BC PNP International Graduate Stream: Latest Updates for 2025
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The BC PNP International Graduate Stream is a dedicated immigration pathway for international students who completed their studies at eligible postsecondary institutions in British Columbia. Designed to support talent retention, the stream allowed recent graduates with a valid job offer to apply for permanent residence through the BC Provincial Nominee Program.
However, this stream officially closed on November 26, 2024, as part of a broader restructuring of the province's nominee program. This closure followed an official announcement from the BC PNP, which confirmed that the streams would be replaced by three new pathways aimed at better aligning with labour market needs. Let’s explore the updated eligibility criteria, stream structure, and application process.
What is the BC PNP International Graduate Stream?
The BC PNP International Graduate Stream is a category under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program designed for international students who have recently completed a degree or diploma from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution. It allows eligible graduates to apply for permanent residence if they have a valid job offer in a skilled occupation.
Applicants must have completed their studies within the past three years and must hold a full-time, indeterminate job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation from a BC employer. Candidates can apply through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) or link their application with Express Entry for faster processing.
BC PNP International Graduate Stream: Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the International graduate category of the BC PNP, candidates must meet the following criteria
- 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, 1, 2, or 3. The BC PNP job offer does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Canada.
- Language Proficiency
- Candidates with a job offer at National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 2 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 are exempt from the language proficiency requirement.
- 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
- 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
- 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
Also Read: Top 15 Most In-Demand Jobs in British Columbia PNP in 2025
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
Read the Latest Update: British Columbia Introduces 8 New Changes to BC PNP Pathways 2025
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.
BC PNP Graduate Stream Latest Update
The BC PNP previously offered two main Canada PR pathways for recent international graduates: the International Graduate stream and the International Post-Graduate (IPG) stream. These streams officially closed on November 26, 2024, and January 7, 2025, respectively.
Key Updates:
- The International Graduate stream closed on November 26, 2024.
- International Post-Graduate stream closed on January 7, 2025.
- On March 19, 2024, BC PNP introduced Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate streams as replacements.
- As of April 14, 2025, these new streams are suspended until further notice.
- International Post-Graduate stream applications submitted after September 1, 2024, are now waitlisted, with no clear processing timeline.
BC PNP New Streams
To update its graduate streams, the BC PNP had planned to replace the discontinued streams with three education-level-based streams. Each stream focuses on specific academic qualifications and job requirements.
Bachelor’s Stream
- For individuals who have completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized Canadian institution.
- Requires a permanent, full-time job offer from a BC employer in a qualifying occupation.
Master’s Stream
- For graduates with a Master’s degree in any discipline.
- Applicants must have a full-time job offer in a skilled occupation with a minimum duration of one year.
Doctorate Stream
- For individuals who have earned or are close to completing their PhD in British Columbia.
- Detailed eligibility around job offers and occupation types is yet to be released.
General Requirements for the New BC PNP Graduate Streams
Here are the common requirements for the new streams.
- Education: Degree must be completed within the last three years from a recognized Canadian institution.
- Job Offer: Must have a full-time offer from a BC employer in NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3 roles. Tech jobs may be exempt from the permanent offer requirement.
- Work Experience: Candidates must be qualified to perform the offered job role.
- Wages: The offer must meet provincial wage standards for the occupation.
- Financial Support: Applicants must prove they can support themselves and dependents in BC.
- Language Proficiency: A minimum CLB 8 in English or French is mandatory.
Quick Read: Best Ways to Immigrate to Canada in 2025
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.
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