British Columbia Immigration

Janice Thompson

6 min read

Updated On Jun 30, 2022

What is the official language of British Columbia?

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

Situated on Canada’s westernmost point, British Columbia is one of Canada’s most appealing locations to live. This province is noted for its natural beauty, such as its Pacific coast and mountain ranges, as well as its high quality of life.

Vancouver, Canada’s most famous city, is also located in this province. It’s a mesmerizing city surrounded by Victorian-era structures. In addition, British Columbia’s economy is regarded as one of the strongest in the country. Because of its diversified culture and good job market, immigrants want to settle in British Columbia.

What is the official language of British Columbia?

The official language of British Columbia is English. Immigrants are not compelled to learn French because only English can help them survive in the province. If you want to improve your day-to-day interactions with the locals, you should be able to speak, read, and write proficient English. Good command of the English language can also help you acquire a job in the province easily.

British Columbia immigration settlement service provider

In British Columbia, there are a number of settlement service companies that are specifically designed to assist newcomers in settling in the province.

ORGANIZATION NAMES	SERVICES OFFERED
Community Airport Newcomers Network (CAAN)	It provides information on landing procedures as well as other topics such as medical insurance, education, and job prospects.
Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants	It offers information on ways skilled immigrants with their required skills, training and qualifications can work in British Columbia.
BC Settlement and Integration Services (BCSIS)	It assists immigrants in understanding their rights and adjusting to life in the province.
Legal Aid BC	Provides information about immigrants’ legal rights.

British Columbia Immigration

British Columbia provides a variety of immigration programs in order to attract a diverse range of individuals.

PROGRAMS	PURPOSE
British Columbia Express Entry program	This program is for skilled individuals who meet the Express Entry program’s eligibility standards and want to relocate to British Columbia.
British Columbia Skilled Worker	This program is part of the British Columbia PNP skilled Immigrant program. Foreign skilled workers who have a valid offer letter and work experience in the relevant field are eligible to apply for the program.
British Columbia Healthcare professionals	The British Columbia PNP skilled Immigrant program includes this stream. Applicants with a valid offer letter and work experience are eligible to apply for this program. Individuals who wish to settle in British Columbia can utilize this program.
British Columbia International Graduate	This program is for those who have graduated from a Canadian university or equivalent and are willing to settle in the province permanently. It is part of the British Columbia PNP skilled Immigrant program. Candidates must have a job offer from a British Columbia-based firm in order to be considered for this program.
British Columbia International Postgraduate	This program is for persons with a postgraduate degree from a Canadian university or equivalent and a desire to live permanently in the province. It’s part of the PNP skilled Immigrant program in British Columbia.
British Columbia Entry-level and Semi-skilled worker	This program is part of the British Columbia PNP skilled Immigrant program. It’s for semi-skilled employees with entry-level jobs who want to work and live in the province indefinitely.
British Columbia Entrepreneur Program	This stream is part of the British Columbia PNP business immigration program. Entrepreneurs who wish to settle in the province and invest money in a potential business in the province can make use of this program.
British Columbia Regional Entrepreneur Program	This program falls under the British Columbia PNP business immigration program. It’s for entrepreneurs who wish to set up their business anywhere other than Vancouver in British Columbia.
Strategic Projects Program	The British Columbia PNP corporate immigration program oversees this program. This program is for workers who like working in professional, technical, or professional jobs.
Regional Business Succession Program	This program is part of the British Columbia PNP business immigration program. It is for individuals who want to buy and operate a business in British Columbia that is already up and running. This option can also be applied to the above three options if the business is found outside Vancouver and Abbotsford areas.

Also Check:

Requirements for some of the popular programs of British Columbia

PROGRAMS	REQUIREMENTS
British Columbia Express Entry program	Individuals are required to register to create Express Entry profiles and adhere to the program’s standards. Offer letter under NOC level Skill Type 0, A or B is beneficial. Work experience of at least two years is required. Should be able to meet the basic language requirements.
British Columbia Skilled Worker	Must have a valid full-time offer letter from an employer in British Columbia. The employment occupation of the applicant must be NOC Skill type 0, A, or B. Individuals are required to demonstrate their French or English language test with NCLC/CLB 4 or higher. A minimum of two years of work experience is required. Proof of funds must be demonstrated.
British Columbia Healthcare professionals	Should have a valid offer. Individuals are required to demonstrate their French or English language test with NCLC/CLB 4 or higher. 2 years of work experience is a must. Applicants must show proof of their settlement funds.
British Columbia International Graduate	A job offer is necessary. Employment must be under the category of NOC Skill Type 0, A or B only. Under NOC code B, applicants must show that they have passed a French or English language test with an NCLC/CLB of 4 or above. The language requirements for NOC skills 0 and A are waived. Must comply with minimum education requirements. It is necessary to meet the settlement funds criteria.
British Columbia International Postgraduate	A master’s or doctorate degree from one of the British Columbia institutes, or its equivalent, is required. Should have acquired a valid offer letter.
British Columbia Entry-level and Semi-skilled worker	Individuals are required to demonstrate their French or English language skills with NCLC/CLB 4 or higher. Before applying for the program, applicants must have worked in British Columbia for at least 9 months. Job offer is required. Work experience is mandatory.
British Columbia Entrepreneur Program	Applicants are required to demonstrate their French or English language skills with NCLC/CLB 4 or higher. Three years of company management experience is required. Post-secondary education is a must. It is necessary to have a minimum investment of 200,000 Canadian dollars and a personal net worth of 600,000 Canadian dollars.
British Columbia Regional Entrepreneur Program	Should have been to the location and taken part in an exploratory tour of the area for business. Entrepreneurs must own 51% of the share of the business. Applicants are required to demonstrate their French or English language skills with NCLC/CLB 4 or higher. Applicants must have a post-secondary level of education. If you’re a business owner, you should have at least 3 years of experience, 4 years if you’re in senior management positions, or 1 year if you’re a business owner-manager. A minimum investment of 3,00,000 Canadian dollars is required. A performance agreement is also needed for applicants.
Strategic Projects Program	Successful foreign-controlled enterprises can nominate up to five key employees to open a branch office in British Columbia for provincial nomination. Streams generally employ at least 150 people and generate at least $20 million in annual sales. In addition, the corporation must invest a minimum of 500,000 Canadian dollars in the new BC branch.

How to immigrate to the province of British Columbia?

Step 1: Select the stream you wish to apply and ensure that you meet all of the conditions.

Step 2: Gather all of the documentation you’ll need to fill out the application form (if you qualify). For example, you can obtain your ECA, as well as the results of your French/English language examinations, if you studied at a university outside of Canada.

Step 3: Submit an application by the deadline and fulfil all of the requirements.

Step 4: Determine the next step based on the outcome of your application. If you’re looking for permanent residency in British Columbia, make sure you submit your application on time.

Also Check: