British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Notes

1. Introduction:

 The BC PNP is a vital immigration pathway for individuals seeking to settle in British
Columbia, Canada. It is established to address specific economic and demographic needs of
the province.
 The BC PNP operates under an agreement with the Government of Canada and has the
authority to nominate individuals for Canadian Permanent Residence.
 It offers several streams and categories tailored to skilled workers, international graduates,
entrepreneurs, and key foreign workers.

2. Streams:

A. Express Entry BC:

 Aligned with the federal Express Entry system, targeting candidates in the Express Entry
pool.
 Candidates receive a provincial nomination, earning additional points in their Express Entry
profile.

B. Skills Immigration:

Skilled Worker (SI): For individuals with job offers in a skilled occupation.

a) Healthcare Professional: For healthcare workers with job offers in eligible occupations.
b) International Graduate: For international graduates of Canadian post-secondary
institutions with job offers in BC.
c) International Post-Graduate: For graduates of eligible BC post-secondary institutions in
the natural, applied, or health sciences.
d) Entry Level and Semi-Skilled: For workers in entry-level or semi-skilled positions in specific
industries.

C. Express Entry BC (EEBC): This stream allows BC to nominate candidates from the federal Express
Entry pool. It consists of the same categories as the Skills Immigration stream.

D. Entrepreneur Immigration (EI): This stream is for entrepreneurs who want to start or take over a
business in BC. It includes:
 Entrepreneur Immigration Base Category: For individuals who plan to establish a new
business or buy and expand an existing one in BC.
 Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot: For individuals who plan to start a new business
in participating regional communities of BC.

E. Strategic Projects: This category facilitates the entry of key foreign workers for projects that
significantly benefit BC's economy.
3. Eligibility Criteria:

 Criteria vary by stream:

a. Express Entry BC: Requires eligibility for a federal economic immigration program.
b. Skills Immigration: Depends on factors like work experience, education, language
proficiency, and ability to settle in BC.
c. Entrepreneur Immigration: Involves minimum net worth, investment, business
experience, and a viable business plan.

4. Application Process:

 Applicants typically submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the BC PNP if applying under
the Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC streams.
 Entrepreneurs apply directly to the Entrepreneur Immigration stream and are invited to
apply based on a points-based system.

5. Points System:

The points system is based on the categories commonly used in immigration programs:

a) Education (Maximum points typically range from 6 to 25):

Points are often awarded based on the highest level of education completed by the applicant. For
example, a Master's degree might be awarded more points than a Bachelor's degree, and a Ph.D.
might receive even more points. Sometimes, additional points are granted for education obtained in
Canada.

b) Work Experience (Maximum points typically range from 0 to 15):

Points are usually awarded based on the number of years of full-time work experience in a relevant
field. Higher points are often given for more years of experience, with additional points for
experience gained in Canada.

c) Language Skills (Maximum points typically range from 0 to 28):

Points are generally awarded based on the applicant's proficiency in English and/or French.
Language proficiency is assessed through standardized tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF for French.
Higher scores in language tests result in more points.

d) Adaptability (Maximum points typically range from 0 to 15):

Points may be awarded for factors that demonstrate the applicant's ability to adapt to life in British
Columbia. This could include having previous work or study experience in Canada, having a job offer
in BC, having family ties in BC, etc.

e) Age (Maximum points typically range from 0 to 12):

Points may be awarded based on the age of the applicant. Younger applicants often receive more
points, with points decreasing as the applicant's age increases.
 f) Regional Districts (for certain streams):

Points may be awarded based on the specific regional district where the applicant intends to live and
work in British Columbia. Some districts may offer additional points to attract immigrants to less
populated areas.

g) Job Offer (for certain streams):

Points may be awarded if the applicant has a valid job offer from a BC employer. Additional points
may be granted if the job offer is in a high-demand occupation or located in a certain region.

 Many streams require a valid job offer from a BC employer.

 Ensures that nominees contribute immediately to the local economy.

6. Minimum Income Requirements:

Entrepreneurs under the Entrepreneur Immigration stream must meet minimum income
requirements.

7. Nomination and PR Application:

 Nominees have a specific timeframe to apply for permanent residence after receiving
provincial nomination.
 Ensures a streamlined pathway to becoming a permanent resident.

8. In-Demand Occupations:

 Regularly updated lists of in-demand occupations reflect the current needs of the BC labour
market.
 Applicants should align their skills with these occupations for better chances of success.

9. Regional Pilot (Entrepreneur Immigration):

 Specifically designed to promote economic development in smaller communities.

 Entrepreneurs must propose business plans aligned with the needs of the chosen
community.

10. Regular Draws:

 Periodic draws are conducted to invite candidates from the Express Entry BC and Skills
Immigration streams. Candidates with high scores or meeting specific criteria are issued
invitations to apply.

11. Invitations and Nomination:

Candidates with the highest scores in the EOI pool are invited to apply for provincial nomination.

Once nominated by BC, candidates can apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and
Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

12. Processing Times and Fees:

Processing times vary depending on the stream and category, as well as the volume of applications.
There are fees associated with submitting an application to the BC PNP, which may vary based on
the stream and category.

13. Updates and Changes:

 Given the evolving nature of immigration policies, applicants should stay informed about any
changes to the BC PNP.
 Regularly check the official BC PNP website for the latest updates.

14. Integration and Settlement Support:

BC PNP offers support services to help nominees integrate into the community and establish
themselves successfully.

15. Community Engagement:

 Emphasizes the importance of community engagement for nominees under various streams.
 Encourages nominees to actively participate in the community and contribute to its
development.

16. Impact and Importance:

The BC PNP plays a crucial role in addressing skill shortages, supporting economic growth, and
promoting regional development in British Columbia. It attracts talented individuals and
entrepreneurs who contribute to the province's diversity and prosperity.