The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) is an immigration program through which a wide range of workers, graduates and entrepreneurs can settle in Canada permanently, more specifically in British Columbia. It is a very transparent process and sought by those who want to immigrate to Canada. Below, let’s talk about the advantages of this immigration program to Canada and its requirements.
What is BCPNP?
The BCPNP, or British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program, is one of Canada’s immigration programs, specifically aimed at those who wish to live in the province of British Columbia. This is a program based on a points system, which takes into account your professional position (salary, and if it is a high demand area in the province), your academic level and your level of English.
What is BCPNP Tech Pilot?
This category of the British Columbia Provincial Program is aimed exclusively at those who wish to immigrate to Canada and are in technology positions.
The draws for the BCPNP Tech Pilot have a very low score compared to other immigration programs to Canada.
During the process, it is necessary to provide information about the applicant's supporting employer. To receive an invitation to apply, both the applicant and their employer must meet all program requirements at the time of registration. Compliance with these requirements does not guarantee that the applicant will be invited to apply.
For the BC PNP Tech, the minimum duration of the job offer is 365 days, unlike the other BC PNP streams that require an indefinite job offer. A job offer that has a duration longer than one year will continue to be eligible for the Tech. The job offer must also be full-time and from an eligible employer in the province.
BC PNP Tech offers opportunities in 29 technology occupations, prioritizing professionals who seek permanent residence and an opportunity to contribute to the province's prosperity and build a great life in BC.
Do I need to have a work permit to apply for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program?
No! If you already have the support of an employer in British Columbia you can already start your BCPNP process, even if you are still in your home country or studying in Canada.
Is an employer’s support the only way to apply for the BCPNP (British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program)?
This is another benefit of the British Columbia Immigration Program. If you enroll in a study program at a designated institution, at master’s or doctoral level, in a course related to science, engineering, computing, mathematics, among others, you already qualify for BCPNP from your graduation.
Immigrating as an entrepreneur
If you intend to open a business in Canada, the British Columbia program, the BC Entrepreneur Regional Program, is one of the most affordable in Canada, requiring an investment starting from CAD $ 100.000, a low value compared to other entrepreneurship programs in Canada.
If you wish to immigrate to BC as an entrepreneur, you have three options to choose from:
1. Entrepreneur Immigration
This category is for senior managers or business owners who intend to invest funds in a proposed business in British Columbia.
2. Entrepreneur Immigration - Regional Pilot
This new pilot is for international entrepreneurs who wish to establish a new business in a small community in British Columbia.
3. Strategic Projects Category
Through this category, foreign-controlled companies can establish an operation in British Columbia. Up to five key foreign managerial, professional, or technical staff members can be nominated for permanent residence in the province.
What are the requirements of the BCPNP (British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program)?
English Level
One of the biggest advantages of the British Columbia Provincial Program (BCPNP) is the level of English required. If you are employed at NOC 0 or A, you will probably not be required to present the result of an English proficiency exam.
Now, if your position fits a NOC B, don’t worry: the minimum required to be eligible for BCPNP is a CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 4. For you to have an idea, a CLB 4 is just slightly above a basic level of English!
Is English a challenge for you? Contact us: we have a partnership with excellent professionals, specialized in IELTS and CELPIP!
The age factor
A question we always hear from our followers is, “What is the maximum age to immigrate to Canada?” The truth is, although there is no maximum age, most Canadian immigration programs do take the person’s birth year as one of the factors. This is NOT the case with BCPNP! The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program does not take into account the age of a person for eligibility.
BCPNP Draws
Whoever is in the candidate pool for the BCPNP (British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program) knows exactly when the draws will take place (these are the “calls” from the government of Canada, in which invitations are sent to those eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada). BCPNP draws happen every week, alternating between the BCPNP Tech Pilot program and BCPNP General.
The BCPNP is a highly varied Canadian immigration program, containing several categories. If you want more information and want to immigrate with a professional with enough experience and increase your chances of success, contact us.
