News

Service Outage Notice – November 18, 2020
 
The BCPNP Online application system will not be available on Wednesday November 18, 2020 from 7:15am (PT) to 7:45am (PT) due to server maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Service Outage Notice – September 23, 2020
The WelcomeBC website will not be available on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 from 2:30pm (PT) to 4:30pm (PT) due to scheduled maintenance. Service will be restored by 4:30pm (PT) on September 23. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
 
This website service outage will not affect BCPNP Online. To access BCPNP Online during the WelcomeBC website outage, please use this direct link:  http://www.pnpapplication.gov.bc.ca/
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

On September 15, 2020, the BC PNP issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Service Outage Notice – September 13, 2020:
The BCPNP Online application system will not be available on Sunday, September 13, 2020 from 6:00am (PT) to 9:00am (PT) due to server maintenance.

Service will be restored by 9:00am (PT) on September 13. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC and Entrepreneur Immigration Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories, and to Entrepreneur Immigration Base and Regional Pilot registrants. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide and to the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guides. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

BC PNP Continues to Exclude 31 Occupations from Invitations to Apply

On March 30, 2020, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) temporarily suspended issuing invitations to apply (ITA) for individuals in 31 tourism, hospitality, retail and personal services occupations. This temporary measure is in response to widespread unemployment in these sectors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We anticipate that these occupations will be excluded from ITAs for the remainder of 2020. We continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the B.C. labour market with each BC PNP draw and will review sooner if warranted by economic circumstances.

The BC PNP is intended to address gaps in the labour market. We will not nominate any BC PNP applicants if it adversely impacts employment opportunities for British Columbians. We will however, continue to focus nominations on occupations that have labour shortages despite COVID-19.

The 2019 B.C. Labour Market Outlook suggests that there is a long-term need for workers in tourism, hospitality and retail industries. At the same time, employment in these sectors is projected to drop 70 percent in 2020, which means there is currently sufficient domestic labour supply as B.C. continues with its recovery plan.

The occupations excluded from invitations to apply are, by National Occupational Classification (NOC) code:
 
0621 - Retail and wholesale trade managers
0631 - Restaurant and food service managers
0632 - Accommodation service managers
0651 - Managers in customer and personal services, n.e.c.
3236 - Massage therapists
6211 - Retail sales supervisors
6311 - Food service supervisors
6313 - Accommodation, travel, tourism and related services supervisors
6321 - Chefs
6322 - Cooks
6341 - Hairstylists and barbers
6421 - Retail salespersons
6511 - Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses
6512 - Bartenders
6513 - Food and beverage servers
6521 - Travel counsellors
6522 - Pursers and flight attendants
6523 - Airline ticket and service agents
6524 - Ground and water transport ticket agents, cargo service representatives and related clerks
6525 - Hotel and front desk clerks
6531 - Tour and travel guides 
6532 - Outdoor sport and recreational guides
6533 - Casino occupations
6562 - Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
6564 - Other personal service occupations
6611 - Cashiers
6621 - Service station attendants
6711 - Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations 
6721 - Support occupations in accommodation, travel and facilities
6722 - Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
6731 - Light duty cleaners
 
Information about extending a work permit is available on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Changes to BC PNP Fees

Effective August 6, 2020, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has increased the fees for Skills Immigration (SI) applications and requests for review submissions.

The new fee for the Skills Immigration application is $1,150 (increased from $700), and the new fee for a request for review is $500 (from $200). Please visit the fees page for a breakdown of the BC PNP fees.

The BC PNP operates on a cost-recovery model, which means that the program's operations are paid for by the users of the program rather than by taxpayers. The fee increases will allow the BC PNP to continue to efficiently serve applicants and provide assistance until they receive their permanent residence.

The increased fees will also allow continued program improvements including maintaining or reducing processing times, improving program efficiency, enhancing program integrity and expanding outreach to applicants.

The BC PNP fees are comparable to immigration programs in other provinces. For example, Ontario charges an application fee of $2,000 in the Greater Toronto Area and $1,500 in the rest of the province.

The BC PNP offers a dedicated immigration pathway for international workers and foreign entrepreneurs to apply for permanent residence for themselves and their dependents. It is B.C.'s only direct immigration tool to help our economy grow by attracting skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations and international entrepreneurs to establish businesses, including to regions limited by tight labour markets.

The program has experienced significant growth over the last decade. Since 2009, B.C.'s annual PNP allocation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has more than doubled from 3,000 nominations to 6,750 in 2019.

The program also assists nominees with immigration and employment-related requests while they await permanent residence, and these requests have increased by 50% in recent years. There are currently more than 9,500 nominees in B.C. waiting to become permanent residents.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC and Entrepreneur Immigration Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot, and to Entrepreneur Immigration Base and Regional Pilot registrants. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide and to the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

BCPNP Online User Feedback Participation
 
Have you submitted a BCPNP registration or application within the past three months? If so, we are interested in speaking with you about your online experience.
 
The BC PNP wants to improve the online registration and application experience. We'd like to spend about 30 minutes speaking with you to better understand your needs and challenges.
 
If you're interested in being contacted to provide feedback, please fill out the BC PNP Online User Feedback participation form by August 31, 2020.
 
We will be qualifying participants. Please note, only those selected to participate in the research will be contacted.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Service Outage Notices – July 26 and August 6*, 2020
The BCPNP Online application system may experience intermittent outages on Sunday July 26, 2020 from 6:00am (PT) to 9:00am (PT) due to server maintenance.
 
The BCPNP Online application system will not be available on Thursday, August 6*, 2020 from 8:00am (PT) to 12:00noon (PT) due to server maintenance.
 
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

*July 28, 2020: This date was previously noted as July 31, 2020. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Updates to the BC PNP COVID-19 information

The BC PNP has updated the interim measures introduced to support clients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applicants whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are able to place their applications on hold for up to 24 weeks, but not beyond August 30, 2020, to align with the recent change to the temporary layoff provisions of the Employment Standards Act (ESA). 
 
If you have registered/applied or have been nominated under the Skills Immigration stream, you can also refer to the updated Addendum to the BC PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide for more details.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

BC PNP immigration fraud and scams webpage updated 

We have made updates to our Immigration Fraud and Scams webpage. The page now has more information about misrepresentation, using representatives, how and where to report fraud, and how to file a complaint.  We have also created a page for all BC PNP fee amounts.

Visit the updated Immigration Fraud and Scams webpage. 

Visit the new BC PNP Fees webpage. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

BC PNP extends the Tech Pilot to 2021

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot has been extended for another year, until June 2021, to provide B.C. tech employers with the continued ability to recruit and retain international talent when local skilled workers are unavailable.

The pilot will continue with the existing criteria that allows tech workers with eligible job offers in one of 29 tech occupations to continue to apply to the BC PNP to become permanent residents.

Employers with questions about how to support tech applications through the program can access the concierge service by emailing PNPTechEmployers@gov.bc.ca.
 
For more information about the pilot, including downloadable information sheets and FAQs, visit the BC PNP Tech Pilot page. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC and Entrepreneur Immigration Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories, and to Entrepreneur Immigration Base and Regional Pilot registrants. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide and to the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guides. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

On May 12, 2020, the BC PNP issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Updates to BC PNP COVID-19 information

The BC PNP has posted new information about BC PNP operations and how the program has been adjusted to support clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find more information on the COVID 19 Updates page.

If you have registered, applied, or have been nominated under the Skills Immigration stream, you can also refer to the new Addendum to the BC PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide for more details.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Service Outage Notice – May 10, 2020 

The BCPNP Online payment system will not be available on May 10, 2020 from 9:00am (PT) to 12:00noon (PT) due to server maintenance.

Service will be restored by 12:00 noon (PT) on May 10. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Service Outage Notice – April 23, 2020 

The BCPNP Online application system will not be available on Thursday, April 23, 2020 from 7:00am (PT) to 10:00am (PT) due to server maintenance. Service will be restored by 10:00am (PT) on April 23. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

BC PNP issues invitations to apply

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact B.C.’s economy. Businesses throughout the province have reduced services, laid off staff, and some have closed.

Given this, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has issued invitations to apply, however, we have excluded tourism, hospitality, food and beverage services, retail-related occupations and other select occupations where we have more recently approved a high volume of applicants from this current draw. 

For details on scores for each category, please visit our Invitations to Apply page.

For information about BC PNP operations during the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit our COVID-19 page. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Entrepreneur Immigration Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to Entrepreneur Immigration - Regional Pilot registrants. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

BC PNP Issues Invitations to Apply, March 30, 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has had an impact on the provincial economy in an unprecedented way. Businesses throughout the province have reduced services, laid off staff, and in some cases have closed.
Notwithstanding the uncertainty in our current economic situation, B.C. faces a demographic reality that over the next 10 years we will continue to need new immigrants to help fill the jobs so B.C.’s economy can continue to grow. Now, it is even more important that we do not lose sight of our long-term objectives and the role that immigration plays to support quality economic growth across all regions of B.C.

At the same time, we have a responsibility to all British Columbians to consider the immediate impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on B.C. businesses and the provincial economy. We know that some sectors have been affected more significantly than others and by extension, certain occupations in these sectors have been particularly vulnerable to changes in employment status.

In consideration of the above, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has issued Invitations to Apply, however we have excluded the following from this current draw:

• Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) category
• Other tourism, hospitality and retail-related occupations as well as other select occupations where we have more recently approved a high volume of applicants which include:

0621 - Retail and wholesale trade managers
0631 - Restaurant and food service managers
0632 - Accommodation service managers
0651 - Managers in customer and personal services, n.e.c.
1123 - Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
1221 - Administrative officers
1241 - Administrative assistants
3236 - Massage therapists
6211 - Retail sales supervisors
6311 - Food service supervisors
6313 - Accommodation, travel, tourism and related services supervisors
6321 - Chefs
6322 - Cooks
6341 - Hairstylists and barbers
 
For details on scores on each category, please visit our Invitations to Apply page.

We have posted frequently asked questions on our website that contains answers to the impact of COVID-19 on BC PNP clients. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

New BC PNP webpage:  COVID 19 Updates

The BC PNP is closely monitoring the impacts of the COVID 19 outbreak on our clients, staff and operations. We have created a new webpage where we will post relevant information and updates for clients. For more information, please visit the page: COVID 19 Updates.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

BC PNP Operations Update

The health and safety of BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) staff, clients, and the community in which we operate is our top priority. As we face this difficult challenge, we are taking steps to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 on the BC PNP, while doing our best to give timely and accurate information about our operations.

We have made some changes to our processes:

• We have temporarily closed our Vancouver office to in-person inquiries. Questions about the BC PNP can be sent to us by email. If you would like to speak to a program representative, please send us an email. In the email, tell us you would like to speak to BC PNP staff, and give us the telephone number you would like us to use. One of our staff will call you at the number you give us.  See BC PNP contact information below. Please do not courier or drop off materials to our office at this time, further instructions will be provided when available.  Canada Post continues to deliver regular mail, but staff do not have access to mailed items.
• We understand that some registrants or applicants are having trouble getting information to BC PNP staff. This can include delays with submitting documents, applying, responding to Procedural Fairness letters, and other program deadlines. If you are experiencing delays, please email us and tell us your specific circumstances. We will take the information into consideration when assessing your application.

Regular Operations:

• Inquiries - we will continue to respond to email and telephone inquiries within 5 business days.
• Invitations to Apply - we will continue to issue Invitations to Apply to the BC PNP. Weekly draws will continue for the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Other draws will also continue but may be less often.
• Applications - we continue to receive and process all applications for both Entrepreneur and Skills Immigration categories. You can still submit registrations and applications using the BCPNP Online system.
• Interviews - in-person interviews for Entrepreneur Immigration have been cancelled and will be re-scheduled when possible. We continue to assess final reports from Entrepreneur applicants. You can still submit your final report using the BCPNP Online system.
• Post-nomination support - we will continue to process post-nomination requests for work permit support letters and changes of employment. The post-nomination guides tell you how to do this. These are found on our Documents page.  
• Updates: We will post further updates on our website as they are available.

BC PNP Contact Information:

• Email PNPInfo@gov.bc.ca for questions about the Skills Immigration stream, including the BC PNP Tech Pilot
• Email En.Imm@gov.bc.ca for questions about the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) stream, including the EI – Regional Pilot
• Email PNPPostNom@gov.bc.ca for questions about work permit support letters, changes related to employment, etc.
• Email PNPTechEmployers@gov.bc.ca for questions from tech employers
• Telephone: 604-775-2227 (Please note that this is a voicemail line)
• Website: www.WelcomeBC.ca/PNP       

Government of Canada:
 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

• Special measures to help temporary and permanent residents and applicants affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
• IRCC on Twitter
• IRCC on Facebook

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Notice re: Employment Insurance

COVID-19 Information Sources:
We are closely monitoring the situation as it continues to evolve. Up-to-date information can be found on:

• BC Centre for Disease Control : http://www.bccdc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/2020/information-on-novel-coronavirus
• Healthlink: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus 
• Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse.html?&utm_campaign=gc-hc-sc-coronavirusoutbreak-1920-0165-9221800776
• Canada.ca/coronavirus or contact the coronavirus information line at 1-833-784-4397.

Our hearts go out to those who have been affected during these unprecedented times. We appreciate the people working in healthcare, local communities, and governments around the world who are on the frontlines working to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Guaranteed invitation scores removal – FAQs document

We have prepared a document that answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the recent removal of the guaranteed invitation scores.
 
You can read the FAQs document here.
 
You can also find historical and current invitations to apply (ITA) scores on our invitations to apply page.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Guaranteed ITA Scores Removed

As of February 19, 2020, there will no longer be BC PNP guaranteed invitation scores.
 
We introduced the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) in 2016. This is a points-based system that enables the Province to periodically invite the highest scoring registrants to apply while maintaining 2-3 month processing times. In the past, a guaranteed invitation score for each category was posted (subject to change) to illustrate the minimum points that an individual would need to be guaranteed an invitation to apply. The points were based on a sampling of pre-2016 BC PNP applications.
 
Since 2016, we have posted the scores for each draw. Applicants are able to view current and historical invitation to apply scores on our website which we will continue to update.
 
We encourage you to check our website often for program updates.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Service Outage Notice – February 14, 2020 

The BCPNP Online application system was not available on Friday, February 14, 2020 from 9:00am (PT) to 11:45am (PT) due to server maintenance.  We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC and Entrepreneur Immigration Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot, and to Entrepreneur Immigration Base and Regional Pilot registrants. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide and to the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Changes to the Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category

B.C. has made changes to the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category. These changes are effective from January 29, 2020.
 
New language requirement
We have introduced a minimum language requirement for Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) – Base Category candidates. This change supports the successful business establishment of immigrant entrepreneurs and helps their integration into B.C. communities, as well as meeting our agreement with the federal government.

Entrepreneur candidates are now required to submit proof of language proficiency by nomination to demonstrate that their language ability meets a Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4.

Research shows that proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages has a significant impact on the economic and social integration of immigrants into their new country. The timing of language requirement by nomination allows strong entrepreneur candidates an opportunity to improve their language ability once they arrive in B.C. to establish their business.
 
Elimination of Key Staff option
Applications to the EI - Base Category will no longer be able to include key staff. This option of the EI stream has continued to diminish since 2015. This change will allow the principal applicant to be more involved in the day-to-day operations of the business, increasing the interaction with suppliers and customers, which will help in improving language proficiency. 

Key staff will continue to be eligible under the Strategic Projects category.

These changes are in effect for new applications and do not impact those who have already registered/applied to the BC PNP EI – Base category.
 
Where can I find more information?

• Download our EI – Base Category Changes FAQs document.
• The full criteria and requirements for the EI - Base category and the EI - Regional Pilot are in the program guides. These can be found on our documents page.
• We will deliver a webinar on February 12, 2020 to provide more information about these changes. Visit the webinar registration page here. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Service Outage Notice – January 29, 2020 

The BCPNP Online application system will not be available on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 7:45am (PT) to 12:00noon (PT) due to server maintenance. Service will be restored by 12:00noon (PT) on January 29. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

On January 21, 2020, the BC PNP issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Service Outage Notice – January 21, 2020

The BCPNP Online application system will not be available on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 8:00am (PT) to 11:30am (PT) due to server maintenance.  Service will be restored by 11:30am (PT) on January 21. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC and Entrepreneur Immigration Invitations Issued

On January 14, 2020, the BC PNP issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants with job offers in the 29 key technology occupations of the BC PNP Tech Pilot, and to Entrepreneur Immigration Base and Regional Pilot registrants. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide and to the Entrepreneur Immigration Program Guide. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Skills Immigration & Express Entry BC Invitations Issued

The BC PNP has issued invitations to apply to qualified registrants in Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories. Please refer to the Invitations to Apply page for a full breakdown of minimum scores and total invitations issued. 

For more information on the invitation and application process, please refer to the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide.