BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP): Your Path to Permanent Residency in British Columbia

What is the BC PNP?

The BC Provincial Nominee Program lets British Columbia nominate people for Canadian permanent residence who have the skills BC employers need. If nominated, you apply to IRCC for PR. The program has two main umbrellas:

1. Skills Immigration (including Express Entry BC options)
2. Entrepreneur Immigration

(Source: WelcomeBC – About the BC PNP.)

1) Skills Immigration (Workers & Graduates)

BC uses a points system called the BC PNP Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) to rank candidates in many streams. Factors typically include wage, job location in BC, education, and language.

Common streams:

• Skilled Worker
  For experienced workers with a full-time, indeterminate job offer from a BC employer in an eligible occupation. Usually requires relevant experience and minimum language levels.
• International Graduate
  For recent graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs with a qualified BC job offer. Generally less work experience required than Skilled Worker.
• International Post-Graduate
  For graduates of a BC master’s or PhD program in certain natural/health/applied sciences fields. No job offer required, but intent to live and work in BC is required.
• Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS)
  For certain NOC TEER 4–5 roles in specific sectors (e.g., tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking, food processing) and some Northeast BC positions. Requires a BC job offer and meeting language/work duration thresholds.
• Express Entry BC options
  If you qualify for a federal Express Entry program (FSWP/FSTP/CEC), BC can issue an EE-aligned nomination for faster federal processing.

Key notes:

• Most Skills Immigration streams need a valid BC employer job offer and genuine intent to live in BC.
• Many applicants first register, receive a SIRS score, and may get an invitation to apply (ITA) from BC PNP.
• If nominated, you receive a nomination certificate to apply for PR with IRCC. BC may issue a work permit support letter so you can (re)apply for a work permit while PR is processed.

(Source: WelcomeBC – About the BC PNP & Skills Immigration pages.)

2) Entrepreneur Immigration

For individuals who want to start, buy, or expand a business in BC.

Main pathways:

• Entrepreneur Immigration – Base
  Propose a business in BC, meet net worth and investment minimums, create jobs, and actively manage the business.
• Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot (community-driven)
  For starting a business in a participating smaller BC community. Lower investment thresholds than Base; requires a community referral and active management.
• Strategic Projects (for companies)
  International companies can set up/expand in BC and bring key staff.

Process highlights:

• Submit an online registration, receive a score, and (if invited) submit a full application.
• If approved, you sign a Performance Agreement and receive a work permit support letter to establish the business.
• After meeting your commitments (investment, job creation, operation period), you may receive a provincial nomination to apply for PR.

(Source: WelcomeBC – About the BC PNP & Entrepreneur Immigration pages.)

Typical Steps (Skills Immigration)

1. Check eligibility for your stream (job offer, education, language, experience).
2. Register (where required) and get a SIRS score.
3. Wait for an Invitation to Apply from BC (draws occur periodically).
4. Submit full application to BC PNP within the deadline.
5. If approved, receive nomination (and possibly a work permit support letter).
6. Apply to IRCC for PR with your nomination.

Quick Reference

Why Choose True Pearl Visa Services Inc.?

• We identify the best BC PNP stream for your profile or business plan.
• Optimize your SIRS score and prepare a complete, accurate file.
• Coordinate with BC employers and communities for offers/referrals.
• Guide you through nominations, work permits, and the IRCC PR stage.
• Keep you up to date on draws, scores, and policy tweaks so you can act fast.