BC PNP Announces Extended Processing Times for Skills Immigration Applications

July 15, 2024

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has announced an increase in processing times for Skills Immigration applications submitted after May 2024. This delay is due to a limited number of federal nominations in 2024 and a surge in applications. The extended processing times are expected to persist until early 2025, after which the processing time is anticipated to return to approximately three months for 80% of applications.

Despite the delay, the BC PNP will continue to issue invitations to apply (ITAs) and accept applications. It is important to note that applying for a provincial nomination does not grant legal status in Canada. Applicants with expiring work permits must ensure they maintain their legal status. For more information on extending work permits, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

BC PNP Categories

The BC PNP comprises two main streams:

1. Skills Immigration: Targets workers and recent graduates with the skills needed by BC employers.
2. Entrepreneur Immigration: Aims at experienced entrepreneurs planning to establish and manage businesses in BC.

Strategic Initiatives and Regional Support

The BC PNP aligns with the province’s strategic goals, using various tools to select and prioritize applicants, including targeted ITAs for specific occupations.

Supporting Regional Communities:

• The Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot assists regional communities in attracting entrepreneurs to boost local economic development.
• Skills Immigration aids regional employers in retaining workers who have experience in smaller communities outside Metro Vancouver.

Sector-Specific Support

1. Healthcare, Childcare, and Veterinary Care: The BC PNP prioritizes occupations critical to these sectors. Public health authorities can recruit staff more efficiently through the Health Authority stream.
2. Construction: Skilled workers in select construction occupations are prioritized to meet BC’s residential housing demand.
3. Technology: Since its launch in 2017, the BC PNP Tech program has helped over 6,000 tech workers secure permanent residence, ensuring the tech sector can recruit international talent.

Processing Times and Application Guidelines

Processing times reflect how long it may take to decide on a BC PNP application. These times are subject to change based on the volume of cases and the program’s capacity.

Applicants can extend or change work permits if they meet specific criteria, such as job extensions or changes in job conditions. It’s crucial to apply before the current permit expires to maintain legal status.

Maintaining Status and Renewing Documents

If you apply to extend or change your work permit before it expires, you can legally stay and work in Canada while the application is processed. Renewing provincial or territorial documents, like driver’s licenses or health cards, is not possible while on maintained status.

Skills Immigration

Entrepreneur Immigration