5 Things to Know About the British Columbia PNP

The British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program (BC PNP) is known to be one of the easiest immigration programs with lenient requirements and boasts the fastest stream for foreign workers in technical occupations. The majority of BC PNP nominees in 2020 hailed from India, China, Brazil, the UK, and Iran.

British Columbia is a beautiful province that’s home to world-class cities including Vancouver and Whistler. The province offers new immigrants and their families lucrative job opportunities, prestigious schools, and incredible outdoor views. Are you interested in immigrating to British Columbia? Here are 5 things to know about the British Columbia PNP.

5 Things to Know About Moving to British Columbia

1. Skilled tech workers move to British Columbia within 2-3 months

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has various immigration streams but none processes immigration applications quite as fast as the British Columbia Tech Pilot.

This special immigration pilot was initially introduced as a temporary pathway to welcome skilled workers within 29 eligible occupations to live and work in BC. Due to its popularity and the economic benefits, it brought to the province, the British Columbia government decided to make the pilot a permanent immigration program.

So, if you have skilled work experience in one of the positions listed below and have a job offer from an employer in British Columbia then you too could immigrate to Canada through the BC PNP!

29 Eligible Occupations

1. Telecommunication carriers managers;
2. Computer and information systems managers;
3. Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting, and performing arts
4. Civil engineers
5. Mechanical engineers
6. Civil engineers
7. Electrical and electronics engineers
8. Chemical engineers
9. Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
10. Information systems analysts and consultants
11. Database analysts and data administrators
12. Software engineers and designers
13. Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
14. Computer programmers and interactive media developers
15. Web designers and developers
16. Computer programmers and interactive media developers
17. Biological technologists and technicians
18. Computer programmers and interactive media developers
19. Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
20. Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
21. Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
22. Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
23. Computer network technicians
24. User support technicians
25. Information systems testing technicians
26. Authors and writers
27. Editors
28. Translators, terminologists and interpreters
29. Broadcast technicians
30. Audio and video recording technicians
31. Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, and the performing arts
32. Graphic designers and illustrators
33. Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography, and the performing arts
34. Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade

2. Small businesses and entrepreneurship are booming in British Columbia

Small businesses play an important role in the province’s growing economy. There is a wide variety of small businesses operating in British Columbia, from artisan bakeries to small honey farms, to website development companies each made up of self-employed individuals.

There are 523,800 small businesses that employ fewer than 50 employees in BC. Given the fact that small businesses make up the vast majority of businesses in British Columbia, it’s safe to say that the province presents a thriving economic landscape for entrepreneurs.

The British Columbia PNP supports foreign entrepreneurs who want to invest in the province by establishing businesses and setting up shops through its various Entrepreneur Streams. In 2020, 53 percent of BC PNP nominees started businesses outside the Lower Mainland.

3. Semi-skilled workers are needed in British Columbia

Just because you don’t have a fancy degree doesn’t mean immigration is not within your reach. In fact, British Columbia has an extensive list of in-demand semi-skilled workers that the province welcomes through its Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled Category. And the best part? You can submit your application for a nomination after only nine months of working for a British Columbian employer and obtaining a full-time offer of employment.

The types of semi-skilled jobs in demand in British Columbia are predominantly found in the transport, hospitality, and food processing sectors. Check out a few examples below:

Type of in-demand jobs in BC

1. Banking, insurance, and other financial clerks;
2. Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates;
3. Pet groomers and animal care workers;
4. Transport truck drivers; and
5. Labourers in fish and seafood processing

Tip: You can work in British Columbia by applying for a Canadian work permit.

Do You Qualify? Check Now

4. British Columbia nominees earn higher than the provincial average

Most highly skilled workers can afford a luxurious lifestyle in British Columbia. That’s because skilled PNP nominees earned on average $28.85 per hour in 2020 compared to the $26.37 per hour that individual British Columbians took home, according to a statistical report. Skilled foreign workers such as healthcare professionals and engineers who bring their specialized knowledge and experience to the province are readily nominated for immigration by the BC PNP.

Take a look below at ways how you can move to British Columbia as a skilled worker.

5. Get nominated by British Columbia as an Express Entry candidate

The Express Entry system is by far the most convenient way to immigrate to Canada as a skilled foreign worker. The system is easily accessible online and works on a points-based assessment grid. The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency and applications are processed in as little as six months.

Most provincial nomination programs have an Express Entry linked stream which allows the province to nominate skilled workers who meet their labour market needs from the Express Entry pool of candidates. A nomination is equal to 600 points! Alternatively, candidates can also send the province a ‘notification of interest’ if they meet the requirements. The British Columbia PNP nominated 2,051 skilled workers from the Express Entry pool in 2020.

Popular Jobs in British Columbia for Immigrants

In which industries do most BC PNP nominees work? In recent years, the skilled immigration (SI) stream has nominated a growing number of foreign workers in natural and applied sciences. However, there was a drop in the number of sales and service nominees due to COVID-19 restrictions in this industry.

Source: BC PNP Statistical Report 2020

Move to British Columbia With Expert Guidance

The British Columbia PNP offers an immigration pathway for all types of foreign nationals: international students, foreign workers (skilled, intermediate skilled) and entrepreneurs. The only downside? The application process for PNPs tends to be trickier with two-part processes and additional documentation.

CanadianVisa.org can help you settle in world-class cities like Vancouver and Victoria by helping you complete your immigration application affordably, and conveniently. Simpy, fill in the form below to receive more information!

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