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British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program

British Columbia PNP is a popular Canada immigration pathway targeted at migrants intending to take up permanent residence in Canada and settle in British Columbia.

British Columbia is much sought-after among immigrants as BC has a history of high economic growth and relies on immigration to meet the labor market requirements.

The BC PNP provides a pathway for Canadian permanent residence for highly skilled workers, in-demand workers, and entrepreneurs. The BC PNP is operated by the provincial government in collaboration with the federal department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Every province and territory part of Canadian PNP gets a limited number of nominations each year.

BC immigration pathways:

Skills Immigration
Express Entry BC
Entrepreneur Immigration

Each category has its individual streams.

Process

Applicants to the BC PNP must follow a two-stage process — they must first apply for a nomination to the provincial government; and if they are nominated, they must next apply for permanent residence to the federal government.

BC PNP draws in 2022 Skills Immigration [SI] Express Entry [EEBC] Entrepreneur Immigration [EI]
Total Invitations: 1785
Sl. No	Date	Categories	CRS Score	Invitations issued
1	April 26, 2022		65-85	148
2	April 19, 2022		70-110	179
3	April 12, 2022		70-87	160
4	April 5, 2022		70-125	198
5	March 29, 2022	SI and EEBC	Ranging from 75-87	136
6	March 22, 2022	SI and EEBC	Ranging from 78-128	204
7	March 14, 2022	SI and EEBC	Ranging from 63-85	176
8	March 08, 2022	SI and EEBC	Ranging from 77-128	204
9	March 01, 2022	SI and EEBC	85	215
10	February 22, 2022	160	SI and EEBC	Ranging from 77-125
11	February 15, 2022	140	SI and EEBC	85
12	February 08, 2022	198	SI and EEBC	Ranging from 77-120
13	February 01, 2022	126	SI and EEBC	80
14	January 25, 2022	264	SI and EEBC	–
15	January 25, 2022	25	SI and EEBC	Invitations issued only to –
				· NOC 0621: Retail and wholesale trade managers, and
				· NOC 0631: Restaurant and food service managers.
16	January 18, 2022	91	SI and EEBC	Tech Draw
17	January 11, 2022	201	SI and EEBC	–
18	January 11, 2022	31	SI and EEBC	Invitations issued only to –
				· NOC 0621: Retail and wholesale trade managers, and
				· NOC 0631: Restaurant and food service managers.
19	January 4, 2022	102	SI and EEBC	Tech Draw
Total				1785

FAQ

What is the BC PNP’s Skills Immigration (SI) pathway?

The SI of the BC PNP offers a pathway to Canada PR for those with the skills, experience as well as qualifications required by the employers within British Columbia.

Do I need a valid job offer to register for the SI of the BC PNP?

Generally, a valid job offer – for a full-time, permanent job with an eligible BC employer – will be needed.
However, a job offer is not required if applying under the SI – International Post-Graduate category.

What is the SIRS?

SIRS stands for the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), an online points-based system.

Why does the BC PNP use the SIRS?

The SIRS allows BC PNP to ensure that the selection of candidates is as per the requirements of the local labour market by prioritizing those with the most potential of successfully settling within the province.

How do I register with the BC PNP for Skills Immigration?

Begin by creating a profile with BC PNP Online and registering for the categories of Skilled Worker, International Graduate, or Entry Level and Semi-Skilled.

Is SIRS mandatory for all categories under BC PNP’s skills Immigration?

Not required if applying under SI – Healthcare Professional or SI – International Post-Graduate categories. Such individuals can directly apply via BC PNP Online.

What is assessed by the BC PNP for SIRS score?

The SIRS assesses (1) key economic factors that include – NOC skill level of job, annual wage being offered, and location of job in BC; (2) factors that affect ability of settling in BC such as proficiency in the English language, a higher level of education etc.

Am I automatically entitled to work in BC if the BC PNP nominates me for Canada PR?

No. A BC PNP nomination for Canada PR does not provide the nominee with the legal status to work in BC. Generally, a Canada work permit will be needed to work in Canada.

What is Express Entry BC?

Linked with the federal Express Entry system, the EEBC stream of the BC PNP offers an expedited pathway for a skilled worker to acquire permanent residence in British Columbia.

How many can be invited annually by the BC PNP?

The frequency and number is as per the annual allocation by IRCC. The number of invitations that are issued by the BC PNP will also depend on their ability for ensuring timely processing.

What is an ECA?

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) will be required as verification that an individual’s foreign degree or diploma etc. is valid and equivalent to Canadian credentials.