BC PNP Skills Immigration Process
Stage 1: Registration
The first step is registration with our Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Registering allows us to assess your job, location in B.C., education, language ability and wage. We will review this against B.C. labour market needs.
Registration is free. All registrants must meet minimum program and category requirements.
Who should register?
- Only applicants under the Skilled Worker, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled, and International Graduate categories need to register with SIRS.
- HealthCare Professional and International Post-Graduate applicants can apply directly through BCPNP Online.
- Applicants to all other Skills Immigration categories must first register through BCPNP Online.
What is SIRS?
SIRS is a points-based registration and application system that helps B.C. select the best workers to meet labour market needs. By registering, you are expressing interest to apply to the BC PNP. It is not an application for permanent residence.
What happens next?
You get a registration score based on various factors. You also go into a selection pool for your chosen category. You stay in the selection pool for up to 12 months, or until you receive an invitation to apply.
What factors affect my SIRS score?
Key economic factors include:
- The National Occupation Classification skill level of your B.C. job offer. This lets us prioritize high-demand occupations.
- The annual wage you are offered. The right wage helps you settle successfully in B.C.
- The location of your employment.
Factors that influence your ability to settle in B.C. including your:
- directly related work experience
- level of education
- English language proficiency
The BC PNP reserves the right to make changes to SIRS without prior notice, including changes to the scoring grids, the length of time your registration can remain in the selection pool, and the number and frequency of registrants invited to apply. For help registering and applying online, please refer to the BC PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Technical Guide.
Stage 2: Invitation
Eligible registrants under the Skilled Worker, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled, and International Graduate categories will receive an invitation to apply under the Skills Immigration stream.
Invitations are issued based on the BC PNP’s annual nomination allocation and processing capacity. However, a registration does not guarantee that you will be invited to apply.
How will I be ranked?
We rank your registration score alongside other registrants in the same category. Your score is based on your job, its location in B.C. and your offered wage, as well as your work experience, education and language ability. Periodically, we conduct a draw to invite the highest-scoring registrants to apply.
How many people do you invite?
The number and frequency of invitations is based on annual nomination allocations set by IRCC. The number of invitations also depends on our ability to ensure timely processing of applications.
View current information about invitations to apply, including draw dates, number of invitations issued and minimum scores.
What happens next?
If you are invited to apply, you have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete application via BCPNP Online. An invitation to apply does not guarantee you will be approved for nomination.
What if I am not invited to apply?
We only invite the highest-scoring registrants from the selection pool. If you do not receive an invitation, you can take steps to improve your score. For example, you can improve your language skills or education level.
Stage 3: Application
Submit your Skills Immigration application through BCPNP Online.
After receiving an invitation to apply, Skilled Worker, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled, and International Graduate candidates can apply online. HealthCare Professional and International Post-Graduate applicants do not need an invitation, and can apply directly through BCPNP Online.
How do I submit an application?
You have 30 calendar days to apply through BCPNP Online. Your application requires a $1,150 processing fee. For more information about how to apply online, please refer to the BC PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Technical Guide.
What happens next?
We will assess your application according to the Provincial Immigration Programs Act and Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation and the criteria specific to your Skills Immigration category. If approved, you will receive a nomination that you can use to apply for permanent residence. We may decline your application if your application details differ from your registration information.
Stage 4: Nomination
Receive a provincial nomination and apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
How does it work?
If your application is approved, we will send you or your authorized representative:
- a confirmation of nomination
- a nomination package advising you of the next steps to submit your federal application for permanent residence as a provincial nominee to IRCC
What happens next?
After receiving your BC PNP confirmation of nomination, please submit a complete application for permanent residence to the designated IRCC visa office. You must submit your application before the expiry date listed on your nomination certificate.
Working in B.C. during processing
A nomination by the BC PNP does not authorize you to work while IRCC is processing your application. If you want to work in B.C. during this period, you must ensure you have authorization to work while in Canada.
