BC Provincial Nominee Program
Express Entry BC
BC PNP - EXPRESS ENTRY BC
Do you have the skills to fill a high-demand occupation in B.C.? The Express Entry BC (EEBC) stream of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) connects to the federal Express Entry system. It’s a faster way for eligible skilled workers to gain permanent residence in BC.
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.
EEBC — SKILLED WORKER
British Columbia’s growing economy requires skilled workers in high-demand occupations. The Express Entry BC (EEBC) – Skilled Worker category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a faster way to gain permanent residence in B.C.
To qualify, you must first accept a valid job offer from a B.C. employer. You also need relevant training and experience.
Am I eligible?
To qualify for this category, you must:
have received an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry system. This shows you meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a National Occupational Classification skilled occupation (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B).
qualify to work in your job in B.C.
have at least two (2) years of directly related work experience
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Is my employer eligible?
Your employer must be willing to support your application. They must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill certain responsibilities during the application process.
EEBC — INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE
Did you graduate with a valid qualification from an eligible Canadian university or college within the last three years? The Express Entry BC (EEBC) – International Graduate category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) can help you gain permanent residence in B.C.
Am I eligible?
To qualify for this category, you must:
have received an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry system. This shows you meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a National Occupational Classification skilled occupation (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B)
qualify to work in your occupation in B.C.
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
have completed a degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada in the past three years
meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Is my employer eligible?
Your employer must be willing to support your application. They must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill certain responsibilities during the application process. View the employer requirements.
EEBC — INTERNATIONAL POST-GRADUATE
Do you have a graduate degree in the sciences from an eligible B.C. institution? Consider advancing your career in B.C.’s growing technology, health care, and applied sciences sectors.
The Express Entry BC (EEBC) – International Post-Graduate category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) can help you gain permanent residence in B.C. You don’t need a job offer.
Which graduate degrees are valid?
You must have graduated in the last three years with a master's or doctorate (PhD) degree in the natural, applied or health sciences:
agriculture
biological and biomedical sciences
computer and information sciences and support services
engineering
engineering technology
health professions and related clinical sciences
mathematics and statistics
natural resources conservation and research
physical sciences
Am I eligible?
To qualify for this category, you must:
have received an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry system. This shows you meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
have completed a valid graduate program of study at an eligible post-secondary institution in B.C. in the last three years.
show your intent and ability to live in B.C.
EEBC — HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
British Columbia needs more health care professionals. The Express Entry BC (EEBC) – Healthcare Professional category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) helps physicians, specialists, nurses and allied health professionals put your valuable skills to work in the province and get permanent residence.
Find opportunities in B.C.
Health Match BC is a free health recruitment and placement service. It can help you find a job in your field with one of B.C.’s health authorities. Health Match BC staff can also answer your questions about the BC PNP and assist you with your application.
Find a health care job through Health Match BC.
Am I eligible?
To qualify for this category, you must:
have received an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry system. This shows you meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
have the support of, or a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a public health authority as a:
physician
specialist
registered nurse
registered psychiatric nurse
nurse practitioner
allied health professional such as a:
diagnostic medical sonographer
clinical pharmacist
medical laboratory technologist
medical radiation technologist
occupational therapist
physiotherapist
if you are a midwife, have a letter of confirmation from an established practice group in B.C.
qualify to work in your occupation in B.C.
have at least two (2) years of directly related work experience
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Is my employer eligible?
Your employer must be willing to support your application. They must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill certain responsibilities during the application process. View the employer requirements.
BC Skills Immigration
BC PNP - 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.
SKILLED WORKER
British Columbia’s growing economy requires skilled workers in high-demand occupations. The Skills Immigration (SI) – Skilled Worker category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a way for workers in a professional, management, technical, trade or other skilled occupation to gain permanent residence in B.C.
To qualify, you must first accept a valid job offer from a B.C. employer. You also need relevant training and experience.
Am I eligible?
To qualify for this category, you must:
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skilled occupation (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B).
be qualified to perform the duties of the job
have at least two (2) years of directly related work experience
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
for NOC skill level B occupations, meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Is my employer eligible?
Your employer must be willing to support your application. They must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill certain responsibilities during the application process. View the employer requirements.
INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE
Did you graduate with a valid qualification from an eligible Canadian university or college within the last three years? The Skills Immigration (SI) – International Graduate category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) can help you gain permanent residence in B.C.
Want a faster way to apply for permanent residency? See if you qualify for Express Entry BC — International Graduate.
To qualify for this category, you must
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a National Occupational Classification skilled occupation (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B).
qualify to work in your occupation in B.C.
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
have completed a degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada in the past three years
for NOC skill level B occupations, meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Is my employer eligible?
Your employer must be willing to support your application. They must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill certain responsibilities during the application process. View the employer requirements.
ENTRY LEVEL AND SEMI-SKILLED
The Skills Immigration (SI) – Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a way for workers in a valid tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking or food processing occupation to gain permanent residence in B.C.
To qualify, you must first accept a valid job offer from a B.C. employer. Please note that this category is not eligible under the Express Entry BC stream.
Am I eligible?
To qualify for this category, you must:
have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer in a specific occupation in tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking, or the food processing industry. For the Northeast Development Region of B.C., you may apply in any National Occupational Classification occupation (skill level C or D).
have been working full-time for your employer for a minimum of nine consecutive months before applying
meet minimum language and education requirements
qualify to do the job offered to you
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have legal immigration status in Canada
be earning a wage in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Is my employer eligible?
Your employer must be willing to support your application. They must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill certain responsibilities during the application process. View the employer requirements.
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
British Columbia needs more health care professionals. The Skills Immigration (SI) – Healthcare Professional category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) helps physicians, specialists, nurses and allied health professionals work in B.C. and gain permanent residence.
Want a faster way to apply for permanent residency? See if you qualify for Express Entry BC — Healthcare Professional.
Find opportunities in B.C.
Health Match BC is a free health recruitment and placement service. It can help you find a job in your field with one of B.C.’s health authorities. Health Match BC staff can also answer your questions about the BC PNP and support you in the application process.
Find a health care job through Health Match BC.
To qualify for this category, you must:
have the support of, or a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a public health authority as a:
physician
specialist
registered nurse
registered psychiatric nurse
nurse practitioner
allied health professional such as a:
diagnostic medical sonographer
clinical pharmacist
medical laboratory technologist
medical radiation technologist
occupational therapist
physiotherapist
if you are a midwife, have a letter of confirmation from an established practice group in B.C.
qualify to work in your occupation in B.C.
have at least two (2) years of directly related work experience
show you can support yourself and your dependents
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
for NOC skill level B occupations, meet minimum language requirements
have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Is my employer eligible?
Your employer must be willing to support your application. They must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill certain responsibilities during the application process. View the employer requirements.
INTERNATIONAL POST-GRADUATE
Do you have a graduate degree in the sciences from an eligible B.C. institution? Consider advancing your career in B.C.’s growing technology, health care, and applied sciences sectors.
The Skills Immigration (SI) – International Post-Graduate category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) can help you gain permanent residence in B.C. You don’t need a job offer to apply.
Want a faster way to apply for permanent residency? See if you qualify for Express Entry BC — International Post-Graduate.
Which graduate degrees are valid?
You must have graduated in the last three years with a master's or doctorate (PhD) degree in the natural, applied or health sciences:
agriculture
biological and biomedical sciences
computer and information sciences and support services
engineering
engineering technology
health professions and related clinical sciences
mathematics and statistics
natural resources conservation and research
physical sciences
Please see the BC PNP IPG & EEBC IPG Eligible Programs of Study Document (PDF, 1MB) for a complete listing of eligible programs of study.
To qualify for this category, you must:
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
have completed a valid graduate program of study at an eligible post-secondary institution in B.C. in the last three years.
show your intent and ability to live in B.C.
Entrepreneur Immigration
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.
STRATEGIC PROJECTS
The Strategic Projects category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for foreign corporations who have identified strategic investment opportunities in B.C. to establish operations that are integral to the growth and expansion of their core business.
This category enables foreign corporations to permanently transfer key staff with the corporate knowledge and expertise to B.C. The foreign corporation may apply for provincial nomination to support the permanent residence of up to five of its current senior employees. These employees will actively manage the B.C. operation.
Is my company eligible?
To be eligible, the foreign corporation must meet the following requirements:
be well-established and in good financial standing
demonstrate investment readiness and capacity for international expansion into B.C.
provide significant economic benefit to the province by making a high value investment in B.C.
Are the key staff members eligible?
To be eligible as key staff, the individual(s) must meet the following requirements:
be current senior employees of the foreign corporation who have the qualifications and experience that are essential to establish and operate the business in B.C.
is being appointed to an executive or senior managerial position, or has specialized knowledge essential to the proposed B.C. operation
will be employed in a permanent full-time capacity at the B.C. operation
is offered a wage commensurate with his/her expertise and consistent with industry and corporate compensation structures
We will not accept applications of key staff members who:
are prohibited from entering Canada
have not been lawfully admitted in the country of current residence
are in Canada and are out of status
an individual whose status has expired, and they cannot demonstrate they have applied for restoration of status within the 90-day eligibility period, will be considered out of status
are working in Canada without authorization
have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada
are under a removal order in or outside Canada
What are the requirements?
The foreign corporation must:
make a minimum equity investment of at least $500,000 directed toward the corporation’s operations in B.C.
establish new or purchase and expand an eligible business in B.C.
create at least three new full-time equivalent jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents for each foreign key staff member proposed (to a maximum of five key staff)
Which types of businesses are ineligible?
The following types of businesses are ineligible under the BC PNP:
an immigration-linked investment scheme pursuant to Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation section 6(e) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) section 87(5)(b) and as defined in IRPR 87(9)
any business where the terms of investment include a redemption option pursuant to IRPR 87(6)(d)
any business that may be a passive investment pursuant to IRPR 87(6)(c)
bed and breakfasts, hobby farms and home-based businesses
payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machine businesses
pawnbrokers
tanning salons
DVD rental stores
coin-operated laundries
automated car wash operations
scrap metal recycling
businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs, refurbishing or recycling)
real estate development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services
any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute.
Entrepreneur Immigration - Regional Pilot
ENTREPRENEUR IMMIGRATION - REGIONAL PILOT
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot (EI – Regional Pilot) is focused on attracting entrepreneurs from around the world to establish businesses in regional communities. This will help meet the communities’ economic development needs and encourage investments outside urban areas.
Key features of the EI - Regional Pilot
Active community role – participating communities have a key role in the pilot. They are actively involved in attracting foreign entrepreneurs to their community and working with local partners and existing networks to provide support for entrepreneurs settling into their communities.
Referral from the community – participating communities may refer foreign entrepreneurs to the BC PNP whose business concept aligns with the community’s economic priorities. The foreign entrepreneur must be invited by the community to conduct an exploratory visit and present their concept to the community’s designated contact person prior to receiving a referral.
Community concierge – a dedicated BC PNP concierge service supports communities with immigration program information.
Invitations & prioritization – foreign entrepreneurs who are referred by a participating community are placed in a separate registration pool dedicated to the pilot when they register. Regional pilot registrations and applications are prioritized.
Community eligibility
For a list of participating communities, visit the EI - Regional Pilot – Community Profiles page.
We ask interested parties to respect and follow a community’s specific process. Communities reserve the right to meet only with those potential applicants for the EI Regional Pilot that have been qualified through the community’s official intake process.
After reviewing the detailed community profiles and their priority sectors, you should contact the community using only the contact details listed in each community’s profile.
Applicant criteria
To reflect the lower costs of starting a business and settling in regional communities with smaller populations, the personal net worth and investment criteria is lower than the existing Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category (EI – Base Category). There is also a language proficiency requirement where the foreign entrepreneur must have a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 equivalent.
Before considering the Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot, you should familiarize yourself with the program criteria and check your eligibility. For more information, including details on ineligible businesses, please refer to the Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot Program Guide.
The EI - Regional Pilot is for foreign entrepreneurs who are planning to start a new business. Entrepreneurs wishing to purchase an existing business can register and apply under the EI – Base Category of the BC PNP.
Pilot timeline
The pilot will be delivered for a two-year period and will be evaluated to ensure that the community and entrepreneur are benefitting the program, and to ensure continued program integrity for the BC PNP.
Entrepreneur Immigration - Base Category
ENTREPRENEUR IMMIGRATION - BASE CATEGORY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
If you want to immigrate to B.C. and are ready to invest in and actively manage a valid business here, you may qualify for our Entrepreneur Immigration - Base Category. Here is an overview of the requirements.
Personal requirements
To qualify, you must:
have a personal net worth of at least CAD$600,000
demonstrate business and/or management experience
have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
have basic English or French language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher
You must also have been lawfully admitted in the country where you currently reside.
Please review our Entrepreneur Immigration - Base Category Program Guide to see the complete personal requirements.
Business, job and investment requirements
To qualify you must:
establish an eligible new business or purchase and improve an existing business
make an eligible personal investment of at least CAD$200,000 in the business
create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in the business
Please review our Entrepreneur Immigration - Base Category Program Guide to see the complete business and investment requirements, including business eligibility and job requirements.
Registration and application fees
All applicants must pay the following fees:
$300 registration fee
$3,500 application fee
How does it work?
The first step is to research B.C.’s economy and regions to find a business opportunity. The WorkBC website provides comprehensive information and data about B.C.’s labour market and industries. When you have a business idea, please create a profile and a registration with our online application and registration system, BCPNP Online. Please include a business concept.
If you are eligible, you will receive a score based on your registration information. We will also put you into a qualified pool. Periodically, we invite people with the highest scores to apply through BCPNP Online.
See how to register and apply. Registration requires a non-refundable $300 fee.