Provincial Nominee Program

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program is an immigration program run by the Province of British Columbia. This program helps assist employers to attract and retain qualified applicants that will contribute to British Columbia’s Economy. It also attracts and selects entrepreneurs that are ready to invest in the economy and create jobs for permanent residents as well as Canadian Citizens. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program has two categories: Skills or Business Immigration Streams.

The Skills Immigration Stream

This category is intended for individuals with skills, experience and qualifications that are needed by B.C. Employers. This stream specifically is designed for individuals who would like to work and live within B.C. and acquire a permanent resident status within Canada.

To be eligible for this program, you will need to satisfy the criteria in one of the following categories.

1. Skilled Workers
2. Health Care Professionals
3. International Graduates ( with a degree or diploma from a Canadian College or University or with a master’s or doctoral degree in the natural, applied or health sciences from a B.C. University)
4. Entry-level or semi- skilled workers in tourism, hospitality, food processing and long-haul trucking
5. Entry level or semi-skilled workers who are living in the northeast region of the province.

Application Process

1. You accept an offer of indeterminate full-time employment from a B.C. employer who is willing to support your application for permanent residence through the PNP. If you are currently working in B.C. on a temporary work permit, your employer will need to offer you an indeterminate position without an end date.
2. If you and your current or prospective employer meet the program criteria, you will submit a joint application to the PNP office.
3. PNP assess your application against program criteria, and if they approve your application, they will nominate you for permanent residence. If necessary, they will provide you with a work permit support letter so you can apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to obtain or renew a work permit to start or continue working in B.C. for your employer.
4. After the PNP nominates you for permanent residence, you (and your spouse and dependent children if applicable) will submit a separate application for permanent resident visa to CIC in the Provincial Nominee Class. You will have six months from the date of your nomination to apply to CIC.
5. If CIC approves your application, you will be issued a permanent resident visa to live in Canada

It is your responsibility to demonstrate that you meet the program criteria. If PNP is not satisfied with your application, you will not be approved.

The Business Investment Stream

This stream is applicable to entrepreneurs who are willing to invest as well as actively manage a business in the province. This stream helps to accelerate the permanent residence application process while developing a business that will provide significant economic benefits to the province. It is your responsibility to meet specific personal net worth thresholds, make a minimum investment in an eligible business, be actively involved in the daily management of the business and create new job opportunities for permanent residents as well as Canadian Citizen in order to qualify. Keep in mind that meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee approval.

The Business Stream Application has two phases:

1. You sign a mandatory performance agreement and are initially supported with a two-year work permit.
2. You arrive in B.C. on the work permit, establish and actively manage your business, and complete the investment and job-creation requirements.

You will only be nominated by the BC PNP for permanent residence if you satisfy the terms of their performance agreement.

There are three categories through which you can apply for PNP as a business Immigrant

1. Entrepreneur Category
2. Regional Entrepreneur
3. Strategic Projects

Entrepreneur Category

1. You would like to start or purchase and expand a business anywhere in B.C.
2. You have a personal net worth of at least $ 800, 000.
3. You intend to invest at least $400,000 in (and acquire at least one-third equity ownership of) the business.
4. You can commit to creating at least three new jobs for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
5. You would like to propose one key staff member on your application.

The Regional Entrepreneur Category

1. You would like to start or purchase and expand a business outside of the Vancouver and Abbotsford metropolitan areas.
2. You have a personal net worth of at least $ 400, 000
3. You intent to invest at least $ 200,000 in (and acquire at least one-third equity ownership of) the business.
4. You can commit to creating at least one new job for a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.

The Strategic Project Category

1. Your company is interested in setting up a B.C. based operation (such as a branch office or subsidiary) anywhere in the province.
2. Your company intends to make an equity investment of at least $500,000 in the business.
3. You would like to propose up to five key staff members on the application and you can commit to create at least three new jobs for each key staff member.

Application Process

1. You are strongly advised to make an exploratory visit to B.C. to learn more about opportunities and the local business environment before you submit your application
2. You submit all application forms, along with the required fees to the PNP office.
3. PNP assess your application against program criteria and may follow up with specific questions or ask for more information
4. If your application passes their initial assessment, they will ask you to attend an in-person interview in Vancouver to discuss your application and make a final decision
5. If your application is approved, you must sign a performance agreement. It will describe the type of business you intend to invest in and manage the breakdown of your total investment, the number of jobs you intend to create, and other milestones associate with your business proposal.
6. PNP will issue you a work permit support letter so you can apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for a two-year work permit. This will enable you and your dependents to move to B.C. so you can start implementing your business plan.
7. Within the designated timelines, you notify the PNP of your arrival in B.C. and submit proof that you have transferred the required funds for your investment.
8. You implement your business plan. When you have the conditions of the Performance Agreement, you submit a final report to the PNP
9. The PNP reviews your final report and, if you have satisfied the conditions of the Performance Agreement, nominates you (and your eligible dependents and, if applicable, key staff members) for permanent residence.
10. PNP will then issue you a nomination certificate that you will include with your application for permanent residence (and those of your spouse, eligible dependent children and, if applicable, key staff members) to CIC. If CIC approves your application, you will be issues a permanent resident visa to live and work in Canada.

It is your responsibility to demonstrate that you adequately meet all requirements of the application.