Canadian provinces have programs that encourage immigrants to settle in their provinces so that the economy of the provinces may benefit from the specialized skills and abilities of those individuals.
Most provinces and territories in Canada can nominate immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These immigrants must have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province or territory, and must want to live there.
Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and criteria for their PNP. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target students, business people, skilled workers or semi-skilled workers.
British Columbia's economic growth depends on having enough skilled and qualified people to meet labour market needs. 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.
BC PNP Pathways
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.
Choose your pathway
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 skilled occupation (skill level 0, 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
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.
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.
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 skilled occupation (skill level 0, A or B). Alternatively, if it is a semi-skilled occupation (skill level C or D), you should have a structured career plan toward a skilled occupation, supported by your employer.
- Qualify to work in your occupation in B.C.
- Show you can support yourself and your dependentsHave, 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, C and D occupations, meet minimum language requirements
- Have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
Entrepreneur Immigration
The Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for high net worth business people who can invest in and actively manage a valid business in B.C. It is a points-based system. Applicants must also have the required personal and investment funds.
We also have an option for companies looking to expand into B.C., and who need to get permanent residency for key employees.
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) is an economic immigration program operated by the Government of Alberta with the Government of Canada's department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It supports Alberta's economic growth by attracting and retaining work-ready people to the province.
How does it work?
Individuals nominated by the Government of Alberta, together with their spouse/common-law partner and dependent children, can apply for permanent residence through IRCC as a provincial nominee. IRCC makes final decisions on all permanent resident applications.
AINP Streams and Categories Accepting Applications
Information on how potential immigrants with skills and experience in high demand occupations in Saskatchewan, such as health care, agriculture, trades or business, can apply to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program.
SINP In-Demand Occupation List
SINP applicants may be required to provide documentation related to professional status or licensure. Please see the list below for these requirements. If this proof is required, your application will be held for processing until such proof is provided - all other required documents must be included in your application or your application will be returned as incomplete and your application fee will not be refunded.
CLICK HERE TO OPEN OCCUPATION LIST...
SINP Demand Occupations No Requiring Licensure or Stature:
|
0124 |
Advertising, marketing and public relations managers |
None |
|
0423 |
Managers in social, community and correctional services |
None |
|
1112 |
Financial and investment analysts |
None |
|
1122 |
Professional occupations in business management consulting |
None |
|
1123 |
Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations |
None |
|
2211 |
Chemical technologists and technicians |
None |
|
2212 |
Geological and mineral technologists and technicians |
None |
|
2121 |
Biologists and related scientists |
None |
|
2123 |
Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists |
None |
|
2225 |
Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists |
None |
|
2231 |
Civil engineering technologists and technicians |
None |
|
2241 |
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
None |
|
2242 |
Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) |
None |
|
2243 |
Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics |
None |
|
2253 |
Drafting technologists and technicians |
None |
|
0811 |
Managers in natural resources production and fishing |
None |
|
0821 |
Managers in agriculture |
None |
|
0911 |
Manufacturing managers |
None |
|
0912 |
Utilities managers |
None |