British columbia

Skills Immigration offers pathways to permanent residence for skilled workers and recent graduates with the qualifications needed by B.C. employers. It consists of five streams, each catering to different skills, experience, and education levels, with four offering an Express Entry BC (EEBC) option.

Key Streams and Eligibility:

1. Skilled Worker:

   • For experienced workers in professional, technical, and trade occupations.

   • Requires an indeterminate, full-time job offer (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).

   • Two years of work experience, language proficiency, and B.C. wage compliance are required.

2. Health Authority:

   • For workers employed by B.C. health authorities (physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives).

   • No registration required, direct application permitted.

3. Entry Level and Semi-Skilled:

   • For workers in tourism/hospitality or food processing sectors (NOC TEER 4 or 5).

   • Requires an indeterminate, full-time job offer, nine months of work experience, and wage compliance.

   • No Express Entry BC option.

4. International Graduate and Post-Graduate:

   • Currently closed to new registrations

Priority Occupations:

• Healthcare, Construction, Technology, and Veterinary Care occupations may receive targeted invitations based on specific criteria.

This pathway allows entrepreneurs to immigrate to B.C., initially as temporary residents, with the potential for permanent residency after successfully establishing a business.

Eligibility:

• Personal Requirements:

  • • Personal net worth of at least CAD $600,000

    • Business and/or management experience, or a post-secondary diploma equivalent

    • Basic English/French skills (CLB level 4+)

    • Legal immigration status in the current country of residence

• Business, Job, and Investment Requirements:

  • • Establish or improve an eligible business

    • Minimum personal investment of CAD $200,000

    • Create at least one new full-time job for Canadian citizens/permanent residents

This stream targets entrepreneurs looking to start businesses in smaller communities across B.C.

Key Features:

1. Community Involvement: Participating communities prioritize certain types of businesses and may invite entrepreneurs for an in-person visit.

2. Community Referral: After an exploratory visit, a referral from the community is required to apply for the EI Regional stream.

Business Requirements:

• Establish an eligible business in a participating community aligned with its priorities.

• Minimum personal net worth of CAD $300,000

• Minimum investment of CAD $100,000

• Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen/permanent resident

• Minimum CLB 4 in language proficiency

This stream is for foreign corporations wanting to establish operations in B.C. by transferring key staff with expertise crucial for business expansion.

Eligibility for Companies:

• Well-established with good financial standing

• Must demonstrate investment readiness and economic benefits for B.C.

• Must make a minimum investment of CAD $500,000

Eligibility for Key Staff:

• Senior employees with essential qualifications for the B.C. operation

• Must be appointed to a senior managerial or specialized role

• Must be employed full-time in B.C.

Requirements:

• Create at least three new jobs for Canadian citizens/permanent residents for each key staff member (up to five staff).

• Application processing fees:

• Company: CAD $3,500

• Key staff: CAD $1,000 per individual