BC PNP International Graduate: All That You Need to Know

Are you an international graduate considering permanent residency in British Columbia, Canada? Understanding the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) International Graduate stream is crucial. This pathway offers recent graduates the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in BC, provided they meet specific criteria.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you grasp everything you need to know about the BC PNP International Graduate stream.

What is the BC PNP International Graduate Stream?

The British Columbia International Graduate stream is a key component of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), which is managed by the province of British Columbia. \

This category targets individuals who have graduated from a recognized Canadian university or college within the past 3 years. To qualify under this sub-category, applicants must secure a job offer from a British Columbia employer.

For BC PNP international graduate requirements, Candidates do not need an Express Entry profile to apply. However, those who meet the eligibility criteria for this stream and have an active Express Entry profile may apply through Express Entry for faster processing.

BC PNP International Graduate: Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the International graduate category of the BC PNP, candidates must meet the following criteria

1. Full Time Job Offer

• Applicants must secure a valid job offer for full-time, permanent employment from a BC employer. The salary for the position should be competitive with the average provincial wages for that occupation.
• The job offer must correspond to a position at National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B. The BC PNP job offer does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

2. Language Proficiency

• Candidates with a job offer at National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level B must provide language test results showing proficiency in English or French at CLB 4 or higher.
• Candidates with job offers at NOC Skill Level 0 or A are exempt from the language proficiency requirement.

3. Level of Education

• Candidates must have completed a post-secondary educational credential in Canada within the past 3 years.
• If the candidate has completed a graduate degree at an eligible institution in BC, they may qualify for the BC International Post-Graduate stream

4. Work Experience

• Candidates must have at least 2 years of work experience in the same occupation as the BC job offer
• The candidate must also possess any qualifications required to perform the job in BC

5. Settlement Funds

• All candidates must meet the settlement funds requirement as determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
• This can be demonstrated through personal finances or by maintaining a valid offer of employment

What is the BC PNP International Post Graduate Stream?

If you have a master’s or doctoral degree in science from the past 2 years from a qualified program at a college or university in British Columbia, you might be able to apply under the International Post Graduate category.

Your degree must be in one of these areas:

• Agriculture
• Biological and biomedical sciences
• Computer and information sciences and support services
• Engineering
• Engineering technology
• Health professional and related clinical sciences
• Mathematics and statistics
• Natural resources conservation and research
• Physical sciences

BC PNP International Post Graduate: Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must meet the basic requirements for their occupation
• They must show they have enough money to settle in British Columbia
• Applicants should have the intention to live in BC and contribute to its economy
• Candidates with jobs classified as NOC level 0 or A do not need to provide English language test results

Application Procedure for BC PNP International Graduate Stream

Once you have reviewed the eligibility requirements, you will have to create a profile using BC’s online immigration portal Indicating whether you are applying through the Express Entry system or the regular Skills Immigration system. Once that is done, here are the steps you need to follow

Step 1: Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Complete your profile with accurate personal information and details about your job offer and qualifications
• Submit your profile to receive a score and ranking against other candidates using the BC Skills Immigration Ranking System

Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• If ranked among the highest-scoring candidates, you will receive an ITA during one of the stream’s periodic intakes
• You have 30 days to submit a complete application to the stream upon receiving an ITA.

Step 3: Submit a Complete Application

• Submit all required documents, including proof of education, work experience, language proficiency (if applicable), and settlement funds
• Ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays

Step 4: Receive Provincial Nomination

• If your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination for permanent residence from BC.
• You may request a letter of support for a temporary work permit to begin working in Canada while your application for permanent residence is processed.

Step 5: Apply for Canada Permanent Residence

For Express Entry Applicants:

• Receive a notification of nomination on your IRCC online account
• Accept the provincial nomination to increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by 600 points.
• Await an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw
• Submit an official application for Canadian permanent residence within the designated timeframe
• Applications submitted through Express Entry are generally processed within 6 months

For Regular Skills Immigration Applicants:

• Submit an official application for permanent residence within 6 months
• Prepare a paper-based application and mail it to the appropriate application centre
• Paper-based PNP applications for permanent residence are generally processed within 18 months.

BC PNP International Graduate Processing Time

The BC International Graduate stream charges a $700 CAD that is INR 42,467 application fee per applicant

Navigating BC PNP International Graduate: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency

As you explore the BC PNP International Graduate stream, you'll find it offers a promising route to achieving PR in British Columbia, Canada. Whether you're completing your studies in Canada or considering relocating after graduation, leveraging professional guidance like GetGIS for Canada immigration services can streamline your journey. Book Your Free Consultation