The province of British Columbia is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty, vibrant cities, and friendly communities. What many people may not realize is that British Columbia is one of the most desirable provinces in Canada. Residents often express that life here is easier, with access to a wide range of employment opportunities. If you’re looking to immigrate to British Columbia, now is the perfect time, as Canada plans to welcome over 1.2 million immigrants as permanent residents over the next three years.
Read on to discover which immigration program will help you achieve the high standard of living that Canada is famous for.
Express Entry
Express Entry is an online immigration system that manages three federal immigration programs, allowing skilled immigrant workers to become permanent residents of Canada. The three Express Entry programs are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
If you want to be in British Columbia as soon as possible, Express Entry is an excellent option due to its quick processing time of just six months. In 2021, Express Entry is set to issue 105,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA).
How Does the Express Entry System Work?
Once you determine that you meet the Express Entry requirements, you will need to create an online profile. This profile must be completed and submitted within 90 days of initiation. You will need the following for your online profile:
- Your passport or travel document
- Education credential assessment report
- Language test results
- Certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province or territory (if applicable)
- Proof of work experience (if applicable)
- Provincial Nomination (if applicable)
Once your profile is complete, you will be placed in a lottery pool with other eligible applicants and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that will determine your ranking. Your CRS score will dictate whether you receive an ITA, allowing you to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Each draw group has its own unique CRS score requirements.
If you do not receive an ITA in a particular draw, you can remain in the pool for a year, increasing your chances of qualifying for future draws.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The Comprehensive Ranking System is a points-based system used to assess and score Express Entry candidates. The higher your score, the better your rank in the lottery pool, which ultimately increases your chances of receiving an ITA. The maximum score you can achieve is 1200 points.
There are several ways to improve your CRS score after submitting your profile, such as:
- Retaking the language test to improve your score
- Having a sibling in Canada
- Receiving a job offer in Canada
- Earning another qualification
- Gaining more work experience in your field
- Applying with your spouse
- Securing a Provincial Nomination
How Much Does Express Entry Cost?
Express Entry Cost
| Fees | Amount in CAD |
|---|---|
| Processing fee (including right of permanent residence fee) | $1,325 |
| Application without right of permanent residence fee | $825 |
| Spouse or partner processing fee (including right of permanent residence fee) | $1,325 |
| Spouse or partner without right of permanent residence fee | $825 |
| Dependent child | $225 per child |
Another excellent Canadian immigration program is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Let’s explore how to immigrate to British Columbia in 2021 through the PNP.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows local provinces to nominate eligible economic immigrants who wish to work and reside in a specific province, such as British Columbia.
How to Immigrate to British Columbia Via PNP
Choosing a province where your skills are in high demand increases your chances of receiving a nomination. Below is a list of in-demand occupations in British Columbia:
Occupations In-Demand List
| NOC Code | Eligible Occupations |
|---|---|
| 1434 | Banking, insurance, and other financial clerks |
| 1513 | Couriers, messengers, and door-to-door |
| 3413 | Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates |
| 3411 | Dental assistants |
| 4411 | Home child care providers |
| 4413 | Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants |
| 6411 | Sales and account representatives – wholesale trade (non-technical) |
| 6562 | Estheticians, electrologists, and related occupations |
| 5224 | Broadcast technicians |
| 2171 | Information systems analysts and consultants |
Your first step is to obtain provincial approval for your application, which typically takes four to nine weeks. The second step involves medical, police, and security checks, which can take six to eight months or longer, depending on the applicant.
Once you are nominated by the province of British Columbia, you will need to obtain a work visa before moving to Canada. The province will assist you with this process.
How Do I Apply for a PNP?
Direct Application Process
This application form is sent directly to the province of British Columbia. You will need to submit a paper application by mail or courier, and you can expect to wait for the results of your application between 15 and 19 months.
Express Entry Application Process
If you choose to apply via Express Entry, you have two options:
- Expression of Interest – This allows you to express interest in British Columbia through your Express Entry profile. The province will nominate you if you have the right skills and experience.
- Apply through a Provincial Nominee Express Entry Stream – This option is faster, taking only six to eight months, and increases your likelihood of receiving an ITA.
PNPs and Express Entry
When you apply through Express Entry and receive a provincial nomination, you will earn up to 600 CRS points. Most PNP streams have a lower CRS cut score than standard Express Entry draws, meaning that having a nomination significantly increases your chances of receiving an ITA.
Why Immigrate to British Columbia?
There are numerous job opportunities in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and more. Additionally, residents of British Columbia enjoy competitive wages and a high standard of living. Employers often provide employee benefit plans that may include comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
British Columbia is home to a rich tapestry of cultures from around the world and boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Canada, making it a safe and welcoming place to live and work. Now that you know how to immigrate to British Columbia in 2021, you can take advantage of the many benefits this province has to offer.