The province of British Columbia in Canada has unveiled plans to enhance its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) selection criteria by introducing three new immigration streams, which are slated to come into effect in January 2025.
These new immigration streams are set to replace the existing International Graduate and International Postgraduate streams, boosting the province’s economy and assisting international workers and students.
British Columbia will continue prioritising candidates with job offers in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, and early childhood education.
Overview of the 3 Immigration Streams
- Bachelor’s Stream: This stream targets recent graduates with bachelor’s degrees from eligible post-secondary institutions who have secured full-time job offers.
- Master’s Stream: This stream is geared towards recent graduates with master’s degrees from eligible post-secondary institutions, irrespective of their field of study. Applicants must also have a minimum one-year full-time job offer.
- Doctorate Stream: Specifically designed for graduates and candidates of PhD programs from eligible post-secondary institutions.
Furthermore, the language requirements for most streams will be heightened, aiming for a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark level 8 in the new graduate streams, compared to the current levels, which vary by occupation/category but are generally lower.
The government is expected to provide detailed updates on these changes in late 2024 and continue reporting on relevant developments.
About the BC Provincial Nominee Program
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is an economic immigration program aimed at selecting economic immigrants who will reside in British Columbia and help fill job vacancies or establish businesses.
The program targets skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and workers in sectors facing labour shortages.
Nominees and their families can apply for permanent residence in Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The BC PNP comprises two main components:
- Skills Immigration is tailored for workers and recent graduates possessing the skills, experience, and qualifications needed by employers in British Columbia.
- Entrepreneur Immigration: Designed for experienced entrepreneurs intending to establish and actively manage businesses in the province.
