If you are planning to apply for Canada PR then British Columbia is the topmost province that you might consider. In fact, it is a known fact that Canada always welcomes migrants willing to settle in the country by contributing to their growing economy. IRCC aims to achieve the targets through different family and skilled migration programs like PNPs and one of them being the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.

British Columbia is one of the most diverse provinces in all of Canada. The province has a strong economy with natural resources sector, with an emphasis on forestry and mining. It has a plethora of picturesque locations to refresh your mind, body, and soul. With expansive forests and a unique coastal climate, British Columbia is one of the most beautiful provinces not in Canada but indeed the world.

The British Columbia PNP is for prospective immigrants with the skills and experience that are required in the province to meet its labour requirements.

What are the programs offered by the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program?

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program offers PR programs under three different categories namely Express Entry BC, Skills Immigration and Entrepreneur Immigration. The applicants are required to apply under one of the categories like Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and International Post Graduate, Entry-level and semi-skilled.

Let us have a look at visa categories for BC PNP:

· Express Entry BC

The applicants who have the valid express entry profile are eligible to apply through Express Entry BC. This pathway is for foreign skilled workers having appropriate skills and a valid full-time job offer.

· Entrepreneur Immigration

It is targeted to individuals who wish to establish a business in British Columbia or start a new business in the province. To apply, an applicant must have sufficient finances.

The most popular for skilled workers is the Express Entry BC category provided you have a valid job offer from the province and your profile is in the express entry. Express Entry BC aligns with the federal government's Express Entry Immigration Selection system allowing eligible applicants to receive priority processing of both their BC PNP application and if nominated their permanent residence application.

The following immigration categories may be processed through Express Entry British Columbia:

· Skilled Worker Category

· Health Care Professional Category

· International Graduate Category

· International Post-Graduate Category

Now, the question arises how to apply for BC PNP Express Entry?

Express Entry is a point based visa and immigration system that manages the pool of applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trade Program, and Canadian Experience Class. However, provinces like British Columbia are also inclined with Express Entry streams.

An applicant applying through BC PNP must score at least 67 immigration points out of 100 on Canada Point Assessment grid for the factors namely age, educational qualification, work experience, language ability, and adaptability factors.

The most important criteria are an applicant must have a valid job offer letter from the BC employer along with required Express Entry points to become eligible for the same.

So, an applicant in order to apply for BC PNP through express entry programs must get at least 67 immigration points and profile must be in the express entry pool to become considered for the invitation.

The province if likes your profile and you meet the required eligibility conditions, you will be invited by the BC through regular invitation draws.

The general BC PNP processing time depends upon application to application and other considerable factors like:

· Total number of visa applications received by the department

· Total number of available places

· Submission of complete and accurate checklist

· Any further query raised by the immigration department

Therefore, the BC PNP processing time takes around 6 months.

Applying for BC PNP is the wisest decision if you have a valid job offer letter from the employer. The province is in need of workers who can come and contribute towards the growing economy with their skills and experience.

Are you one of the skilled workers? Check your Canada PR options by filling the Canada Immigration Assessment form. One of the experts of Aptech Global will soon contact you to discuss the Canada PR query.