BC PNP Skills Immigration Stream

The Skills Immigration Program is composed of a number categories, each with their own unique eligibility requirements.

• Skilled Worker Category
• Health Care Professional Category
• International Graduate Category
• International Post-Graduate Category
  • List of eligible programs of study
• Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Category - including employment in the Northeast Development Region of B.C.
  • Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) eligible occupations 
• Employer requirements
• Minimum income required 

The Skilled Worker, Health Care Professional, International Graduate, and International Post-Graduate categories may also be processed through an application to the Express Entry British Columbia stream, which is aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration selection system.

Skills Immigration and BC Express Entry candidates may also be eligible for immigration under the BC PNP Tech Pilot if they have an eligible job offer in one of the program's 29 occupations.

General Requirements

In addition to meeting the specific requirements for the category under which they are applying, applicants must also meet the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Stream.

Unless otherwise noted, applicants in the Skills Immigration stream must meet the following requirements:

• Have accepted a job offer for indeterminate, full-time employment — except candidates in the Skills Immigration: International Post-Graduate category and BC PNP Tech Pilot registrants — in an eligible occupation at a wage rate that meets industry standards and is in line with rates offered by B.C. employers for the same occupation;
• Be qualified for the offered position. The BC PNP may refer to the National Occupational Classification (NOC), Work BC or industry standards to determine the minimum qualifications for an occupation;
• Applicants with a job offer for an occupation categorized under NOC level 0 or A are not required to submit valid language test results; however, the BC PNP may ask for results at its discretion to ensure an applicant has the language proficiency required in order to perform the duties of the position or if the applicant claims points for language under the registration system;
• Demonstrate English or French language ability at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4, for all occupations classified under NOC level B, C, or D;
• Not have ownership or equity stake of more than 10 per cent in the B.C. company that has made the job offer in the five years preceding the application and throughout the entire BC PNP application process; and,
• Benefit B.C. economically through their employment. For example, the applicant's employment may:
  • Transfer knowledge and skills to Canadians;
  • Build the workforce for a major project;
  • Create or maintain jobs for Canadians; and/or,
  • Support the development of proprietary new products;
• Meet minimum income requirements;
• Submit a complete application, along with the $700 application fee, if invited to apply.
• Applicants' employment must not adversely affect the settlement of a labour dispute, or the employment of anyone involved in a labour dispute. Also, applicants' employment must not prevent the training or employment of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Candidates will not receive a nomination if they:

• Are prohibited from entering Canada;
• Are currently in Canada and are out of status;
  • If an applicant's status has expired and he or she cannot demonstrate that they have applied for a restoration of status with the 90-day eligibility period, the applicant will be considered out of status.
• Are currently working in Canada without authorization;
• Have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada; or
• Are under a removal order in or outside of Canada.

Skilled Worker Category

This category is open to workers with post-secondary education or training and employment experience in a skilled occupation.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In addition to meeting the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Stream, eligible applicants under the Skilled Worker Category must:

• Have received an offer of indeterminate, full-time employment from an eligible B.C. employer (with the exception of BC PNP Tech Pilot registrants);
  • The job offer must be in an occupation classified as NOC level 0, A, or B;
    
    • For occupations classified as NOC level B, applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in English or French by submitting language test results showing a minimum score of benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all competencies.
    • For occupations classified as NOC level 0 or A, no language test results are necessary unless the applicant is claiming points for language. The BC PNP, however, may require valid language test results at its discretion to determine whether the applicant has the language proficiency to perform the duties of the position.
• Have at least two years of directly related full-time (or full-time equivalent) work experience in the skilled occupation offered to them, and the credentials and qualification requirements of the position, if applicable;
  • The BC PNP defines directly related work experience as paid employment that is classified under the same NOC code as the B.C. job offer accepted by the applicant. Experience in a related occupation at a NOC skill level equal to or greater than the NOC skill level of the B.C. job offer may also be considered if the applicant can sufficiently demonstrate how this work experience is directly related to the skilled occupation.
• Meet the language requirements for their classified occupation:
  
  • For occupations classified as NOC level B, applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in English or French by submitting language test results showing a minimum score of benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all competencies.
  • For occupations classified as NOC level 0 or A, no language test results are necessary - the BC PNP, however, may require valid language test results at its discretion.

• Demonstrate the ability to meet minimum income requirements and pay for housing and living expenses in British Columbia by showing:
  • Annual wage in the province;
  • Location of residence in the province;
  • The number of dependents.

Additionally, the employer offering the job to the BC PNP candidate must meet the BC PNP minimum requirements for employers.

Healthcare Professional Category

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In addition to meeting the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Stream, eligible applicants under the Health Care Professional Category must:

• Have received an offer of indeterminate, full-time employment from an eligible B.C. public health authority in of the following fields:
  • Physician;
  • Specialist;
  • Registered nurse;
  • Registered psychiatric nurse;
  • Nurse practitioner; or
  • Allied health professional such as a:
    
    • Diagnostic medical sonographer;
    • Clinical pharmacist;
    • Medical laboratory technologist;
    • Medical radiation technologist;
    • Occupational therapist; or
    • Physiotherapist.
  • As a midwife, an applicant must be registered with the College of Midwives of British Columbia. Also, the applicant must have a letter of confirmation from an established practice group in British Columbia confirming their acceptance into the group as an affiliated midwife for a period of at least six months. This letter must be on the practice group's official letterhead and must be signed by the applicant and the head of the practice group.
• Have at least two years of directly related full-time (or full-time equivalent) work experience in the skilled occupation offered to them, and the credentials and qualification requirements of the position, if applicable;
  • The BC PNP defines directly related work experience as paid employment that is classified under the same NOC code as the B.C. job offer accepted by the applicant. Experience in a related occupation at a NOC skill level equal to or greater than the NOC skill level of the B.C. job offer may also be considered if the applicant can sufficiently demonstrate how this work experience is directly related to the skilled occupation.
• Meet the language requirements for their classified occupation:
  
  • For occupations classified as NOC level B, applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in English or French by submitting language test results showing a minimum score of benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all competencies.
  • For occupations classified as NOC level 0 or A, no language test results are necessary - the BC PNP, however, may require valid language test results at its discretion.
• Demonstrate the ability to meet minimum income requirements and pay for housing and living expenses in British Columbia by showing:
  
  • Annual wage in the province;
  • Location of residence in the province;
  • The number of dependents.
• Midwives must:
  • Have a letter of confirmation from an established practice group in the province confirming acceptance into the group for at least six months, written on official group letterhead and signed by the head of the practice group and the applicant; and
  • Be registered, or eligible to be registered, with the College of Midwives of British Columbia.

International Graduate Category

This category is for international students who have graduated from a Canadian university or college within three years of applying to the BC PNP. While applicants do not necessarily need prior work experience, applicants are required to obtain a job offer from a B.C. employer.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In addition to meeting the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Stream, eligible applicants under the International Graduate Category must:

• Have received an offer of indeterminate, full-time employment for an occupation classified as NOC level 0, A, or B from an eligible B.C. employer (with the exception of BC PNP Tech Pilot registrants);
• Applicants must have obtained a degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada within three years of the date of completion shown on the official transcript;
  • An undergraduate or graduate degree from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution; or
  • A diploma from an eligible public post-secondary institution in Canada. Diplomas from private institutions are not eligible for this program.
  • A diploma program must be at least eight months (two semesters) of full-time equivalent coursework.
  • The diploma program is not eligible if more than one-quarter is co-op work or an internship.
• Applicants must have the credentials and qualification requirements of the position, if applicable;
• Applicants must provide evidence that they can support themselves and their dependents in Canada, including the following:
  • Income and employment prospects;
  • Location of intended residence in British Columbia; and
  • Information on the number of dependents.
• Meet the language requirements for their classified occupation:
  
  • For NOC level B, C, or D occupations, applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in English or French by submitting language test results showing a minimum score of benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all competencies.
  • No language test results are required for NOC level 0 and A occupations unless the applicant is claiming points for language. The BC PNP, however, may request valid language test results at its discretion.

International Post-Graduate Category

This category is for individuals who have obtained a master’s or doctoral degree in the natural, applied or health sciences from a British Columbia institution. No job offer is needed to apply to this program.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In addition to meeting the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Stream, eligible applicants under the International Post-Graduate Category must:

• Have obtained a master’s or doctoral degree from an eligible British Columbia institution within the three years preceding the application to the BC PNP in one of the following fields:
  • Agriculture, agriculture operations and related sciences
  • Biological and biomedical sciences
  • Computer and information sciences and support services
  • Engineering
  • Engineering technology and engineering-related fields
  • Health professions and related programs
  • Mathematics and statistics
  • Natural resources conservation
  • Physical sciences
• Provide evidence that they intend to reside permanently in B.C., such as:
  • The length of current or previous periods of residence in B.C.;
  • The applicant’s connections to B.C. through work, study, or family;
  • A description of any settlement activities that the applicant has undertaken (finding a job or place to reside);
  • current employment in B.C.;
  • employment search details (prospective employers, applications, networking efforts, business development, etc.);
  • community involvement;
  • An applicant's ability to be financially self-sufficient in B.C.; or
  • A plan to obtain or maintain legal authorization to work in B.C.

List of eligible programs of study

Private post-secondary institutions

Public post-secondary institutions

Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Category

This category is for individuals currently living and working in B.C. in an eligible occupation within the tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking, or food processing industries, or in a NOC skill level C or D occupation in the Northeast Development Region of the province.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In addition to meeting the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Stream, eligible applicants under the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Category must:

• Have received an offer of indeterminate, full-time employment from an eligible B.C. employer, in an eligible occupation
• Have been employed full-time in an ELSS eligible occupation for at least nine consecutive months immediately before applying with the same B.C. employer supporting the application;
  
  • Individuals currently working in the Northeast Development Region of B.C. in any C or D level occupation (excluding live-in caregivers) may be eligible for this category.
  • Eligibility in the Northeast Development Region of B.C. is not restricted to occupations in the tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking, or food processing industries;
  • Note: Work conducted during a program of study (co-op) or while on a Study Permit or an Off-Campus Work Permit does not qualify. 
• Maintain full-time employment throughout the application process;
  • If the applicant is no longer eligible to work for the supporting employer when he or she receives an Invitation to Apply for the BC PNP, but still has status in Canada (for example, as a visitor) or has left Canada, he or she may submit an application as long as:
    • He or she met the conditions at the time of registration for the BC PNP; and,
    • the job offer remains valid throughout the application process.
• Demonstrate the ability to meet minimum income requirements and pay for housing and living expenses in British Columbia by showing:
  • Annual wage in the province;
  • Location of residence in the province;
  • Number of dependents;
  • Note: Entry level and semi-skilled applicants must show a history of meeting this requirement for the previous nine months in the position;
• Have completed secondary education and any licensing or certification required for the job; and,
• Long-haul truck drivers must have:
  • a valid B.C. Class 1 driver’s licence
  • air brake endorsement and
  • other certification(s) (such as certification for transporting dangerous goods).
• Submit language proficiency test results showing a proficiency in English of at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in all components (listening, speaking, reading, writing).

ELSS Eligible Occupations

Minimum Requirements for Employers

The employer offering the job to a BC PNP candidate must meet the following requirements:

• The business must be established in British Columbia, and have been operating for at least one year (two years if the applicant is registering under the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category, including employment in the Northeast Development Region of B.C.);
• The business must already have permanent, full-time employees;
  • If the business is located in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the business must have at least five permanent, full-time employees (or full-time equivalent) in B.C.;
  • If the business is located outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the business must have at least three permanent, full-time employees (or full-time equivalent) in B.C.;
• The business must show a history of good business practices;
• The employer must offer the candidate a wage that meets industry standards;
• The employer must meet domestic labour market recruitment requirements;
  • In this case, the employer must demonstrate recruitment efforts for the vacant position during the period when the candidate is not authorized to work.
• The employer must sign an employer declaration stating that all of these requirements are met;
• A written offer of employment must be extended to the applicant on official company letterhead and must meet all of the following requirements:
  • The offer must be signed and dated by both the employer and applicant.
  • The offer must include:
    • A description of job duties;
    • The rate of pay;
    • The working hours for the position (minimum of 30 hours per week);
    • A statement that the position is permanent and full time (with the exception of BC PNP Tech Pilot registrants) ;
    • A list of additional benefits; and
    • A mention of any applicable collective bargaining agreements, if relevant.
• The employer may not make deductions from pay for recruitment, immigration fees, etc.
• The wage offered must be at market rate and comparable to the average salary for that occupation in British Columbia.
• Individuals originally hired on a Labour Market Opinion must receive an equal or greater wage than that stated on the Labour Market Opinion.

Minimum Income Requirements

The following are the minimum income thresholds depending on family size. An applicant must show that his or her annual wage in B.C. (and his or her spouse's, if applicable) meets the income threshold. Bonuses, commissions, tips, living allowances, or overtime in the calculation of the annual wage.

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