WHATSAPPThe Express Entry BC Skilled Workers Stream is one of the immigration programs under British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). Aligned to the federal Express Entry system, this stream allows foreign skilled workers to settle in British Columbia.
Eligibility requirements
First and foremost, the candidate must have an active Express Entry profile and have met the minimum eligibility criteria under any of the three federal Express Entry immigration programs, which are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
The stream focuses on foreign skilled workers with the skills and qualifications to contribute towards the province’s labour force. To be eligible under this stream, a candidate must have post-secondary level education and work experience in an occupation classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3). Another major requirement for this Stream is that candidates must have a full-time permanent job offer in a skilled occupation from a British Columbia employer. If the job offer is in a regulated occupation that requires mandatory certification or licensing, they must prove that they meet all the provincial requirements for that particular occupation.
Language proficiency requirements
Language proficiency requirements differ on the basis of the job that you are offered. If your occupation is classified under NOC TEER 2, 3, 4 or 5, you need to demonstrate language proficiency equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in all the four competencies, which are listening, speaking, reading and writing. At the same time, if the occupations are classified under NOC TEER 0 or 1, you need not submit language test results unless you are claiming points for language.
Accepted language proficiency tests
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General)
- Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
- Test de connaissance du français (TCF)
Application process
1. Create an Express Entry profile
The first step in applying for provincial nomination through Express Entry BC Skilled Worker Stream is to create an Express Entry profile and obtain an Express Entry profile number and Job Seeker Validation Code.
2. Register with SIRS
Skills Immigration Registration System(SIRS) is an online application system operated by the BC PNP. So, those who wish to apply under Express Entry BC Skilled Worker stream must submit an Expression of Interest to the BCPNP through SIRS.
3. Invitation to apply
The candidates who have submitted an Expression of Interest will be assessed on the basis of various factors such as education, work experience, skill level etc. Those with the highest score will be invited to apply for provincial nomination.
4. Submitting the application
The candidates who have received an ITA can submit a complete application within 30 days and pay the application fee of $700.
5. Nomination
If their application is approved, they will receive a provincial nomination and 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) score points. This will increase the candidate’s chances for obtaining an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada, in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
6. Applying for permanent residence
Once they obtain an Express Entry invitation, they may submit the application for permanent residence, along with clearing health, criminality and security checks. If their application is approved, they will receive a permanent residence visa.
Requirements for the employers
In order to support an employee, an employer must first register with the BCPNP. Then they will receive an invitation to apply. They can submit the application along with required documents within 30 days. The employers providing a job offer under the stream must also meet certain requirements. They are:
- They must be established in BC
- The must meet the requirements for domestic labour market recruitment
- They must offer full-time, permanent employment
- They must offer wage in line with industry standards
- Provide a signed job offer
- Complete and sign the employer declaration form
- Submit required documents
- Follow rules and regulations
The employers are also supposed to inform the BC PNP if there is any change in the status of the employee, like they finding another job, quitting the job or getting terminated and if their business is about to close or change ownership.
However, the employer need not meet federal Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support BC PNP applicants.
Documents required
- A valid Express Entry profile and Job Seeker Validation Code
- Valid passport
- Educational Credential Assessment Report
- Documents to prove relevant work experience
- Job offer from the employer
- Documents to prove the eligibility of the job offered
- Language test results
Once a candidate registers their profile online, they would receive a confirmation email within 24 hours with their file number. They will also receive an email notification once they receive an Invitation to Apply. They can submit the application for provincial nomination on BCPNP’s website. In the application, they need to provide all the required information, documents and pay the required application fee. Once the application is successfully submitted, they will receive a confirmation email. If they receive the provincial nomination, they can apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Applying for permanent residence
Once they obtain an Express Entry invitation, they may submit the application for permanent residence. The candidate will have 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) score points added to the total CRS score. That will ensure an invitation to apply for permanent residence for them, in a subsequent Express Entry draw. Once they receive the invitation, they may submit the application for permanent residence to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After the submission, they will also need to clear health, criminality and security checks.
The candidates can also obtain a work permit support letter, which can be used to obtain or renew a work permit so that they can work in BC even while their PR application is being processed. Then the candidate will have to clear medical and security checks. If the application is approved, they will receive Canada PR.
Do you wish to know more about Canada Provincial Nominee Program for immigration? Consult the Canada immigration experts of CanApprove. Contact us now!
