Immigrate to British Columbia (BC) : Complete Guide to BC PNP Streams & Eligibility
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program allows the province to nominate qualified candidates for Canadian permanent residence who meet specific labour market and economic needs. To immigrate to British Columbia, you must apply through one of the streams under the BC PNP. This guide will help you understand the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), its different immigration streams, eligibility criteria, and what to do after applying.
Eligibility for Each Immigration Stream in British Columbia (BC)
British Columbia (BC) immigration program includes several streams, each with its own requirements. To be eligible to immigrate to British Columbia, you generally must:
1. Skilled Worker Stream – Skills Immigration
Full-time, permanent job offer in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
At least 2 years of related work experience
CLB 4+ in English or French
Wage must meet BC standards
Legal status in Canada (if applying from within)
2. Healthcare Professional Stream – Skills Immigration
Job offer in an eligible healthcare occupation (doctor, nurse, midwife, etc.)
Must be registered/licensed with BC health authority
Once you submit your BC PNP application, the status will initially show as “Applied.” Within a few weeks to a couple of months, it typically changes to “In Process,” indicating that the BC PNP office has started reviewing your file. From this stage, it usually takes 2 to 3 months to receive a decision, though timelines may vary based on application volume.
If approved:
You receive a provincial nomination certificate.
If you applied under the non-Express Entry stream, you have 6 months to submit a paper-based PR application to IRCC.
If you applied under the Express Entry BC (EEBC) version, you must accept the nomination in your IRCC Express Entry profile. This adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, making it highly likely that you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next federal Express Entry draw.
Once you receive the ITA, you must apply for permanent residence through IRCC within the required timeline (usually 60 days)
(b) : Healthcare Professional
Follows the same process as the Skilled Worker stream. Applications may be prioritized due to labor market demand.
(c) : International Graduate
Follows the same process as the Skilled Worker stream but is specifically for individuals who have recently graduated from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution.
(d) : International Post Graduate
Follows the same process as the Skilled Worker stream. After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the BC PNP portal, you have 30 days to submit your complete application. Processing times after submission are generally 2 to 3 months, though delays are common.
(e) : Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS)
You apply directly without a registration or invitation step. Processing times are generally longer, with many applicants waiting 3 to 7 months just to see their status change from “Applied” to “In Process.” After that, it may take several more months to receive a nomination decision.
If approved, you can either accept the nomination through Express Entry or submit a paper-based PR application within 6 months.
2. Express Entry BC (EEBC) Stream
Includes four categories (Skilled Worker, Healthcare Professional, International Graduate, and International Post-Graduate). All of them follow the same basic process as the Skills Immigration stream but are linked to the federal Express Entry system.
After nomination, You must accept the nomination in your IRCC Express Entry profile within 30 days.
Once accepted, your CRS score increases by 600 points.
You are typically invited to apply for PR in the next Express Entry draw.
You must then submit your PR application through the IRCC portal, which is usually processed within 6 months.
3. Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
(a). Base Category (Temporarily Paused as of 2025)
(b). Regional Pilot
After full application: Once you submit your complete application with all required documents and fees, BC PNP will review your file. During this stage, you may be invited to a virtual interview to discuss your business plan and qualifications. If your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Confirmation, also known as a work permit support letter.
After work permit approval: With the support letter, you apply to IRCC for a work permit. Once approved, you relocate to British Columbia and begin establishing your business in the designated community. You must meet all obligations outlined in your Performance Agreement, including timelines, job creation, and investment requirements.
Nomination for permanent residence: After successfully meeting the terms of your Performance Agreement, typically over a 12 to 20 month period. BC PNP may issue you a nomination for permanent residence. Once nominated, you have six months to submit your PR application to IRCC.
(c). Strategic Projects
The company submits an application detailing the business plan and key staff. If approved, it receives a Work Permit Support Letter for up to five senior employees. After setting up the business and fulfilling the Performance Agreement, nominated employees may apply for permanent residence through BC PNP.
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How long does it take to immigrate to British Columbia (BC)?
When you apply to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), your application status typically goes through several stages. First, it will show as “Applied,” indicating that your file has been received. Within a few weeks to a couple of months, the status usually changes to “In Process,” meaning BC PNP officers are actively reviewing your application.
The time it takes from “In Process” to receiving a final decision varies depending on the specific stream and the volume of applications. On average, this review period can take anywhere from 2 to 7 months or more. Some streams, such as the International Post-Graduate, may have longer processing times since they do not require a registration or invitation step.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a nomination certificate, which allows you to proceed with your permanent residence application. After nomination, you generally have 6 months to submit your PR application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Processing times at IRCC for permanent residence applications vary but usually take several months. It’s important to monitor your application status regularly and respond promptly to any additional information requests to avoid delays.
Why Choose British Columbia (BC) ?
Strong and Diverse Economy: BC has a thriving economy with key industries like technology, film and television, forestry, tourism, and clean energy.
Mild Climate and Natural Beauty: BC is known for its mild coastal climate and stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, and the Pacific coastline.
High Quality of Life: Residents enjoy excellent healthcare, education, and a focus on environmental sustainability and outdoor recreation.
Multicultural and Inclusive Communities: BC is home to diverse, welcoming communities with strong support services for immigrants and newcomer
Access to Education and Innovation: The province boasts world-class universities and research centers, attracting students and professionals alike.
Growing Job Market: BC’s economy creates opportunities across many sectors, including skilled trades, healthcare, technology, and business.
Immigrating to a new place is a big step and Alberta makes it easier with the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Whether you’re an entrepreneur with dreams of starting a business, a skilled worker looking for new career opportunities, or a recent graduate ready to build your future, this program is designed to help you succeed.
Frequently Asking Questions
What is the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)?
The BC PNP is a provincial immigration program that allows British Columbia to nominate skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates for permanent residence in Canada. It helps meet the province’s labor market and economic needs.
Who is eligible to apply for BC PNP?
Eligibility depends on the specific stream but generally includes skilled workers with a job offer, international graduates from BC institutions, entrepreneurs planning to start a business, and others meeting criteria such as work experience, education, language skills, and financial capacity.
What are the different streams under BC PNP?
The main streams include Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, International Post-Graduate, Entrepreneur Immigration (including the Regional Pilot), and Strategic Projects.
How do I apply for BC PNP?
You usually start by submitting a registration or Expression of Interest (EOI) online, except for some streams like International Post-Graduate where you apply directly. If invited, you submit a full application with supporting documents and fees through the BC PNP portal.
Do I need a job offer to apply for BC PNP?
Most BC PNP streams require a valid job offer from a BC employer, but some streams, like the International Post-Graduate stream, do not require a job offer.
What are the processing times for BC PNP applications?
Processing times vary by stream and application volume but typically range from 2 to 7 months from submission to nomination decision. Some streams may take longer.
Can I apply directly, or do I need an invitation?
Many streams require submitting an Expression of Interest and receiving an invitation to apply. However, some streams like the International Post-Graduate allow direct application without invitation.
Is English or French language proficiency required for BC PNP?
Yes, most BC PNP streams require proof of language proficiency through tests like IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF for French. Requirements vary by stream.
Does BC PNP guarantee permanent residence in Canada?
No. BC PNP nomination supports your permanent residence application, but final approval is granted by the federal government through IRCC.
Can I switch streams after applying to BC PNP?
Generally, you must apply under one stream at a time. If your circumstances change, you may withdraw your application and submit a new one under a different stream.
What happens if my BC PNP application is refused?
If refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You may reapply if you address the issues or meet the criteria later, but there is no formal appeal process for BC PNP refusals.
