British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

In 2024, the province of British Columbia adjusted its immigration policies to attract international talent, investors, and to support economic growth. With a high quality of life and abundant job opportunities, British Columbia remains an ideal destination for immigrants. This article by Phan Immigration provides the latest information on British Columbia’s immigration policies. 

 Overview of British Columbia

British Columbia is one of Canada’s ten provinces, located on the country’s westernmost edge. The province enjoys a prominent geographical location:

• North: Borders Yukon and the Northwest Territories

• East: Borders Alberta

• South: Shares borders with the U.S. states of Montana, Idaho, and Washington

• West: Faces the Pacific Ocean and the southern tip of Alaska (USA)

British Columbia spans approximately 1,180 km from north to south and up to 1,030 km from east to west. It features diverse terrain, including a rugged coastline with numerous islands and fjords, mountain ranges in the west, and vast interior plateaus. Its varied climate and landscape make it one of the most unique regions in Canada.

British Columbia was among the last regions in North America to be explored and settled. The province experienced rapid development in the second half of the 20th century and has become one of Canada’s most important provinces in terms of population, economy, and development. The province’s two largest cities are Vancouver — one of Canada’s major seaports and a key hub in the Pacific Northwest — and Victoria, the provincial capital, located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island.

The province covers 944,735 km² (364,764 square miles) and had a population of 5,531,553 in 2023, which increased to 5,698,430 in 2024.

 Why Choose to Immigrate to British Columbia?

British Columbia (B.C.) is one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants in Canada, thanks to its numerous advantages:

• Clean environment, modern infrastructure, and many amenities for daily life. However, the cost of living in B.C. is relatively high and should be considered carefully.

• By registering with the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP), residents can access reliable healthcare services at a reasonable cost.

• Competitive wages depending on qualifications, experience, and profession. Workers are also entitled to health and dental insurance.

• Home to many immigrant communities from around the world, creating a vibrant, open, and friendly society.

• Approximately 200,000 Indigenous people live in B.C., with over 10,000 years of history contributing to the province’s distinct cultural identity.

• Diverse labor market across various sectors such as agriculture, construction, forestry, healthcare, and manufacturing.
• One of the regions in Canada with a low crime rate and a strong public security system, ensuring safety for residents.

BC PNP Immigration Streams

Skilled Worker Stream

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in B.C. in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation

• Ability to perform the duties of the offered position

• Minimum of 2 years full-time (or equivalent) work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations

• Language proficiency: minimum CLB 4 in English or French

• Wage must align with B.C.’s prevailing wage for the occupation

• Proof of ability to support yourself and your dependents.

Express Entry BC option available Note: A permanent job offer is not required if it is in a priority tech occupation or NOC 41200 (university lecturer)

Application Process: 

1. Create a profile on BCPNP Online
2. Profiles receive a score based on program criteria
3. High-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination
4. Submit application within 30 days of ITA via BCPNP Online. If nominated, apply for permanent residence to the federal government

Processing Time: ~6 months
Application Fee: CAD 1,475 (~VND 26,026,228) + CAD 500 (~VND 8,978,550) for reconsideration

Express Entry BC

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Valid profile under one of the three Express Entry programs

• Valid Express Entry profile number and Job Seeker Validation Code

• Ability to live, work, and establish economically in B.C.

• Apply through EEBC via Skilled Worker or Health Authority streams

Application Process: 

1. Create a valid Express Entry profile under IRCC rules
2. Register with the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS)
   Note: International Post-Graduate and Health Authority applicants can apply directly without SIRS
3. Receive a score and be entered into a selection pool
4. If selected, receive a provincial nomination through Express Entry and submit your BCPNP Online application within 30 days

Processing Time: 2–3 months
Application Fee: CAD 1,150 (~VND 20,650,665)

Entrepreneur Immigration

Streams and Requirements: 

• Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream: 
  • Minimum personal net worth: CAD 600,000

• • Business and/or management experience; or equivalent of a 2-year post-secondary diploma if no business experience

• • Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French

• • Establish or purchase and actively manage a business in B.C.

• • Minimum investment of CAD 200,000

• • Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot: 

• • Start a business aligned with a referring community’s priorities

• • Business and/or management experience

• • Minimum net worth: CAD 300,000

• • Minimum investment: CAD 100,000

• • Create at least one full-time job

• • Minimum CLB 4 in language test

• • Legal immigration status in Canada or eligibility to apply

• • Legal entry into the current country of residence

• Strategic Projects: 

• • Key staff from a foreign corporation with qualifications to start and operate a business in B.C.

• • Must hold an executive/senior management/specialized knowledge position

• • Work full-time and long-term in B.C.

• • Salary must align with role, industry, and company norms

Application Process: 

• Base Stream: 

1. Register and submit business concept via BCPNP Online
2. Receive a score; top candidates get an ITA
3. Submit application within 4 months. Net worth reviewed by an authorized accountant
4. Receive a 2-year work permit to start business in B.C.

• • Business must be operational within 20 months
  • If conditions met, receive provincial nomination and apply for PR

• Strategic Projects: 

1. Verify company and key staff eligibility
2. Conduct exploratory visit to B.C. and consult with BCPNP
3. Submit application with business and investment details
4. If approved, receive ITA and submit final documents within 90 days; sign a performance agreement
5. Receive work permit support letter, apply for work permit via IRCC
6. After launching business and fulfilling commitments, submit final report for nomination

Processing Times: 

• Registration scoring: ~6 weeks

• Application decision: ~4 months

Fees: 

• Registration: CAD 300 (~VND 5,384,880)

• Application: CAD 3,500 (~VND 62,823,600)

• Key staff application: CAD 1,000/person (~VND 17,949,600)

FAQs About the BC PNP

What occupations are prioritized for BC PNP?

Eligible jobs include:

• Hotel front desk clerks

• Tour and travel guides

• Casino workers

• Outdoor sport and recreation guides

• Hotel managers and attendants

• Bartenders

• Food and beverage servers

• Kitchen helpers and food service support workers

• Housekeepers

• Specialized cleaners

• Janitors and heavy-duty cleaners

• Laundry attendants in hotels/resorts

• Other support roles in hospitality

• Food/beverage processing machine operators

• Industrial butchers, meat cutters, poultry workers

• Fish and seafood plant workers

• Food/beverage testers and processors

• Food and beverage production workers

How to apply for a work permit in B.C.?

To work temporarily in B.C., you must apply for a work permit. In some cases, you may qualify for an open work permit (no job offer required).

If you need a specific job offer: 

• Employer must usually obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving no Canadian/permanent resident is available for the job

• A positive LMIA is also known as a Confirmation Letter

• Once obtained, the employer can hire the foreign worker, and you can apply for a work permit (employer must pay the LMIA fee)

Is a job offer required for BC PNP?

Yes. For the Skilled Worker stream, a valid job offer from a B.C. employer is required in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, with at least 2 years of related work experience

Latest BC Immigration Policy Updates

In 2025, BC PNP will introduce three new immigration streams for international graduates:

• Bachelor’s Category: For graduates with a Bachelor’s degree from an eligible institution. Requires a full-time, permanent job offer

• Master’s Category: For graduates with a Master’s degree in any field from an eligible institution. Requires a full-time job offer of at least 1 year in a skilled occupation

• Doctorate Category: For graduates and candidates holding a Ph.D. from an eligible institution

Key Features of These New Streams:

• No restrictions on eligible occupations or employment fields

• No limits on eligible programs: any bachelor’s degree may qualify

• No competition for ITA between education levels
• Language requirement: CLB 8 in English or NCLC 8 in French

British Columbia’s updated immigration policies open more opportunities for workers, international students, and anyone seeking a new life in Canada. For questions or support with the BC PNP, contact the professional team at Phan Immigration for expert guidance and assistance.