BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

Work Permits

BC PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM (BCPNP)

For Employers willing to assist prospective employees with obtaining permanent resident status, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) provides a way to obtain both a work permit and permanent resident status.  This program can be used for a prospective employee (living outside of Canada) or a current employee who is already in Canada working under a valid work permit.

Applies to:

• Accountants (NOC 1111)
• Counsellors – Family/Youth (NOC 1111)
• Counsellors – Career (NOC 4213)
• Early Childhood Educators (NOC 4214)
• Occupational Therapists (NOC 3143)
• Physiotherapists (NOC 3142)
• Psychologists (NOC 4151)
• Purchasers (NOC 6233)
• Special Education Assistants (NOC 6472)
• Special Education Teachers (NOC 4215)
• Speech-Language Pathologists (NOC 3141)
• Superintendents (NOC 0313)
• Managers (NOC 0721)
• Skilled Trades (NOC 7251 NOC 7294, NOC 7313, NOC 7241, NOC 7271)

The BC PNP process involves both the provincial government and the federal government’s immigration departments and includes:

1. A BC PNP Application package to the BC PNP office
   • The application package includes BC PNP-specific forms and documents and copies of the Federal permanent resident application forms.
2. A work permit application to Immigration
   • Once approved as a BC Provincial Nominee, the employee may apply for the work permit at the Canadian Consulate or place of entry, depending on their citizenship and situation.
3. A permanent resident application to Immigration
   • Originals of the Federal permanent resident application forms and supporting documents, along with the BC PNP approval are submitted to the appropriate Canadian Consulate.
   • Police checks and medical exams will follow as part of this process

Prospective employees assist with the process by:

• completing the BC PNP forms relating to the nominee
• completing the Federal immigration forms, also listed in the above link
• providing supporting documents, such as:
  • Resume
  • Copies of relevant degrees/diplomas
  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of birth certificate
• Submitting the work permit application at the Canadian Consulate or place of entry, depending on the applicant’s citizenship and situation
• Undergoing police checks and medical exams

Processing time

• The BC PNP application will take 1-2 months to process.
• Work permit applications will vary depending on where the application is made.
• Citizens of visa-required countries must apply at a Canadian Consulate outside Canada.
  • Each Consulate has its process and may take anywhere from 7 to 60 days.
  • Citizens of visa-exempt countries have a choice of where to apply.
  • He/she may apply upon entry to Canada and receive the work permit on the same day.
  • These citizens may also apply at the closest Canadian Consulate.
• Permanent residence application processing will vary and may take anywhere from 9-18 months.