BC PNP Process Overview
There are four main steps to the BC PNP process: registration (if applicable), invitation (if applicable), application, and decision. Each step of the process has unique requirements.
You should carefully review the information on this website and in the
Skills Immigration Program Guide
before getting started.
How to apply to a Skills Immigration stream including the Express Entry BC (EEBC) option
- Choose your stream and if you will use the EEBC option
- Register
- Wait for an invitation to apply
- Apply
- Decision
- Permanent Residence
1.Choose your stream and if you will use the EEBC option
Before you begin, carefully review the information about the Skills Immigration streams to find the stream that best fits your situation.
Four of the Skills Immigration streams also have the EEBC option. You might be eligible for the Express Entry BC option if you are in the federal Express Entry pool and you meet the criteria for one of the Skills Immigration streams.
If you are nominated using the Express Entry BC option, your federal profile will receive more points and your federal permanent residence application may be processed faster.
When you have chosen your Skills Immigration stream, and you have decided if you will use the EEBC option, you are ready to register.
2.Register
A registration is how you tell the BC PNP that you want to apply to the program. It must be submitted using
. Registration to Skills Immigration is free.
Once you have signed in, create a profile and select your stream. You must meet program criteria at the time of registration, and throughout the BC PNP process.
If you decide to use the EEBC option, select the stream that starts with Express Entry BC. This ensures your nomination will connect to your IRCC profile in the Express Entry system.
Once you have selected a stream, complete all sections of the registration for that stream.
After submitting your registration, you will receive a score based on the information you provide. Your registration will be scored on human capital factors (such as your work experience, education and language proficiency) and economic factors (such as your wage and location in B.C.).
You will then be placed in a registration pool for your chosen stream. Your registration will remain active in the pool for up to 12 months, or until you receive an invitation to apply.
For a step-by-step tool for registering and applying online, please refer to the
Skills Immigration Technical Guide
.
For more information about registrations and how points are awarded, please refer to the
Skills Immigration Program Guide
.
3.Wait for an invitation
You need an invitation to apply to most Skills Immigration streams. If you are invited to apply, you have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete application via
.
If you no longer want to apply to the BC PNP, or you no longer meet the criteria, you should not submit an application. If you no longer meet the criteria, your application may be refused.
If you do not submit an application within 30 calendar days, your invitation will expire and your registration will be removed from the pool. If you would like to stay in the pool, you must submit a new registration.
You can find more details about how we issue invitations in the
Skills Immigration Program Guide
.
Visit the
page for more information and recent invitations to apply.
4.Apply
Your application is your chance to show the BC PNP that you meet the criteria for the stream you have selected. When you are ready to submit your application, log into your profile in
, and complete all sections of the application.
Before you submit your application, you must pay the application fee and ensure you have included all required documents.
Your application will be assessed according to the
Provincial Immigration Programs Act and Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation
, and against the criteria specific to your stream outlined in the Skills Immimgration Program Guide.
Please note that if you qualify for the Health Authority stream or the International Post-Graduate stream you do not need to register. You can submit an application directly.
For more step-by-step information about applying in BCPNP Online, please refer to the
Skills Immigration Technical Guide
.
5.BC PNP nomination
If your application is approved, you will receive a nomination package containing documents that you can use to apply for permanent residence.
You must apply to IRCC to become a permanent resident of Canada before your Confirmation of Nomination document expires.
As a Nominee, you must comply with the conditions of nomination while you are waiting for a decision on your permanent residence application. Conditions of nomination can be found in the
Skills Immigration Program Guide
, and will be issued with your nomination package.
As a Nominee, you also have access to post-nomination support – such as a work permit support letter to help you apply for a work permit.
For more information about what to do after you receive a provincial nomination:
- Visit the Nominees page
- Refer to the Post-Nomination Guide
If your application is refused, you may request a review of the decision, or you may consider
.
6.Permanent residence
If IRCC approves your application, you will become a permanent resident of Canada!