Requirements
In addition to meeting the specific requirements for the category under which they are applying, applicants must also meet the general requirements for the BC Skills Immigration Program. Unless otherwise noted, applicants in the Skills Immigration stream are required to:
Applicants with a job offer in an NOC level 0 or A occupation are not required to submit valid language test results; however, the BC PNP may ask for results at its discretion to ensure an applicant has the language proficiency required in order to perform the duties of the position
Earn a wage competitive with BC rates for the occupation
Have accepted a job offer for permanent full-time employment in an eligible occupation (exception: the International Graduate category
Be qualified for the offered position. The BC PNP may refer to the National Occupational Classification (NOC), WorkBC or industry standards to determine the minimum qualifications for an occupation
Demonstrate English or French language ability at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4, for all occupations classified under NOC level B, C, or D.
Meet minimum income requirements (see below)
Not have an ownership or equity stake of more than 10 percent in the B.C. company that has made the job offer; and,
Benefit B.C. economically through their employment. For example, the applicant's employment may:
Transfer knowledge and skills to Canadians
Build the workforce for a major project
Create or maintain jobs for Canadians; and/or,
Support the development of proprietary new products.
Submit a complete application, along with the $550 application fee, if invited to apply.In addition, the employment of an applicant under the BC Skills Immigration Program must not adversely affect the settlement of a labour dispute, or the employment of anyone involved in a labour dispute. Neither can a job offered to an applicant under the BC Skills Immigration Program prevent the training or employment of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The Skills Immigration Program
Skilled Worker Category
Health Care Professional Category
International Graduate Category
International Post-Graduate Category
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Category
Skilled Worker Category
This category is open to workers with post-secondary education or training and employment experience in a skilled occupation.
Minimum Requirements for Applicants
In order to be eligible under the Skilled Worker Category, in addition to meeting the general requirements, applicants must:
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Have at least two years of full-time (or full-time equivalent) work experience in the skilled occupation offered to them, and the credentials and qualification requirements of the position, if applicable;Have received an offer of indeterminate, full-time employment from an eligible B.C. employer;
Be in an occupation classified as NOC level 0, A, or B;
For occupations classified as NOC level B, applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in English or French by submitting language test results showing a minimum score of benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark 2000 (CLB) in all competencies.
For occupations classified as NOC level 0 or A, no language test results are necessary - the BC PNP, however, may require valid language test results at its discretion.
Demonstrate the ability to meet minimum income requirements and pay for housing and living expenses in British Columbia by showing:
Annual wage in the province;
Location of residence in the province;
Number of dependents.
Minimum Requirements for Employers
Additionally, the employer offering the job must meet the following requirements:
The business must be established in British Columbia, and have been operating for at least one year;
The business must already have permanent, full-time employees;
If the business is located in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the business must have at least five permanent, full-time employees (or full-time equivalent) in B.C.;
If the business is located outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the business must have at least three permanent, full-time employees (or full-time equivalent) in B.C.;
The business must show a history of good business practices;
The employer must offer the candidate a wage that meets industry standards;
The employer must meet domestic labour market recruitment requirements;
The employer must sign an employer declaration stating that all of these requirements are met;
A written offer of employment must be extended to the applicant on official company letterhead and must meet all of the following requirements:
The offer must be signed and dated by both the employer and applicant.
The offer must include:
A description of job duties;
The rate of pay;
The working hours for the position (minimum of 30 hours per week);
A statement that position is permanent and full time;
A list of additional benefits; and
A mention of any applicable collective bargaining agreements, if relevant.
The employer may not make deductions from pay for recruitment, immigration fees, etc.
The wage offered must be at market rate and comparable to the average salary for that occupation in British Columbia.
Individuals originally hired on a Labour Market Opinion must receive an equal or greater wage than that stated on the Labour Market Opinion.