Frequently Asked Questions

BC Provincial Nominee Program – Strategic Occupations – Frequently Asked Questions

For Nominee Applicants

1. What are the advantages of the BC PNP?

2. What occupations are eligible under the BC PNP?

3. I don’t have a job offer from a BC employer. Am I still eligible for nomination through the BC PNP?

4. Can you review my resume and qualifications to determine if I am eligible for nomination prior to submitting an application? Can you advise me as to which category I should apply under?

5. Where can I look to find a job in Canada?

6. Do I need a third-party representative to submit an application to the BC PNP?

7. What if my employer does not want to support me on my BC PNP application?

8. Is there a fee to process my BC PNP application?

9. What happens to the file once I submit it to the BC PNP?

10. Does a BC PNP nomination allow me to legally work in BC?

11. Once I am nominated by the BC PNP does it mean I have been approved for ‘permanent resident’ status?

12. What if there is a change in my employment (ie: promotion, lay off, termination, new job) after nomination?

13. What if my application to the BC PNP is refused?

14. What if the terms and conditions of my employment contract/offer are not being met by my employer?

For Employers

1. What if I am only interested in hiring a foreign worker for a temporary period of time rather than permanently?

2. What are my obligations after submitting an application to the BC PNP?

3. Why does the BC PNP assess an employer’s ‘history and operations’?

4. Do I need a third-party representative to submit an application to the BC PNP?

Answers

1. What are the advantages of the BC PNP?

   • Not assessed on the federal (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) point system.

   • Nominees receive expedited processing through the federal immigration system.

   • No British Columbia work experience required (except for ELSS)

   • No work experience required for international graduates or international post-graduates

   • No British Columbia education required (except for international post-graduates)

   • International Graduates and International Post-Graduates can apply to the BC PNP immediately after completing all requirements for graduation.

   • All occupations under National Occupational Classification codes 0, A and B, as well as select Entry Level and Semi-Skilled occupations, are considered under the BC PNP.

   • The BC PNP offers ongoing support, including work permit support, after nomination.

   • Nominee applicants to the International Post-Graduates Pilot Project with masters or doctorates from BC post-secondary institutions in the natural, applied or health sciences do not need a job offer to apply.

2. What occupations are eligible under the BC PNP?
   The BC PNP considers ALL skilled occupations under the National Occupational Classification codes 0, A and B, as well as select Entry Level and Semi-Skilled occupations in tourism/hospitality, food processing, and long-haul truck drivers.

3. I don’t have a job offer from a BC employer. Am I still eligible for nomination through the BC PNP?
   Only nominee applicants to the International Post-Graduates Pilot Project are eligible for nomination without a job offer.

   All other categories of the Strategic Occupations component of the BC PNP are “employer-driven” and thus it is a requirement for applications to those categories to be establishing an ‘employer-employee’ relationship. In these cases applications will not be approved where a nominee applicant has not received an indeterminate and full-time offer of employment from a BC employer.

4. Can you review my resume and qualifications to determine if I am eligible for nomination prior to submitting an application? Can you advise me as to which category I should apply under?
   
   The BC PNP does NOT provide pre-assessment of your qualifications, or make recommendations as to which category is best suited for you. It is your responsibility to determine whether you meet the requirements of the program, and which category you are best suited for prior to submitting an application. Please keep in mind that the BC PNP is an employer-driven program, and as such, you must have a job offer from a BC employer prior to submitting an application to the BC PNP.

5. Where can I look to find a job in British Columbia?
   The BC PNP does not provide assistance in finding employment in BC  For some suggestions on where to look please visit our section on Related Links.

6. And 18.  Do I need a third-party representative to submit an application to the BC PNP?
   A third-party representative is not required in order to submit an application to the BC PNP. Applicants that use an authorized representative are assessed against the same criteria and do not receive any special attention. If you have questions or concerns about the application process, a BC PNP advisor is available to assist you during business hours. See our Contact Us page for information.  However, if you choose to use the services of a third-party representative, we advise you to refer to Using a Representative for further information. 

7. What if my employer does not want to support me on my BC PNP application?
   Most categories of the Strategic Occupations component of the BC PNP are employer-driven and thus your employer’s support is required.  The only exception is for nominee applicants to the International Post-Graduates Pilot Project who are not required to have a job offer.

   If your employer is unsure of what the BC PNP is, or would like to obtain further information by speaking with someone from the BC PNP, you may refer them to our website or suggest that they Contact Us directly to have any questions or concerns addressed.

8. Is there a fee to process my BC PNP application?
   A $550 processing fee applies to applications under the Strategic Occupations component of the BC PNP. Your application fee is payable to ‘Minster of Finance’ by Visa, MasterCard, Money Order, or Certified cheque ONLY. The BC PNP does not accept payment by personal cheque or cash. For further information visit Processing Fee.

9. What happens to the file once I submit it to the BC PNP?
   Once you submit your application to the BC PNP, a file will be created, your payment will be processed, and a file number will be assigned. You will be notified with a receipt of application email once the file has been created. After this, a BC PNP advisor will make a decision on your application. After a decision has been made you will be notified and given instructions on your next steps. For a more detailed description, visit The Process.

10. Does a BC PNP nomination allow me to legally work in BC?
    A nomination through the BC PNP does NOT provide you with the legal status to be able to work in the province. It is the responsibility of the nominee to obtain and maintain legal working status. However, IF you are nominated, the BC PNP may be able to support you in obtaining or extending an existing work permit. For more information visit The Process.

11. Once I am nominated by the BC PNP does it mean I have been approved for ‘permanent resident’ status?
    A nomination by the BC PNP does NOT mean you have been granted Permanent Resident status. Upon your nomination you must submit your application for Permanent Residence to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for further processing. A nomination through the BC PNP also does NOT guarantee that you will obtain Permanent Resident status as Citizenship and Immigration Canada makes the final determination on Permanent Residence applications.

12. What if there is a change in my employment (ie: promotion, lay off, termination, new job) after nomination?
    After your nomination it continues to be the responsibility of both the nominee and the employer to advise the BC PNP of any changes in the nominee’s employment. This includes a possible promotion, lay off, termination, or a potential new job with a new employer. In all of the above cases you are required to consult your program advisor as to what the implications of the particular changes in your employment may be.

13. What if my application to the BC PNP is refused?
    If your application to the BC PNP is refused, you will be notified of the reasons for the refusal through mail. Upon receiving the reasons for refusal, any concerns should be addressed to the program advisor responsible for your application. A refusal through the BC PNP does not prevent you or your employer from submitting future applications. However, it is strongly recommended that all reasons for refusal of a previous application be addressed in any subsequent applications.
    We remind you that the BC PNP is only one means of applying for Permanent Resident status in Canada. We encourage you to explore the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at www.cic.gc.ca for further information.

14. What if the terms and conditions of my employment contract/offer are not being met by my employer?
    To be successful through the BC PNP it is a requirement that the employer demonstrates good workplace and business practices, including compliance with employment, immigration, health, and safety laws and regulations. If you are concerned about your rights and responsibilities as a foreign worker we recommend you visit the following website for further information: www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/facshts/foreign_workers.htm

15. What if I am only interested in hiring a foreign worker for a temporary period of time rather than permanently?
    The BC PNP is intended for employers who wish to hire and retain employees for permanent employment within their company in BC This will eventually lead towards Permanent Resident status for the hired employee. As a result, the BC PNP cannot approve applications where the intent of employment is temporary in nature. If this is the case, we encourage you to explore the options available to you through Citizenship and Immigration Canada by visiting their website at www.cic.gc.ca.

16. What are my obligations after submitting an application to the BC PNP?
    As an employer applicant to the BC PNP you may be required to provide additional information to the BC PNP in order to confirm your company’s eligibility. Furthermore, it is your responsibility to advise the BC PNP of any changes to the employment status of any nominees for your company.

17. Why does the BC PNP assess an employer’s ‘history and operations’?
    The BC PNP must be satisfied that an employer has the means to offer permanent and full-time employment to the nominee applicant. For further information on the factors assessed, visit Eligible Employers.