Overview
BC PNP Skills Immigration is British Columbia's core, employer-driven route to permanent residence. Its streams have included Skilled Worker, Health Authority, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS), International Graduate and International Post-Graduate. Unlike the Express Entry BC option, it does not require you to qualify for federal Express Entry, so it can suit some entry-level and semi-skilled workers. Once nominated, you apply to IRCC through a non-Express Entry application, which generally takes longer.
Who it’s for
- Skilled workers with a BC job offer who don't qualify for Express Entry
- Entry-level and semi-skilled workers established with a BC employer in an eligible sector
- Healthcare workers hired by a BC public health authority
- International graduates of Canadian institutions with a BC job offer
Key requirements
- In most streams, a full-time job offer from an eligible BC employer in good standing
- Experience, education or training that fits your stream — for example, at least two years of skilled experience for Skilled Worker
- Entry-level and semi-skilled applicants generally need at least nine consecutive months of full-time work with their BC employer
- A wage consistent with BC rates for the occupation
- Language test results that meet the minimum for your stream and occupation
- Legal status in Canada, if you are currently living here
- Admissible to Canada at the federal stage (medical, security and criminality checks)
How it works
- 01
Assess your stream & job offer
We match you to the right stream and review your job offer, wage and employer documents against BC's criteria.
- 02
Register with BC PNP Online
We complete your registration, which BC scores on factors such as your occupation, wage, work location, education and language.
- 03
Receive an invitation
BC invites registrants through periodic, often targeted draws. We track each round and keep your registration up to date.
- 04
Submit your BC application
Within 30 days of your invitation, we prepare and file your complete application, including your employer's supporting documents.
- 05
Nomination & PR application
Once you are nominated, we file your permanent residence application with IRCC and can help you request a work permit support letter if needed.
Advantages
- Open to candidates who don't qualify for federal Express Entry
- Covers select entry-level and semi-skilled roles that Express Entry does not
- Nominees may be eligible for a work permit support letter to keep working while PR is processed
- If you also qualify for Express Entry, the Express Entry BC option adds 600 CRS points
Good to know
- BC has paused or limited registrations in some streams recently, and allocations change each year — we confirm what is open before you register.
- Base (non-Express Entry) PR applications generally take longer at the federal stage than Express Entry applications.
- Your application is tied to your BC job, so changing employers before PR requires careful planning and notifying BC.
FAQ
Should I choose Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC?
If you qualify for a federal Express Entry program, the Express Entry BC option is usually faster at the federal stage. Skills Immigration suits candidates who don't meet Express Entry criteria.
How long does my BC registration stay valid?
Registrations generally remain in the selection pool for 12 months. If you are not invited in that time, you can register again as long as you still qualify.
Can my family get permanent residence too?
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your permanent residence application.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often — we confirm the latest requirements for your situation during your consultation.