British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program – BC PNP

The British Columbia PNP is an immigration program through which a broad range of workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs can settle in British Columbia permanently.

The BC PNP is one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). It is one of the most varied of all the PNPs, with two broad streams for workers and graduates — Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration — plus an additional stream for entrepreneurs.

These streams are further divided into various categories. Some British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program categories are aligned with Canada’s federal Express Entry immigration selection system. Successful applicants under one of these categories obtain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence at a subsequent draw from the pool.

Furthermore, some British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program categories are managed under a unique system, known as the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Under the SIRS, potential applicants are first required to register a profile and provide some personal information relating to their job offer in BC, work experience, language ability, and level of education. The SIRS works on an Expression of Interest / Invitation to Apply basis, whereby registered candidates are assigned a score (out of 200), and the BC government conducts periodic draws in which candidates who meet the cut-off threshold for their category in that draw are invited to apply for a provincial nomination.

Though some BC PNP categories require applicants to have a job offer from a BC employer, certain categories managed outside the SIRS do not require applicants to have a job offer.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program overview

As the table above shows, the BC PNP is a highly varied Canadian immigration program containing multiple categories. Which categories work with which system(s) may also be presented in a diagram.

You can find out which BC PNP categories are open right now in our PNP Canada Live Tracker.

How to Apply for British Columbia PNP?

To apply for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), you must first determine your eligibility under one of the program’s streams:

• BC PNP: Express Entry Streams
• BC Express Entry International Graduate
• BC Express Entry International Post-Graduate
• BC Express Entry Health Authority
• BC Tech Program

If you qualify for one of the programs, you can register online through the BC PNP portal by submitting a profile. This profile is scored based on factors such as work experience, education, and language proficiency. If you are selected, you will receive an invitation to apply, and you must complete and submit your application within 30 days. Successful nominees will receive a provincial nomination, which they can use to apply for permanent residence with the federal government.

What is the Minimum CRS Score for British Columbia PNP?

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) does not use the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Instead, it uses its own points-based system called the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). The minimum score required to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) varies by stream and draw. For example, in the most recent draw on May 8, 2025, candidates needed a minimum score of 150 points under the Skills Immigration stream to receive an invitation.

However, scores can differ significantly depending on the occupation, stream (e.g., Skilled Worker, International Graduate), and whether the draw is general or targeted. For Entrepreneur Immigration, recent draws have required scores ranging from 115 to 123 points, depending on the stream and region. It’s important to regularly check the official BC PNP invitations page for the latest draw results and minimum score requirements.

BC PNP Occupations to Qualify

BC PNP Tech Occupations

BC PNP Construction Occupations

BC PNP Healthcare Occupations

BC PNP Childcare Occupations

BC PNP Veterinary Occupations

You can learn all about the BC PNP by watching our webinar, produced in partnership with Jenny Perez, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant and founder of Perez McKenzie Immigration — based in BC! For individual guidance, you can book a consultation with Jenny here.

Resources to Help You Succeed in the BC PNPs