Skilled Worker Program

Skilled Worker

The Skilled Worker program in British Columbia (BC) is a pathway for skilled workers who want to live and work in the province. This program is designed to attract individuals who have the skills and experience needed to support BC’s labor market needs.

To be eligible for the Skilled Worker program in BC, applicants must have a valid job offer from a BC employer in a skilled occupation. They must also meet the minimum language proficiency requirements and have the required education and work experience for the job.

Once an application is approved, the applicant will receive a nomination from the BC government, which can increase their chances of being approved for permanent residency in Canada. The nomination is then submitted to the federal government for processing.

Eligibility

Applicant must:

• Have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (the job offer must not be temporary or have a defined end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) (No need to be indeterminate if job offer is if it is in an eligible tech occupation, or is in NOC 41200 (university professors and lecturers)
• Be qualified to perform the duties of the job.
• Have a minimum of two years of full-time (or full-time equivalent) work experience in any skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
• Show you can support yourself and your dependents.
• Have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada.
• For NOC TEER 2 or 3 occupations, meet minimum language requirements
• Have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation.

Requirements

• Fulfill general requirements.
• Must be offered a job in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
• Must have a minimum of two years of full-time (or full-time equivalent) work experience in any skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)

Application procedure

• This program operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
• First applicants must register a profile using the BC’s online immigration portal.
• Then they should indicate on this BC profile whether applying through the accelerated Express Entry system, or the regular Skills Immigration system.
• According to the score candidates will be invited to apply.
• Submit the application within 30 days.
• The application fee of 1150 CAD must be paid at this point.
• PNP for PR will be issued.
• BC Skilled Worker stream through Express Entry will be notified of nomination on their IRCC portal.
• The Invitation to Apply (ITA) for federal PR will be issued to successful candidates.
• Submit PR application.
• Regular Skills Immigration system – applicant has six months to submit an official application for permanent residence.
  • Prepare a paper-based application and submit it by mail to the appropriate application center.