The government of British Colubmia has developed a Provincial Nominee Program. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) supports the recruitment of foreign workers with highly specialized skills, to meet critical skill shortages faced by British Columbia employers. The program will also support the expedited immigration of foreign residents with strong business experience and skills, and a solid business project already identified in BC.
The PNP program enables B.C. to nominate 1000 people plus their families between now and May, 2003. The program is available to all sectors of the economy that experience critical skill shortages. However, the initial implementation of PNP will be staged into selected sectors, where skill shortages are already well established.
The PNP program is employer driven and nominees are required to have arranged employment prior to progressing with the application process. Employers must clearly demonstrate that domestic recruitment efforts have been unsuccessful and that a legitimate skill shortage exists before offering employment to a nominee.
Who Can Apply?
The PNP will accept applications from:
1. B.C. employers in sectors (public or private) facing critical skill shortages.
2. Business people from outside Canada who can demonstrate that their immigration will bring significant economic benefits to B.C.
Applications will be accepted in three categories:
1. Strategic Occupations: for skilled individuals who have a guaranteed job offer and are qualified to work in selected occupations with a persistent shortage of qualified workers in B.C.
The implemented of PNP will be staged into selected sectors. During this initial stage, applications will only be accepted from employers in the health care sector. Please check this site again for updated information for B.C. employers in other economic sectors.
To immigrate to Canada in the Strategic Occupations category, you must have a guaranteed job offer from an employer in British Columbia.
2. Business Skills: for individuals with specific business projects who have proven abilities and financial resources to establish a business in B.C.
This program is assessed on a case by case basis.
3. Projects: for individuals such as key managers, employees or business owners who are essential to the success of identified economic projects.
This program is assessed on a case by case basis.
