Please note that updated program requirements and new application forms for the Strategic Occupations component of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) have been introduced as of September 14, 2006. The BC PNP will continue to accept applications under the old application forms until October 13, 2006. After October 13, 2006, only applications that use the new forms will be accepted.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) offers accelerated immigration for qualified skilled workers and experienced entrepreneurs who wish to settle in British Columbia (BC) and become permanent residents of Canada.

This program is administered on behalf of the Province of BC by the Ministry of Economic Development in partnership with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), the federal government agency responsible for immigration.

How It Works

The BC PNP selects and nominates potential immigrants for permanent residence who have the ability to become economically established in BC, and who will provide significant economic benefits to the province.

Individuals nominated by the Province of BC, together with their spouse and dependent children, are eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in the Provincial Nominee Class. CIC gives priority to processing permanent resident visa applications for Provincial Nominees. CIC makes the final decision on these applications.

Program Components

Strategic Occupations

The Strategic Occupations component of the BC PNP supports BC employers who need to recruit or retain highly qualified foreign workers to help meet their current and future skill needs, and whose activities contribute to the Province’s economic development objectives. The employer and the prospective employee (nominee candidate) submit a joint application to the program.
 

Foreign workers who do not have a job offer from a BC employer can not apply directly to the program. If you are a potential immigrant looking for employment opportunities in BC, we suggest you check these on-line sources.

Business

This component of the program accepts applications from experienced entrepreneurs who plan to invest in and actively manage a business in BC.