experience required if you have an eligible job offer.
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Language Requirements:
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If your job is classified as TEER 2 or 3, you must demonstrate CLB 4 or higher in English or French.
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Legal Status:
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Must have or be eligible for immigration status (such as a work permit) in Canada at the time of application.
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For the Employer:
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Business Requirements:
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Must be established and operating in BC for at least one year.
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Number of Employees:
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At least five full-time employees if located in Metro Vancouver; three full-time employees if located outside Metro Vancouver.
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Compliance:
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Must meet employment standards and offer fair wages.
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Application Process
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Create a Profile with BC PNP Online:
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Register with the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) and create an online profile.
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Profiles are ranked based on factors like education, job offer, location, and wage.
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Website: BC PNP Online Registration
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Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
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If your profile score is high enough, you will receive an ITA.
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Submit a Full Application:
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You have 30 calendar days to submit a complete application after receiving an ITA.
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Nomination:
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If approved, you will receive a provincial nomination.
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Apply for PR:
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Submit a PR application to IRCC along with your nomination.
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If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
2. BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Worker Stream
This is one of the most accessible pathways for those working in certain industries like hospitality, tourism, food processing, and long-haul trucking in BC.
Eligibility Requirements
For the Applicant:
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Job Offer:
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Must have a full-time, indeterminate job offer in one of the eligible occupations in:
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Tourism and Hospitality
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Food Processing
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Long-Haul Trucking (Province-wide)
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OR any occupation in the Northeast Development Region of BC.
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Work Experience:
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Must have been employed full-time for at least nine consecutive months with the same employer.
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Wage Requirements:
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The wage must meet the minimum wage requirements for the occupation in BC.
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Language Requirements:
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Must demonstrate CLB 4 in English or French.
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Education Requirements:
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Must have completed secondary school (high school graduation).
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Legal Status:
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Must have valid immigration status in Canada (e.g., valid work permit).
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For the Employer:
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Business Requirements:
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Active and operational in BC for at least two years.
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Number of Employees:
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At least five full-time employees in Metro Vancouver; three full-time employees elsewhere.
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Job Offer Compliance:
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The job must be consistent with BC employment standards and offer market-rate wages.
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If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Application Process
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Create a Profile with BC PNP Online:
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Register through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).
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Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
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Wait for selection based on the SIRS point system.
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Submit a Full Application:
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Submit your application within 30 calendar days of receiving an ITA.
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Nomination:
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Upon approval, you will get a BC PNP nomination certificate.
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Apply for PR:
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Apply to IRCC for permanent residency with your nomination.
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Important Documents for Application
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Valid Passport
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Job Offer Letter
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Employer Recommendation Form
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Proof of Graduation (for International Graduates)
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Educational Credentials
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Proof of Work Experience
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Language Test Results (IELTS General, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
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Proof of Legal Status in Canada
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Resume/CV
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Settlement Funds Proof (if required)
Points System (SIRS)
You are awarded points based on:
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Job offer’s wage and skill level
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Candidate’s education
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Years of work experience
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Language proficiency
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Location of employment in BC
Generally, higher wages, more experience, and employment outside Metro Vancouver get higher points.
More on SIRS scoring:
BC PNP Skills Immigration Scoring
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Official Websites for Applications
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BC PNP Main Portal:
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C - IRCC Permanent Residence Application:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application.html -
NOC 2021 (Occupation Codes and Details):
https://noc.canada.ca/en -
Language Test Providers:
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IELTS: https://www.ielts.org
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CELPIP: https://www.celpip.ca
- If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
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