British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
British Columbia’s economic growth depends on having enough skilled and qualified people to meet labor 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.
1. 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.
Want a faster way to apply for permanent residency? See if you qualify for Express Entry BC — Skilled Worker.
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 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
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.
How does it work?
To start the process, please create a profile with our online application and registration system, BCPNP Online. After submitting your registration, you will receive a score based on your skills and job. Periodically, we invite people with the highest scores to apply through BCPNP Online.
See how to register and apply.
Get started
For complete, up-to-date program information and requirements, please review the BC PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide (PDF, 1MB).
2. 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).
- 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
Note: This website provides a high-level overview of the program only. Please refer to the program guide for the most current and complete information. Check back often to ensure you have the latest version.
3. 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).
- 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
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.
Am I eligible?
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
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