Are you considering immigrating to British Columbia (BC) but aren’t sure if it will provide you with the opportunities you desire? The entire immigration process is rarely easy.
From its high-quality educational and healthcare sector, thriving economy, landscapes showcasing amazing natural beauty, and endless opportunities this brings, immigrating to British Columbia should be just a good place to consider.
Discover helpful information necessary for your immigration so you can make informed choices.
British Columbia Immigration
Due to its high quality of living, British Columbia presents itself as a competitive hub for immigrants to secure a space. This contributes to why it can be quite challenging to immigrate, especially for Immigrants not in Canada at the time of application. However, with the proper immigration process, it can be made possible over time.
In 2023, over 190,000 immigrants were added to the population of British Columbia, and more are still estimated to be received in 2024. You could be one of the people invited to apply to immigrate to British Columbia this year. Please read this article closely.
To immigrate to British Columbia, you can explore either of these options:
1. Express Entry Programs
Express Entry is a program operated by the government of Canada to serve as a pathway for immigrants to access the country and explore their opportunities and skills. It currently presents itself as the fastest way to immigrate to British Columbia.
The Express Entry has three main programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Out of these programs, the Federal Skilled Worker Program allows you to target British Columbia while filling out the application. The good news is that it does not require previous work experience in British Columbia or Canada.
Although it does not necessarily require previous experience, having work experience can increase your CRS score.
Comprehensive Ranking System
The Federal Skilled Worker Program uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to determine an applicant’s acceptability rate. The system is determined by age; the 20 – 29 age range scores a solid 100 points, while the 45—and above age ranges add nothing to the grading system.
The applicant’s work experience, language proficiency, and education can also determine the acceptability rate.
If you desire to immigrate to British Columbia, you will need to score high in these ratings. The CRS has a total of 1,200 points. You should aim high in these points to receive an Invite To Apply when an Express Entry draw is held by the Canadian government.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry and immigrate to British Columbia, you will be presented with six selection factor points. This will include age (12 points), education (25 points), work experience (15 points), language proficiency (28 points), Arranged employment (10 points), and Adaptability (maximum 10 points).
After taking this assessment, you are expected to have the least of 67 points or higher out of an overall score of 100.
You can register for this program after meeting the cutoff score.
2. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
Canada Provincial Nominee Program grants applicants interested in immigrating to a specific Canadian province the opportunity of becoming a Canadian permanent resident. This is done in each province and territory of Canada. So, if you desire to immigrate to British Columbia, this is a program you should go for. You can immigrate as a Provincial Nominee.
Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, BC PNP requires that you have work experience in Canada.
BC PNP is classified into two categories:
- British Columbia Skills Immigration
- British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration
British Columbia Skills Immigration is responsible for immigrating foreign nationals who have the skills to become better players in the province’s economy and workforce.
To apply for a BC Skill Immigration, it becomes important to have a valid job offer from an eligible BC employer.
Due to the nature of streams contained in BC Skill Immigration, immigrants who are skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduate and postgraduate students, semi-skilled workers, technologically inclined professionals, and who have a valid job offer can apply for this scheme.
Eligibility Criteria
To immigrate to British Columbia, you have to get registered for the Provincial Nominee Program under the BC Skill Immigration.
Here are the few required criteria:
- Have a valid job offer by an employer in British Columbia.
- Pass the Language proficiency assessment.
- Have a work experience of about 2 years. This experience should be the same as the job offer.
- Meet the settlement funds requirement as determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Candidates who meet the minimum stream criteria can register a profile using the BC’s online immigration portal.
Application Procedure
Candidates can apply through the accelerated Express Entry program under the BC Skill Worker Scheme or the regular Skill Immigration System. However, you stand a chance of being Invited To Apply better when you apply through the accelerated Express Entry; your CRS score will be increased by 600 points, and this automatically guarantees that you will receive an invite to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.
3. Work in British Columbia
Obtaining a Canadian Work Experience can be another great way to increase your chances of immigrating to British Columbia.
To have work experience that counts, you need to have a Canadian work permit. Obtaining this can be challenging, but it is a major requirement for Immigration to take place.
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After getting a work permit, you can begin a search for Jobs in British Columbia through job agencies and recruiters’ websites.
More so, gaining a job offer from an employer in British Columbia can even help you get a work permit faster.
Alternatively, if you work in an international enterprise with a branch in British Columbia, Canada, you can request to be transferred to this office.
4. Study in British Columbia
Another good way to immigrate to British Columbia is to complete post-secondary studies in Canada. Immigrants who complete post-secondary studies can apply to any University in British Columbia to continue their education. After this, he can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit and work for some time.
The combination of these two would strengthen his chances of being invited to apply, as they would give the immigrants both the work experience and educational points by CRS when applying for the status of permanent residence in British Columbia through the Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Conclusion
Along with your plans to immigrate to British Columbia, you must begin to take the necessary steps, such as taking a language proficiency class/test, exploring more work experience, getting a degree in any Canadian institute of learning, and most importantly, working by your age.
In addition, you can choose any of the ways mentioned here that best suit your present state in your journey to Immigrate to British Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
The processing fee is $850, with a right to permanent residence fee of $575. In total, $1,425
67 points out of an overall of 100. Failure to reach this cutoff will disqualify you from submitting your profile to the Express Entry program.
The BC Skilled Worker stream charges an applicant a $1150 CAD application fee.
The Accelerated Express Entry program has the fastest registration process. ITA applicants are guaranteed to be selected from the pool.
It takes an average of 6 months for the application to be met with an invitation to apply. However, with a strong CRS score, you stand a chance to be invited sooner than the general 6 months.
