Open ProvincesImmigrating to British Columbia: nominee program, steps and processing times
The provincial nominee program of British Columbia, the two ways to apply with a nomination, how to follow your application and what to do on arrival.
The provincial or territorial nominee program
British Columbia runs the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). A province or territory can nominate people who want to live and work there; a nomination then leads to a permanent residence application to the federal government. Official program page ↗
Two ways to apply after a nomination
- Through Express Entry ↗: a nomination adds points to your Express Entry profile.
- Outside Express Entry ↗: a paper or online application directly to IRCC.
Follow your application
When you arrive
Follow the first steps in British Columbia (health card, driver’s licence, taxes, online accounts), then see renting and working.
Source: IRCC, Provincial Nominee Program ↗, read on 2026-11-13.
General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.
Guides for this province
- Renting in British Columbia: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in British Columbia: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to British Columbia: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in British Columbia: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in British Columbia: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in British Columbia: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in British Columbia: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in British Columbia: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in British Columbia: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in British Columbia: child benefits and family programs
- Immigrating to British Columbia: nominee program, steps and processing times