Please note, all our information is taken directly from the Government of British Columbia’s Welcome BC page.

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a way for high-demand foreign workers and experienced entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency in B.C.

The BC Provincial Nominee Program offers three ways to become a permanent resident in B.C. Each pathway contains different categories you can apply under, depending on your National Occupational Classification skill level, job, or international student status.

Skills Immigration

Skills Immigration is for skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations in B.C. It uses a points-based invitation system. The process involves registering and applying online for the BC PNP and a paper application process for permanent residency.

You may not need prior work experience for some categories. Skilled workers may have work experience from abroad. Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category applicants need B.C. work experience. Recent international graduates of a Canadian university or college may not need any work experience, depending on the job being offered.

Express Entry BC

Express Entry BC is a faster way for eligible skilled workers to immigrate to B.C. You must also qualify for a federal economic immigration program. It uses a points-based invitation system, and is an entirely web-based registration and application process for both the BC PNP and permanent residency process.

You do not require B.C. work experience. However, you must have relevant work experience as well as meet other requirements such as education and language.

Entrepreneur Immigration

The Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to actively manage a business in B.C. It is a points-based invitation system. Applicants must have the required personal and investment funds.

The Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot is for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in participating regional communities across B.C.

There is also an option for companies looking to expand into B.C., and who need to get permanent residency for key employees.

Other immigration options

If you don’t qualify for one of the BC PNP streams, there may be other ways to come to B.C. Ask us if you qualify as an immigrant, temporary resident or visitor.