British Columbia (BC – PNP) PATHWAYS
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC-PNP) is an immigration program through which a broad range of workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs can settle in British Columbia permanently.
It is one of the most varied of all the PNPs, with two broad streams for workers and graduates — Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration — plus an additional stream for entrepreneurs.
Some BC-PNP categories are aligned with Canada’s federal Express Entry immigration selection system. Successful applicants under one of these categories obtain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence at a subsequent draw from the pool.
Furthermore, some BC-PNP categories are managed under a unique system, known as the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Under the SIRS, potential applicants are first required to register a profile and provide some personal information relating to their job offer in BC, work experience, language ability, and level of education. The SIRS works on an Expression of Interest / Invitation to Apply basis, whereby registered candidates are assigned a score (out of 200), and the BC government conducts periodic draws in which candidates who meet the cut-off threshold for their category in that draw are invited to apply for a provincial nomination.
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.
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.
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.
We also have an option for companies looking to expand into B.C., and who need to get permanent residency for key employees.