BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Guide 2026
By WelcomeAide Team
Quick Summary
- The BC PNP allows British Columbia to nominate skilled workers and entrepreneurs for Canadian permanent residence
- A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score
- Main streams: Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, Entrepreneur Immigration, and the BC PNP Tech stream
- BC uses a scoring system (Skills Immigration Registration System) to rank and invite candidates
- The Tech stream has weekly draws and covers 35 in-demand technology occupations
- Processing times vary by stream but typically range from two to six months for the provincial stage
What Is the BC Provincial Nominee Program?
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program, commonly known as the BC PNP, is an immigration program that allows the province of British Columbia to nominate individuals for Canadian permanent residence. If you are a skilled worker, international graduate, or entrepreneur and you want to live and work in BC, the BC PNP may be the right pathway for you.
Under the Canadian immigration system, provinces have the authority to select immigrants who meet their specific economic needs. The BC PNP is administered by the BC Ministry of Immigration and works alongside the federal Express Entry system managed by IRCC.
A provincial nomination is extremely valuable because it adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry pool, which virtually guarantees you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. For a full overview of Express Entry, see our Express Entry complete guide.
BC PNP Streams Overview
The BC PNP has several streams designed for different types of candidates. Each stream has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
| Stream | Who It Is For | Express Entry Linked? |
|---|---|---|
| Skills Immigration - Skilled Worker | Workers with a job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation | No (direct application) |
| Skills Immigration - International Graduate | Recent graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions with a job offer | No (direct application) |
| Skills Immigration - International Post-Graduate | Recent master's or PhD graduates from BC institutions in natural, applied, or health sciences | No (direct application) |
| Skills Immigration - Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | Workers in TEER 4 or 5 occupations in tourism, hospitality, food processing, or long-haul trucking in northeast BC | No (direct application) |
| Express Entry BC - Skilled Worker | Same as Skills Immigration Skilled Worker, but candidate must also be in the federal Express Entry pool | Yes |
| Express Entry BC - International Graduate | Same as Skills Immigration International Graduate, plus federal Express Entry eligibility | Yes |
| Express Entry BC - International Post-Graduate | Same as Skills Immigration International Post-Graduate, plus federal Express Entry eligibility | Yes |
| Entrepreneur Immigration | Experienced entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in BC | No |
Skills Immigration Stream: Detailed Requirements
Skilled Worker Category
The Skilled Worker category is the most common pathway through the BC PNP. To be eligible, you need:
- An accepted full-time, indeterminate job offer from a BC employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
- At least two years of directly related work experience (or credentials for your occupation if it is regulated in BC)
- A wage offer that meets the prevailing wage rate for the occupation in BC
- The ability to support yourself and your dependents financially
- Minimum CLB 4 language proficiency (higher may be required depending on your occupation)
- Legal immigration status if you are already in Canada
Tip:
Your employer does not need to obtain an LMIA for the BC PNP application. However, the BC PNP will assess whether the job offer is genuine and whether the employer has made reasonable efforts to recruit Canadians and permanent residents first. For more on LMIAs, see our LMIA guide.
International Graduate Category
This category is for recent graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions. Requirements include:
- A credential from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution completed within the past three years
- An accepted full-time, indeterminate job offer from a BC employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
- A wage offer meeting the prevailing wage rate
- Minimum CLB 4 language proficiency
International Post-Graduate Category
This category is unique because it does not require a job offer. If you have a master's or doctoral degree from an eligible BC post-secondary institution in a natural, applied, or health science program, you can apply directly. You must have completed your degree within the past three years.
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Category
This category serves workers in lower-skilled occupations (TEER 4 or 5) in specific industries: tourism and hospitality, food processing (excluding Metro Vancouver), and long-haul trucking in northeast BC. Requirements include working for your BC employer for at least nine consecutive months and meeting CLB 4 language proficiency.
Express Entry BC Stream
The Express Entry BC stream mirrors the Skills Immigration categories but is specifically for candidates who are already registered in the federal Express Entry pool. The key advantage is that a BC provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry score, making it almost certain that you will receive an ITA in the next federal draw.
To apply through Express Entry BC, you must first create a federal Express Entry profile and then register with the BC PNP, indicating your interest in the Express Entry BC stream. If you receive a provincial invitation and are subsequently nominated, IRCC will update your CRS score automatically.
Did you know?
The Express Entry BC stream generally has faster processing times than the Skills Immigration stream because the federal stage of your application is processed through Express Entry's six-month service standard. The entire process from BC PNP registration to permanent residence can take as little as eight to ten months.
The BC PNP Tech Stream
The BC PNP Tech stream is one of the most popular and competitive pathways for technology workers. BC's technology sector is growing rapidly, and this stream helps employers fill critical tech roles.
Key Features of the Tech Stream
- Weekly draws: Unlike other BC PNP streams that have draws every few weeks, the Tech stream holds draws weekly, giving candidates more frequent opportunities to be invited
- 35 eligible occupations: The Tech stream covers occupations such as software engineers, web designers, database analysts, information systems analysts, computer programmers, graphic designers, and technical writers
- Job offer requirement: You need a job offer of at least one year (not indeterminate) from a BC employer in one of the eligible tech occupations
- Priority processing: Tech stream applications receive priority processing from the BC PNP
Tech Stream Eligible Occupations (Selected Examples)
| NOC Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 20012 | Computer and information systems managers |
| 21211 | Data scientists |
| 21222 | Information systems specialists |
| 21231 | Software engineers and designers |
| 21232 | Software developers and programmers |
| 21234 | Web developers and programmers |
| 22220 | Computer network and web technicians |
For the full list of eligible occupations, visit the BC PNP Tech page on WelcomeBC.
BC PNP Scoring System
The BC PNP uses the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) to score and rank candidates. Your SIRS score is based on several factors:
- Job offer wage: Higher wages relative to the provincial median earn more points
- Job location: Working in a regional area outside Metro Vancouver earns additional points
- Work experience: More years of directly related experience earn more points
- Education level: Higher levels of education earn more points
- Language proficiency: Higher CLB scores earn more points
- Type of employment: Whether the employer is a designated BC PNP Tech employer or falls under a priority occupation
BC PNP draws set minimum SIRS scores, and all candidates at or above that score receive an invitation to apply. Scores vary by category and draw. You can check recent draw scores on the BC PNP Invitations to Apply page.
The BC PNP Application Process
Step 1: Register Online
Create an account on the BC PNP online portal. Complete your registration by providing information about your work experience, education, language skills, and the job offer you have received from a BC employer.
Step 2: Receive a SIRS Score
After registration, the system calculates your SIRS score. Your profile enters the pool and remains active for up to 12 months.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply
If your SIRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off in a draw, you will receive an invitation to apply. You then have 30 days to submit a complete application with all supporting documents.
Step 4: Provincial Assessment
The BC PNP reviews your application and supporting documents. They may contact you or your employer for additional information. If approved, you receive a provincial nomination.
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence
With your provincial nomination, you apply to IRCC for permanent residence. If you applied through the Express Entry BC stream, your CRS score is updated with 600 additional points, and you will receive a federal ITA in the next draw. If you applied through the Skills Immigration stream, you submit a paper-based or online application directly to IRCC.
Important:
While your permanent residence application is being processed, you may be eligible for a BC PNP work permit support letter, which allows you to apply for a work permit to continue working in BC. This is particularly useful if your current work permit is expiring.
Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
The Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for experienced business owners or managers who want to establish or purchase a business in British Columbia. This stream has two categories:
Base Category
- Minimum personal net worth of $600,000 CAD
- Minimum personal investment of $200,000 CAD in a new or existing BC business
- Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- At least three years of business management or ownership experience
- CLB 4 minimum language proficiency
Regional Pilot
The Regional Pilot has lower thresholds for entrepreneurs starting a business in a regional community (outside Metro Vancouver, Abbotsford, Kelowna, and other larger centres). The minimum investment is $100,000 CAD, and the minimum net worth is $300,000 CAD.
Processing Times and Fees
| Stage | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| BC PNP registration to invitation | Varies by draw frequency (weekly for Tech, every 2-4 weeks for others) |
| Provincial application processing | 2 to 4 months (Skills Immigration), 3 to 5 months (Entrepreneur) |
| Federal PR processing (Express Entry BC) | Approximately 6 months |
| Federal PR processing (Skills Immigration) | 12 to 18 months |
The BC PNP application fee is $1,475 CAD for Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC streams. Entrepreneur stream applications have a $3,500 CAD registration fee plus a $1,000 CAD application fee. Federal permanent residence fees are separate and include a $1,365 CAD processing fee for the principal applicant.
Tips for a Strong BC PNP Application
- Get the highest language scores you can: Language proficiency affects both your SIRS score and your CRS score if you are in the Express Entry BC stream
- Choose a regional employer if possible: Jobs outside Metro Vancouver earn extra SIRS points
- Ensure your wage meets the prevailing rate: The BC PNP will verify that your offered wage is competitive
- Prepare thorough documentation: Include detailed reference letters, clear proof of your qualifications, and a strong employer support letter
- Work with a regulated immigration consultant or lawyer: The BC PNP process has specific requirements that can be complex. If you use a representative, ensure they are a licensed RCIC or lawyer. You can also get free settlement support from agencies like ISSofBC
Start Your BC PNP Application
The BC Provincial Nominee Program is one of the most effective pathways to permanent residence for skilled workers and entrepreneurs who want to live in British Columbia. Whether you are a tech professional, a tradesperson, a recent graduate, or a business owner, there is likely a BC PNP stream that fits your profile. Start by checking your eligibility on the official WelcomeBC website.
WelcomeAide is here to help you navigate BC immigration and settlement. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your questions about the BC PNP, Express Entry, and life in British Columbia in your preferred language. Learn about our mission, explore our settlement programs, or read more newcomer guides on our blog. If you are ready to settle in BC, our guide to living in Vancouver is a great place to start.