British Columbia (BC), is the westernmost province of Canada, with inhabitants of more than 4.6 million situated amid the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. Its spectacular natural beauty in addition to its unique coastal climate makes B.C. the utmost desirable destination to settle in.

Vancouver is the favourite destination of immigrants and it is also the third-largest city in Canada. Victoria being its capital city is situated on Vancouver Island and is the most populous city in the province.

The economy of B.C. concentrates on its abundant natural resource sector which emphasizes on agriculture, forestry, mining, constructions, health and manufacturing. The highest proportion of the B.C. population is made up of immigrants from around the globe. It is also considered the most desired place to study, work and live due to its lively multicultural atmosphere and exceptional quality of life.

Immigration plays an important role in helping BC meet current and future labour market shortages. British Columbia has its own nomination system to nominate potential candidates through the Provincial Nomination Program under the Canadian Immigration system.

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) offers an economic immigration pathway for in-demand skilled workers and experienced entrepreneurs/businessmen who can contribute economically to the province.

The following are the main two categories, through which Skilled Worker and Business people can immigrate to Canada and settled in BC.

• Skills Immigration including Express Entry BC Program
• Entrepreneur Immigration Program

Each category is again divided into various subcategories: 

Skills Immigration:

• Skilled workers – This category is applicable for the managers, professionals and trade people who have got skills and several years of experience and who have job offers from a BC employer in a skilled profession.
• Health Care Professionals – This category is applicable for the doctors, registered nurses and other healthcare professionals who are currently working in BC and have got a permanent job offer from a Public Health Authority.
• International Graduates – Candidates who have completed an eligible degree or diploma from a Canadian college or university and have a full-time job offer in a skilled occupation may qualify.
• International Post-graduates – Candidates who have completed an eligible master’s or doctoral degree from a B.C. university may apply under this category. [This category does not need a job offer].
• Entry-level and Semi-skilled workers (Including workers working in Northeast Development Region) – Workers who are working in an entry-level or semi-skilled position in tourism or food processing and/or long haul trucking industry or entry-level and semi-skilled workers who are residing in the Northeast Development Region may qualify under this category with a Job Offer.

To know more about Skills Immigration BC program, click here.

Express Entry BC Program:

Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) is introduced to nominate skilled workers through Federal Government’s Express Entry system to nominate candidates under BC PNP and to prioritize their permanent residency application and to meet province’s specific labour shortage.

General Requirements – Express Entry BC

Candidates must meet all of the following requirements to receive priority processing under EEBC.

• Meet the criteria for at least one of the federal economic immigration programs under IRCC’s Express Entry system
• Obtain an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code, and express interest to immigrate to B.C.
• Receive a nomination under one of the BC PNP’s EEBC categories

The following categories are included in the Express Entry BC program:

• Skilled workers – This category is applicable for the managers, professionals and trade people who have got skills and several years of experience and who have job offers from a BC employer in a skilled profession.
• Health Care Professionals – This category is applicable for the doctors, registered nurses and other healthcare professionals who are currently working in BC and have got a permanent job offer from a Public Health Authority.
• International Graduates – Candidates who have completed an eligible degree or diploma from a Canadian college or university and have full time job offer in skilled occupation may qualify.
• International Post-graduates – Candidates who have completed an eligible master’s or doctoral degree from a B.C. university may apply under this category. [This category does not need a job offer].

In addition to meeting BC PNP requirements, candidates must also meet the minimum criteria for one of the following federal economic immigration programs:

• Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class

To know more about Express Entry BC Program, click here.