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International Graduates Permit for British Columbia

International Graduates seeking immigration to Canada, that wish to reside in British Columbia, can apply under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), category Strategic Occupations, International Graduates.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is designed to assist employers who are unable to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fulfill their recruitment needs.

Successful immigrant applications under this scheme pave the way for successful Canadian immigration to the province of British Columbia and the gaining of permanent residency status. In addition it meets the needs of attracting and retaining needed foreign workers.

Criteria for Applying for Nomination under the International Graduates Category of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

  • The immigrant applicant must have obtained and a degree or diploma that has been awarded by a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada within the previous 2 years.
  • The degree (either graduate or undergraduate) must have been awarded by a Canadian post-secondary institution that
    • If issued in British Columbia:
      1. was established under a British Columbia legislative Act; OR
      2. has been assessed via a government-mandated process and the Minister has granted consent under the Degree Authorization Act
    • If issued outside BC (in Canada):
       authorized by province/territory to confer degrees
  • A diploma must not come from a private institution; it must have been issued by a public post-secondary institution in Canada. The program of study should exceed 12 months.

    Nominees must include the contact information for an academic reference (faculty member or senior administrator at the school where they studied.
Applications for positions under Skill Levels 0, A and B of the National Occupational Classification (NO) will be considered, as well as applications for positions under Skill Levels C and D IF there is a structured career progression to an occupation at Skill Level 0, A or B.

Applicants in this category do not need  to have any previous work experience.

General Requirements for Applying to the Strategic Occupations Component of the Provincial Nominee Program

  • The employer has offered and the nominee candidate has accepted permanent, full-time employment in a skilled occupation whereby:
    • The candidate is suitably qualified to do the job and the remuneration package offered is commensurate with British Columbia wages.
    • The field of employment offers good long term prospects.
    • The employer must have a history of good practices, be financially sound and must have been operating in British Columbia for at least one year and have at least five full-time paid employees.
    • The employment of a foreign worker will be of significant economic benefit to British Columbia.
    • The potential for nominee candidates to become economically established in British Columbia.
    • The candidate can not own more than 10% of the employer's company
    • The employment will not affect collective bargaining / labour disputes or employment of involved parties
    • Local recruitment must have taken place
    • Intention to settle in BC
    • If applying from within Canada, must maintain immigration status and not be issued a removal order
    • If applying from outside Canada, must have legal status in country of residence and be admissible to Canada
    • May not apply if active refugee claim in process