Don't know what to do ?

Get Free Counseling

Last Updated 28 September 2026

Why British Columbia PNP?

1+ million job openings in the next 10 years
High demand for Tech and Healthcare professionals
Minimum CRS score required to get the ITA is 85
Invited 100,000+ immigrants in 2022
Holds 4 targeted draws every month

The BC PNP recently completed a major restructuring of its Skills Immigration category. The remaining active Skills Immigration pathways are the Skilled Worker and Health Authority streams. The former International Graduate and Entry Level/Semi-Skilled (ELSS) streams have been eliminated. The BC PNP Tech Stream and Entrepreneur Immigration categories continue to operate alongside these.

IMPORTANT BC PNP UPDATE: The BC PNP has undergone a major restructuring.

Key changes include:

International Graduate streams ELIMINATED (International Graduate, International Post-Graduate, International Graduate in Designated Healthcare).
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) stream ELIMINATED.
Active Skills Immigration streams: Skilled Worker and Health Authority only.
BC PNP Tech Stream and Entrepreneur Immigration remain available.

About British Columbia

British Columbia is the westernmost of the 10 Canadian provinces. The province is also one of the last regions in North America to be explored and settled subsequently. While Yukon and the Northwest Territories lie to the north of the province, the US states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana lie towards the south. Alberta makes another neighbor on the east side. Most of the western side of British Columbia is taken up by the Pacific Ocean.

British Columbia is known for its diversity of climate and scenery that is unparalleled anywhere throughout Canada. While the British Columbian society is one of the more British of the Canadian provinces, British Columbia is also one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Canada.

BC is among the most urbanized Canadian provinces. Around 80% of its residents live in urban areas, with a majority living within the Vancouver metropolitan area itself. As the population is concentrated within a comparatively small area, British Columbia is of the least densely populated provinces in Canada.

“Victoria is the capital city of the Canadian province of British Columbia.”

The prominent cities in British Columbia include:

Vancouver
Delta
Surrey
Burnaby
Kelowna
Langley District Municipality
Coquitlam
Richmond
Abbotsford

British Columbia is a part of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The British Columbia PNP program – the BC Provincial Nominee Program [BC PNP] – offers a pathway for high-demand foreign workers, international graduates as well as experienced entrepreneurs for acquiring permanent residency in BC.

British Columbia PNP Streams

There are three main streams that an individual can apply under British Columbia PNP. Each of the streams is again divided into categories.

Skills Immigration Stream
Express Entry British Columbia Stream
Entrepreneur Immigration

Important Notice

British Columbia announces Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream as Permanent one. Apply now!

The Entrepreneur Regional Pilot Program will now be added permanently to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The stream will be renamed as Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional Stream, facilitating international entrepreneurs to set up a business and settle in the province. The program will act as a permanent residency pathway for successful entrepreneurs who fulfill the eligibility requirements.

Read More…

Note: Former International Graduate Streams — ELIMINATED

The International Graduate, International Post-Graduate, and International Graduate in a Designated Healthcare Occupation streams have been eliminated and no longer accept applications. If you were planning to apply through one of these streams, contact Y-Axis to discuss alternative BC PNP or federal immigration pathways. Source: welcomebc.ca.

Skills Immigration Stream

This stream is designed for skilled workers and healthcare professionals with a qualifying BC job offer. Following a major restructuring, Skills Immigration now has 2 active categories:

Category	Job Offer Required?	Currently Accepting Applications?	Key Requirements
Skilled Worker	Yes — NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3	Yes	Work experience as a skilled professional; verify the current SIRS score threshold at WelcomeBC
Health Authority	Yes — from a BC Regional Health Authority or PHSA	Yes	Work experience as a physician, nurse, psychiatric nurse, or allied health professional with a qualifying Health Authority job offer

Eliminated Streams:

Stream	Status
International Graduate Stream	Eliminated — no longer accepts applications
International Post-Graduate Stream	Eliminated — no longer accepts applications
International Graduate in a Designated Healthcare Occupation Stream	Eliminated — no longer accepts applications
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Stream	Eliminated — no longer accepts applications

Express Entry British Columbia

To apply for the Express Entry BC stream, candidates need to check the following requirements as per the categories:

Category	Job Offer Required?	Currently Accepting Applications?	Requirements
Skilled Worker	Yes	Yes	Work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
Health Authority	Yes	Yes	Work experience as a physician, nurse, psychiatric nurse, allied health professional, or midwife, with a letter of confirmation from a qualifying BC Health Authority

Entrepreneur Immigration

This stream has the following categories [BS to confirm Strategic Projects Category is still active before publishing]: -

Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category (for businesses in Metro Vancouver and other regions)
Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Category (formerly the Regional Pilot/EIRP, now permanent — for businesses in designated rural and small-town areas, with enhanced points and lower investment thresholds)
Strategic Projects Category

Eligibility criteria

BC PNP Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) eligibility criteria are as follows:

Factor / Stage	Details
Registration	Candidates register through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).
Maximum Score	Candidates receive a score out of 200.
Job Location	Location of employment in BC affects the score; locations outside Metro Vancouver can receive higher points.
Language Proficiency	English/French language ability is assessed using Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.
Wage	The offered wage is assessed relative to the BC median wage.
Occupation	The candidate's NOC occupation category contributes to the score.
Invitation to Apply (ITA)	Candidates with higher SIRS scores may receive ITAs in BC PNP draws.
Draw Frequency	BC PNP Tech-related draws have historically been held frequently; other Skills Immigration draws may occur on a different schedule. Check the current BC PNP draw schedule before publishing.
Minimum SIRS Score	The minimum score required for an ITA varies by draw. Candidates should verify the latest threshold on the official BC PNP website.
Important Note	Do not carry forward older 190-point / 85-point figures, as these relate to a previous scoring model.

BC PNP Tech Stream The BC PNP Tech Stream (formerly called the Tech Pilot) is now a permanent feature of the BC PNP, offering expedited weekly draws for eligible workers in around 29 technology occupations, including software engineers, cybersecurity professionals, data scientists, cloud architects, and IT project managers. It remains one of the most actively used BC PNP pathways for Indian tech professionals.

Steps to apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility through Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator.

Step 2: Select the BC PNP stream

Step 3: Arrange the checklist of requirements

Step 4: Apply for BC PNP

Step 5: Migrate to British Columbia, Canada

BC PNP Processing time

BC PNP Stream	Processing Time
Skills Immigration Stream	2–3 months
Express Entry BC	2–3 months
Entrepreneur Immigration Stream	4 months

Latest British Columbia PNP Draws

Month	No. of Draws	Total No. of Invitations
September	7	1,214
August	9	1,123
July	8	639
June	9	920
May	7	783
April	2	498
March	1	12
February	3	907
January	1	7

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis, the world’s best overseas immigration consultancy, provides unbiased immigration services for every client based on their interests and requirements.

The impeccable services of Y-Axis include the following:

Free eligibility check through Canada Immigration Points Calculator
Expert guidance/counseling for Canada Immigration
Coaching services: Expert CELPIP coaching, IELTS proficiency Coaching
Free career counseling; book your slot today
Complete guidance for Canada PR visa
Resume Marketing services to find jobs in British Columbia

Y-Axis snapshot

1M

Successful applicants

1500+

Experienced counselors

25Y+

Expertise

50+

Offices

Don't know what to do ?

Get Free Counseling

Looking for Inspiration

Explore what Global Indians have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future

Load more testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current BC PNP Skills Immigration streams?

The active BC PNP Skills Immigration streams are Skilled Worker and Health Authority. Both require a qualifying job offer from a BC employer or Health Authority in an eligible occupation. The former International Graduate, International Post-Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) streams have been eliminated and no longer accept applications. Applicants previously planning to use one of these eliminated streams should speak with a Y-Axis expert about alternative BC PNP or federal Express Entry pathways that may still be open to them. Source: welcomebc.ca.

What happened to the BC PNP International Graduate stream?

The International Graduate stream, along with the International Post-Graduate stream and the International Graduate in a Designated Healthcare Occupation stream, has been eliminated. These streams previously allowed recent graduates of BC institutions to apply for provincial nomination. Graduates who were relying on this pathway should explore alternatives such as the Skilled Worker or Health Authority streams if they hold a qualifying job offer, or contact Y-Axis for a full eligibility review across other Canadian PNP and federal options. Source: welcomebc.ca.

Is the BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) stream still active?

No. The Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) stream, which previously supported workers in tourism, food processing, and long-haul trucking, has been eliminated and no longer accepts new applications. Workers in these sectors should check whether they qualify under another active BC PNP category or a federal Temporary Foreign Worker-to-PR pathway. Y-Axis can review your specific work history and job offer to identify any currently available route to BC permanent residence. Source: welcomebc.ca.

What is the BC PNP Skilled Worker stream?

The Skilled Worker stream is for candidates with a full-time, indeterminate job offer from a BC employer in an eligible NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. Candidates register through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) and are scored based on factors such as job location, wage, language ability, and occupation. Higher-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply in regular draws. This remains one of the two active BC PNP Skills Immigration streams. Source: welcomebc.ca.

What is the BC PNP Health Authority stream?

The Health Authority stream is for healthcare professionals — including physicians, nurses, psychiatric nurses, and allied health professionals — who hold a qualifying job offer from one of British Columbia's Regional Health Authorities or the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). It is one of only two active Skills Immigration streams currently available, alongside the Skilled Worker stream. Candidates are assessed and invited through the same SIRS scoring process used across Skills Immigration.

What is the BC PNP Tech Stream?

The BC PNP Tech Stream, formerly known as the Tech Pilot, is now a permanent BC PNP pathway. It offers expedited weekly draws for skilled workers in roughly 29 eligible technology occupations, such as software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, cloud architecture, and IT project management. It has become one of the most heavily used routes to BC permanent residence for Indian tech professionals, thanks to its faster, more frequent invitation cycle.

How does BC PNP eligibility scoring work?

BC PNP eligibility is assessed through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), which scores candidates out of 200 points. Scoring factors include the job's location within BC (locations outside Metro Vancouver typically score higher), language proficiency, wage level relative to BC's median, and occupation category. Candidates with the highest scores in each draw receive an invitation to apply (ITA). Minimum scores vary by draw, so check the latest cut-offs on welcomebc.ca or with a Y-Axis counsellor.

How often does BC PNP invite candidates?

Draw frequency depends on the stream. BC PNP Tech Stream draws are held weekly, giving tech candidates faster access to invitations. Other Skills Immigration draws, including Skilled Worker and Health Authority, are typically held bi-weekly. Exact invitation numbers and minimum scores vary from draw to draw based on program needs and available nomination spaces, so applicants should monitor welcomebc.ca or consult Y-Axis for the most current draw results.

What is the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration stream?

Entrepreneur Immigration is for experienced business owners and senior managers who want to establish or purchase a business in British Columbia. It includes a Base Category for businesses in Metro Vancouver and other regions, and a Regional Category (formerly the Regional Pilot) for businesses in designated rural and small-town areas, which offers enhanced points and lower investment thresholds. A Strategic Projects Category may also apply for larger, high-impact investments — confirm current availability with Y-Axis.

Is the BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Category permanent?

Yes. The Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Category, previously known as the Regional Pilot or EIRP, has been made a permanent part of the BC PNP. It supports international entrepreneurs establishing businesses in rural and small-town areas of British Columbia, offering more favourable points and lower minimum investment requirements than the Base Category, as a pathway toward Canadian permanent residence for successful applicants.

What job offer requirements apply to BC PNP Skills Immigration?

Both active Skills Immigration streams require a full-time, indeterminate job offer from a BC-based employer. For the Skilled Worker stream, the offer must be in an eligible NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. For the Health Authority stream, the offer must come from a qualifying BC Regional Health Authority or the Provincial Health Services Authority in an eligible healthcare occupation. Offer terms and wage levels affect a candidate's SIRS score.

Can international students still immigrate through BC PNP?

The dedicated International Graduate and International Post-Graduate streams have been eliminated, so international students no longer have a graduate-specific BC PNP pathway. However, graduates who secure a qualifying job offer may still be eligible under the Skilled Worker or Health Authority stream, or through Express Entry BC. A Y-Axis counsellor can assess your qualifications and job offer against all currently open pathways.

What is Express Entry British Columbia?

Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) is a BC PNP stream aligned with the federal Express Entry system, allowing candidates with a qualifying BC job offer to receive a provincial nomination that adds significant points to their federal Express Entry profile. Category alignment mirrors the province's Skills Immigration streams, so confirm with Y-Axis which EEBC categories are currently accepting applications before applying.

What documents are needed to apply for BC PNP?

Typical requirements include a valid job offer letter from an eligible BC employer, proof of relevant work experience, language test results, educational credential assessments where applicable, and proof of funds. Exact document checklists vary by stream and category. Since active streams have changed, applicants should get a current checklist from Y-Axis or welcomebc.ca rather than relying on older document lists that may reference eliminated streams.

How long does BC PNP processing take?

Processing times vary by stream and current application volumes. Skills Immigration streams (Skilled Worker and Health Authority) and Entrepreneur Immigration each have their own typical processing windows, and the BC PNP Tech Stream's weekly draws generally move faster due to its expedited design. For the most accurate, up-to-date processing time estimates, check welcomebc.ca or speak with a Y-Axis immigration expert.

What is the BC PNP application fee?

BC PNP charges an application fee for Skills Immigration applications, payable after receiving an invitation to apply. Fees are periodically revised by the province, so applicants should confirm the current fee amount on welcomebc.ca or with Y-Axis before budgeting for their application, rather than relying on a previously published figure that may no longer be accurate.

Can I apply to more than one BC PNP stream at a time?

Generally, you should register for the stream that best matches your occupation, job offer, and background — for example, Skilled Worker, Health Authority, Tech Stream, or Entrepreneur Immigration. Since several BC PNP streams have recently been eliminated, it's worth a full eligibility review to confirm which of the current streams you qualify for, rather than assuming an older stream you researched previously is still open.

What happens if my occupation is no longer covered by an active BC PNP stream?

If your previous pathway — such as the International Graduate or ELSS stream — has been eliminated, you are not automatically ineligible for BC PNP altogether. Depending on your job offer, occupation, and qualifications, you may still fit under the Skilled Worker, Health Authority, Tech Stream, or Entrepreneur Immigration categories, or under a federal program. A Y-Axis assessment can identify the best current option for your profile.

Where can I check the latest official BC PNP updates?

The British Columbia government publishes official BC PNP news, stream changes, and program guides at welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/about-the-bc-provincial-nominee-program/news. Because BC PNP streams, fees, and scoring criteria can change, this is the most reliable source for current requirements. Y-Axis also monitors these updates and can walk you through what any recent change means for your specific application.

How can Y-Axis help with my BC PNP application?

Y-Axis provides a free initial eligibility check against all currently active BC PNP streams, expert guidance on choosing between Skilled Worker, Health Authority, Tech Stream, and Entrepreneur Immigration pathways, SIRS score assessment, language test coaching, and full application support from document preparation through to nomination and Canada PR. Because BC PNP has recently changed significantly, a professional review helps ensure you're pursuing a pathway that's actually still open.