British Columbia is set to roll out three new streams within its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for international graduates in January 2025. This initiative, part of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), will include streams specifically tailored for recent graduates with Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees from eligible post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.
Overview of the New Streams
The three new streams, designed to provide clearer pathways for international graduates to obtain Canadian permanent residence (PR) and improve their employment prospects in the province, are:
Bachelor’s Stream: This stream is for recent graduates who have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an eligible institution. To qualify, candidates must have an indeterminate, full-time job offer from a B.C. employer.
Master’s Stream: Aimed at recent Master’s graduates, this stream requires candidates to secure a full-time job offer lasting at least one year in a skilled occupation.
Doctorate Stream: This stream targets graduates and PhD candidates from doctoral-level programs, provided they meet the criteria set by the province.
Key Details and Eligibility Criteria
While more comprehensive details will be available in late 2024, B.C. has already outlined
Job Offers and Eligible Occupations: For the new student streams, job offers will need to meet specific criteria rather than being restricted to a predefined list of eligible occupations. These criteria include:
Meeting certain wage ranges for the job offer.
Being supported by an eligible employer.
Targeted invitations may still be issued for job offers in priority programs.
Eligibility of Degree Programs: The new streams will not limit eligibility to graduates from a list of approved programs. Instead, recent graduates from any field of study can apply, provided they meet the specific criteria set for each stream.
Language Requirements: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 8 will be required for all three streams.
No Cross-Category competition: Each stream will be distinct, ensuring that candidates compete only within their credential category. This means that Bachelor's degree applicants will only be considered alongside other Bachelor’s degree holders.
Additional Information About Registration and Application
Understanding the distinction between a BC PNP 'registration' and an 'application' is crucial:
Registration: This is the initial step where candidates express their interest. It does not guarantee an invitation to apply. The registration is part of a points-based expression of interest system that evaluates candidates based on specific criteria to ensure favorable economic outcomes for British Columbia.
Application: After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on the registration score, candidates have 30 days to submit a formal application, including the payment of application fees and submission of all required documents.
Points-Based System Details
The registration score is determined by various factors, split into two main categories:
Human Capital Factors: These include work experience directly related to the job offer, educational background, and proficiency in English or French.
Economic Factors: These encompass the wage associated with the job offer and the geographical location of the job within British Columbia.
What Next?
Stay Informed and Start Planning : Keep an eye for further updates as details become available and If you're aiming for the BC PNP, assess your current qualifications and language skills. Consider any upskilling or language training you might need to meet the new requirements (expected in January 2025).
Contact us or Book a Consultation: To ensure you are well-informed and on the right path towards achieving your immigration goals, we invite you to book a consultation with our experienced team. During this session, we'll assess your eligibility, discuss the expected changes, and provide insights into the application process.