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Skilled Immigration: A necessity for Canada to fill vacant jobs

As the world strives to put Covid-19 in its rearview mirror, however difficult it might be. The post-COVID era for Canada looks bleak, especially in the labor market. There are already 550,000 unfulfilled skilled jobs, and reports are suggesting that this number will only rise as 125,000 more workers are expected to quit or retire by the end of this year.

It doesn’t sound as promising especially for a developed country like Canada, but it presents itself as a silver lining for skilled people around the globe who are planning to migrate from their home country. Canada is in a dire need for skilled people and is planning to fill those positions by inviting immigrants. Just in the month of July 2021 Canada welcomes 40,000 immigrants, 4000 more than the previous month and the number will only go up as the Canadian Economy tries to recover from the hit it took during the past year.

There are multiple ways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada.

Express Entry

Express Entry is a points-based system that manages immigration applications for the three Federal High Skilled programs, which include the: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. IRCC regularly invites skilled workers from both inside and outside Canada through this program.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. Having obtained work experience in Canada, these individuals have already settled into Canadian society and established important networks in their communities and their careers.

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) applications are assessed based on an applicant’s ability to become economically established upon immigration to Canada. This is Canada’s flagship immigration program for workers, allowing the country to welcome tens of thousands of newcomers every year. This is a key category of the Express Entry (EE) program.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. This economic immigration program was developed at the request of Canadian businesses and employers who were struggling to find enough skilled trade workers to help them complete their work on time.

Provincial Nominee Programs

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) regularly invites a number of skilled workers to apply for provincial nomination for permanent residence. This is through the Skilled Worker and International Graduate category.

The BC PNP also offers a priority pathway to certain tech workers called the BC Tech stream. This Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets candidates who have job offers in one of 29 eligible tech occupations.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program targets prospective immigrants with the desired skills and experience for immigration nomination. The In-Demand Skills Stream in Ontario provides some workers in high-need occupations a pathway to permanent residence.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is yet another option for skilled workers who wish to make their new home in any one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces – New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Work Permits

Skilled workers can temporarily come to Canada under one of two paths, Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program. This stream allows foreign workers to work in Canada for Canadian companies.

8687 LMIA’s were approved in the first quarter of 2021, despite the adverse effects of COVID-19. This demonstrates shortage of skilled workers in Canada, which has now become a perennial problem with plummeting interest from new generations to enter trades and more veteran tradespeople retiring.

It can be predicted that job vacancy rates will continue to rise in the short term, particularly in service-oriented jobs. This gap in the labor market has created a golden opportunity for foreign skilled workers to apply for jobs in Canadian companies facing labor shortage.

To attract immigrants, Canada is introducing new policies that help protect foreign domestic workers from a drop in wages. Canada is also investing in settlement services for temporary foreign workers who are eligible to transition to permanent residence.

Canada has over 100 economic class streams, which assess candidates on their human capital factors including age, education, language skills and work experience. While having a valid job offer can help you in the immigration process, most economic class immigrants arrive in Canada without pre-arranged employment.

Canada with its abundant natural resources, scenic beauty, jobs, and countless opportunities sounds like a perfect country to come to. If you decide to come to Canada contact Can X for a free consultation and let us help, to make your Canadian dream a reality. 

Express Entry: IRCC invited Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates

Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 3,343 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence in Express Entry draw which took place on July 23, 2020. The cut-off CRS score in this draw was 445 targeting only Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. IRCC) has now issued a total of 57,700 Invitations to Apply (ITA’s) in 2020 through the Express Entry system.

Current cut-off CRS score of 445 is a decrease of 14 points from the previous all program draw on July 8, 2020.   Yesterday, IRCC issued 557 ITA’s to Express Entry candidates nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum CRS score for these candidates was 687. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates receive an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is usually sufficient to trigger an invitation to apply (ITA) at the next round of invitations.

Calculate your CRS score with IRCC’s CRS calculator

Express Entry is the application process for skilled workers in Canada or Overseas who want to settle in Canada permanently. Interested Candidates are required to submit an online application to express their interest by creating Express Entry (EE) profile and, providing information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education and some other details. After submitting the profile, candidates get a score to determine their place in the pool using the point-based system called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS system considers skills, work experience, language ability, education and other factors (e.g. having a sibling in Canada, Canadian education or a valid job offer in Canada, etc.) to award points. Highest ranking candidates from Express Entry pool are regularly invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:

Nearly 110,000 new permanent residents were admitted through Express Entry in year 2019

A total of 109,595 principal applicants and their family members were granted permanent residence through express entry in 2019, compared to 92,229 in 2018. This represents a year over year increase of 19%. The CRS cut off ranged from 438 to 475 in 2019, making an average score of 461. In 2018 the average score was 442. This increase in average CRS cut-off score demonstrates that the express entry pool became more competitive last year. This increase was partially due to a larger pool size, as well as the increased number of candidates selected through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). PNP recipients automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points toward their overall score.

How minimum CRS score will fluctuate in next draws?

Despite COVID-19 pandemic, total number of ITA’s issued this year so far exceeds the number of invitations issued at the same time last year.  As per Government of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2020-2022, Canada aims to welcome 341,000 new permanent residents in 2020, 351,000 in 2021, and 361,000 in 2022. Federal Skilled Worker Program candidates represented the largest proportion of all individuals admitted in 2019 with 58,173 admissions, followed by candidates in Canadian Experience Class (30,230) Provincial Nominee Program (20,014) and Federal Skilled Trades (1,178). After coronavirus travel restrictions, IRCC began to hold PNP and CEC specific draws. First all-program Express Entry draw took place on July 15, 2020 since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

We had speculated that IRCC will hold program specific draws in consecutive draws and this is evident from today’s draw when only CEC candidates has been invited. There are several factors and reasons (e.g. unemployment rate, travel restrictions, closure of visa processing offices etc.)  why government is preferring CEC and PNP candidates during this pandemic. Unemployment rate in Canada is historically high, and it will be challenging for a new immigrant to find a job in today’s job market, and get settled in new country. Government’s may prefer to restrict influx of new permanent residents coming outside from country. However, to meet the immigration target for  this year, the Government will prefer to invite candidates who are already in Canada.

IRCC may continue to invite only CEC candidates in consecutive draws. This may be good for several candidates in Canada having low CRS scores. Candidates qualified under CEC & having low scores still have an opportunity to get an ITA in coming months.

Contact us for consultation, assessment or assistance!

BC PNP extends the tech pilot to 2021

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot has been extended for another year, until June 2021, to provide B.C. tech employers with the continued ability to recruit and retain international talent when local skilled workers are unavailable. The Pilot will continue with the existing criteria that allows tech workers with eligible job offers in one of 29 tech occupations to continue to apply to the BC PNP to become permanent residents.

BC PNP Tech Pilot

The BC Provincial Nominee Program Tech Pilot offers an expedited immigration pathway for people with tech skills applying to be permanent Canadian residents who will contribute to B.C.’s shared prosperity. B.C. is developing the highest quality local talent by introducing students to tech earlier, expanding tech training and education in post-secondary institutions and creating work experience opportunities. Beyond accessing the skills and talent of B.C. workers, companies need to be able to attract skilled workers from around the world. Tech entrepreneurs and skilled workers from other countries can help grow B.C.’s technology sector, leading to more jobs for British Columbians.

In support of these priorities, the Tech Pilot has supported over 4,200 tech workers to be nominated for permanent residence since its launch in May 2017. The pilot helps ensure the technology sector can attract and retain the talent it needs to sustain and grow the sector further. The BC PNP Tech Pilot helps employers address their talent needs by providing a fast-tracked, permanent immigration pathway for in-demand foreign workers and international students.

BC PNP Tech Pilot Features

The BC PNP Tech Pilot key features are based on service, timeliness, prioritization, and engagement in response to the needs of the industry:

  • Service: A dedicated BC PNP concierge for tech employers provides tailored information and navigation assistance for immigration programs and processes.
  • Timeliness: Weekly invitations to apply are issued to qualified skilled tech workers, minimizing the wait for employers and their prospective employees.
  • Prioritization: Tech applications are prioritized during processing to meet the sector’s fast-paced demands.
  • Engagement: Continuous support is provided to tech sector employers through proactive engagement activities and participation at key industry events.

Eligible Tech Pilot occupations

The complete list of the 29 in-demand tech occupations can be downloaded from here. Technology companies hiring for occupations that are not eligible for the BC PNP Tech Pilot are still able to connect with the concierge service regarding their specific needs.

Tech Pilot job offers

If your employee applies with a valid job offer under one of the 29 eligible occupations, their job offer must be for at least one year (365 days), and the job offer must have at least 120 days remaining at the time of application to the BC PNP.

BC PNP Tech Pilot process

Weekly invitations

BC PNP issue weekly invitations to qualified registrants who have valid job offers in the 29 key technology occupations. The free registration process includes providing information about your company as the supporting B.C. employer. In order to be issued an invitation to apply, both you and your employee must meet all program requirements at the time of registration. Meeting program requirements does not guarantee that your employee will be invited to apply.

Priority processing

The Government prioritize applications in the 29 key technology occupations. Once your employee submits a complete application, their file will be assigned within the next business day to a dedicated Tech Pilot processing team. Processing times for 80% of BC PNP applications is 2-3 months from receipt. Tech Pilot applications are typically processed in shorter timeframes.

Engagement and outreach

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness will continue to proactively support technology employers and industry stakeholders. Staff conduct outreach activities and provide individualized services to employers. These BC PNP Tech Pilot services are in addition to the benefits that are available to all users of our program, such as:

  • pathways that don’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
  • work permit support letters for nominees so they can apply for a new work permit or renew their current work permit and continue to work throughout the permanent residence process with the federal government
  • client support services through email and phone

BC PNP concierge services

If you are an employer in B.C.’s technology sector and have more questions, please contact the BC PNP concierge: [email protected]

Need help staying in Canada!

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! Can-X is here to help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. Or you may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.

We Care!

 

BC-Provinicial Nominee Program issues 279 invitations in latest draw

BC government held its Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) draw on June 02, 2020 issuing 279 invitations including 38 entrepreneur candidates and another 241 Skilled Worker and International Graduate candidates.

The cut-off score for subcategories 

Skills Immigration Skilled Worker 105 | International Graduate 105 | Entry Level and Semi-Skilled 81

Express Entry BC Skilled Worker 105 | International Graduate 105

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on B.C. businesses has been observed to affect the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) draw. The COVID-19 outbreak has had an impact on the provincial economy in an unprecedented way. Some sectors have been affected more significantly than others. In consideration of the above, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has issued Invitations to Apply, however the following occupations were excluded from the draw:

0621 – Retail and wholesale trade managers ǀ 0631 – Restaurant and food service managers ǀ 0632 – Accommodation service managers ǀ 0651 – Managers in customer and personal services ǀ 1123 – Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations ǀ 1221 – Administrative officers ǀ 1241 – Administrative assistants ǀ 6211 – Retail sales supervisors ǀ 6313 – Accommodation, travel, tourism and related services supervisors ǀ 6322 – Cooks ǀ 6421 – Retail salespersons ǀ 6512 – Bartenders ǀ 6521 – Travel counsellors ǀ 6523 – Airline ticket and service agents ǀ 6525 – Hotel front desk clerks ǀ 6532 – Outdoor sport and recreational guides ǀ 6562 – Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations ǀ 6611 – Cashiers ǀ 6711 – Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations ǀ 6722 – Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport ǀ 3236 – Massage therapists ǀ 6311 – Food service supervisors ǀ 6321 – Chefs ǀ 6341 – Hairstylists and barbers ǀ 6511 – Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses ǀ 6513 – Food and beverage servers ǀ 6522 – Pursers and flight attendants ǀ 6524 – Ground and water transport ticket agents, cargo service representatives and related clerks ǀ 6531 – Tour and travel guides ǀ 6531 – Tour & Travel Guides ǀ 6533 – Casino occupations ǀ 6564 – Other personal service occupations ǀ 6621 – Service station attendants ǀ 6721 – Support occupations in accommodation, travel and facilities set-up services ǀ 6731 – Light duty cleaners

Impact of COVID-19 on BC PNP Clients and Operations:

Office & in-person inquiries are closed but BCPNP will continue to respond to emails and telephone inquiries within 5 business days. Applicants can submit their registration if they meet the eligibility requirements for the category they are applying to. BCPNP will receive and process applications for both Entrepreneur Immigration and Skills Immigration categories.

Due to COVID-19, if your employer has reduced their business hours or they do not currently have the minimum number of employees on payroll:

  • If you have not yet registered, and your employer no longer meets the employer eligibility criteria to support your BC PNP application, you should delay your registration until your supporting employer can meet the employer criteria for the BC PNP.

If you have already applied, and your employer no longer meets the eligibility criteria to support your BC PNP application:

  • Please email BCPNP with any updates to your employment situation. They will take this into consideration when assessing your application.
  • You may withdraw your application by sending BCPNP an email. If processing of your application has not started, you may be eligible for a refund.

Due to COVID-19, your employer had to temporarily close their business and if you have now been laid off:

  • If you have not registered yet, and your current employment does not meet the eligibility criteria of the category you would like to register and apply to, you should ensure you first meet the criteria for that category. You should do this before submitting a registration.
  • If you have registered, but you have not been invited to apply, and your current employment no longer meets the category’s eligibility criteria, you have the option of withdrawing your registration. You can resubmit a registration once you meet the eligibility criteria.
  • If you have received an invitation to apply and your current employment does not meet the category’s eligibility criteria, you have the option of declining the invitation to apply. When the business re-opens and you are working again, you can re-register with updated information and wait for the next draw.
  • If you have already applied, and your employment no longer meets the category’s eligibility criteria, please email BCPNP with any updates to your employment situation. BCPNP will take this into consideration when assessing your application.
  • You may withdraw your application by sending BCPNP an email. If processing of your application has not started, you may be eligible for a refund.

If you are not able to get required documents (transcripts, language test, personal net worth verification report, etc.) before the deadlines:

  • Before you register for Skills Immigration, BCPNP expect that you already have gathered or have easy access to all required documentation. If this is not the case, .
  • wait to register as you will have 30 days to apply should you be invited.
  • If you have already applied, and BC PNP staff have requested information or documents that you are not able to get, please email BCPNP will take this into consideration when assessing your application.
  • If you are experiencing a delay in applying to the Entrepreneur Immigration stream, please email BCPNP describing your specific circumstances. BCPNP will take this into consideration when assessing your application.

Please visit BCPNP’s COVID-19 Operational Updates page for up-to-date information. 

Contact us for consultation and assistance!

Need help staying in Canada!

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! Can-X is here to help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. Or you may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.

We Care!

 

BCPNP : A pathway to permanent immigration in Canada

British Columbia (BC) is the westernmost province of Canada, located between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. The province is leading the country in economic growth and continues to rely on economic immigration to meet labour market demand.

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the province’s only direct economic immigration program for bringing in new British Columbians. It provides a pathway to permanent residence for highly-skilled, in-demand workers and experienced entrepreneurs, so they can settle in BC and raise a family.

The BC Provincial Nominee Program offers three ways to become a permanent resident in BC. Each pathway has different categories and eligibility criteria. These criteria are based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, income, work experience, skills or international student status.

BCPNP Pathways

The BC Provincial Nominee Program offers three ways to become a permanent resident in BC. Each pathway contains different categories a candidate can apply under, depending on candidate’s National Occupational Classification skill level, job, or international student status.

Skills Immigration : Skilled Worker ¦ International Graduate ¦ International Post Graduate ¦ Healthcare Professional ¦ Entry Level & Semi Skilled

Express Entry BC : Skilled Worker ¦ International Graduate ¦ Healthcare Professional ¦ International Post Graduate

Entrepreneur Immigration

Entrepreneur Immigration Category : The Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for high net worth business people who can invest in and actively manage a valid business in BC. It is a points-based system.

Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot : This new pilot is for international entrepreneurs looking to establish a new business in a small community in British Columbia.

Skills Immigration

Skills Immigration is for skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations in BC. It uses a points-based invitation system. The process involves registering and applying online for the BC PNP and a paper application process for permanent residency. You may not need prior work experience for some categories. Skilled workers may have work experience from abroad. Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category applicants need BC work experience. Recent international graduates of a Canadian university or college may not need any work experience, depending on the job being offered.

Skilled Worker International Graduate International Post-Graduate Healthcare Professional Entry Level & Semi-Skilled
This sub category is for individuals who have received an eligible job offer in a skilled occupation. Candidates are expected to have several years of experience in their skilled occupation. This sub category is for students who have graduated from an eligible Canadian University or college in the past 3 years and have a permanent and full-time job offer from BC employer This sub category is for recently graduated international students from a BC post-secondary institution with a master’s or doctorate degree in natural, applied or health sciences. This sub category is for healthcare professionals with experience and, eligible job offers as physicians, nurses, psychiatric nurses or allied health professionals. This sub category is for candidates who are currently working in BC in an eligible occupation in the tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking or food processing industry.
Employment Permanent, Full-Time & Indeterminate job offer in skilled (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B) occupation under National Occupational Classification  (NOC) Permanent, Full-Time & Indeterminate job offer in skilled (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B) occupation under National Occupational Classification  (NOC) The candidate does not require to have a job offer from a BC employer to apply under this category. Permanent, Full-Time & Indeterminate job offer from one of the qualifying health occupations is required:
Physician; Specialist Physician; Registered Nurse; Registered Psychiatric Nurse; Nurse Practitioner; Diagnostic Medical Sonographer; Clinical Pharmacist; Medical Laboratory Technologist; Medical Radiation Technologist; Occupational Therapist; Physiotherapist and midwife
Permanent and full-time job offer for an indeterminate period in a qualified occupation from a BC employer.
The candidate may be eligible for this category if they are currently working in the Northeast Development Region of the province in any entry level or semi-skilled occupation, other than live-in caregivers, listed as Skill Level C or D in the National Occupational Classification  (NOC)
Education The educational requirements vary as per NOC level. Usually university degree for NOC 0 & A occupations and high school and/or college diploma/certificate for NOC B occupation is required. Degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada.
Diplomas and Certificates from private institutions are not eligible.
The candidate must have master’s or doctorate degree from an eligible BC post-secondary institution. Graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) must be in one of the following programs of study in the natural, applied or health sciences: Agriculture, Agriculture Operations and Related Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Engineering; Engineering Technology and Engineering-Related Fields; Health Professions and Related Programs; Mathematics and Statistics; Natural Resources Conservation and Physical Sciences. The educational requirements vary as per NOC level. Usually university degree for NOC 0 & A occupations and high school and/or college diploma/certificate for NOC B occupation is required. At a minimum, the candidate must have successfully completed secondary education (graduated from high school) either within or outside of Canada.
Experience Minimum two years of directly related full-time (or full-time equivalent) work experience is required in the skilled occupation that has been offered to the candidate No experience is required. However, if the candidate has been offered a supervisor or management position, the onus is on the candidate and employer to demonstrate that the candidate has obtained experience that qualifies for the position. No experience is required under this category. Minimum two years of directly related full-time (or full-time equivalent) work experience is required in the skilled occupation that has been offered to the candidate. The candidate must be employed & working full-time with the BC employer supporting BC PNP application in an eligible occupation for at least 9 consecutive months immediately prior to registering to the BC PNP.
Language Proficiency For Skill Level B occupations, a minimum score equal to or greater than a benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all four competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing is required.
Language test results are not required, if the occupation falls under NOC 0 or A unless, points are claimed at the time of registration.
For Skill Level B occupations, a minimum score equal to or greater than a benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all four competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing is required.
Language test results are not required, if the occupation falls under NOC 0 or A unless, points are claimed at the time of registration
No minimum language requirement under this category. For Skill Level B occupations, a minimum score equal to or greater than a benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all four competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing is required.
Language test results are not required, if the occupation falls under NOC 0 or A unless, points are claimed at the time of registration
A minimum score equal to or greater than a benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all four competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing is required.

Express Entry BC

Express Entry British Columbia is aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration selection system, which result in significantly reduced Permanent Residency application processing times.

Express Entry BC is a faster way for eligible skilled workers to immigrate to BC. Candidate must also qualify for a federal economic immigration program. It uses a points-based invitation system and is an entirely web-based registration and application process for both the BC PNP and permanent residency process. Candidate do not require BC work experience. However, candidate must have relevant work experience as well as meet other requirements such as education and language. The federal economic immigration programs require candidates to meet a mandatory language proficiency level and demonstrate sufficient funds to support the applicant and their family on arrival in Canada. Candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program are also required to submit the results of an Educational Credential Assessment

In addition, candidates must be eligible for one of the federal economic immigration programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades & Canadian Experience Class) in order to enter the Express Entry pool.

Skills immigration categories being processed through Express Entry British Columbia

  • Skilled Worker Category ¦ Health Care Professional Category ¦ International Graduate Category ¦ International Post-Graduate Category

Requirements of the program

  • The candidate must have Express Entry profile number and a Job Seeker Validation Code.
  • Candidates applying under Skilled Worker, Health Care Professional and International Graduate Category must have a full-time, permanent and indeterminate job offer in a skilled occupation from a BC employer. Candidates with a job offer in a regulated occupation that requires mandatory certification or licensing must demonstrate that they meet provincial requirements for the occupation when they make their application under this category. Candidates applying under International Post Graduate do not required to have a job offer from BC employer. However, they must meet other requirements of the program.

What are the main differences between the Express Entry BC stream and the Skills Immigration stream?

      Express Entry BC       Skills Immigration
  • An online application process for applying to IRCC for permanent residence.
  • Faster processing by IRCC of permanent residence applications.
  • Is only for skilled occupations (National Occupational Classification Matrix skill level 0, A, B, C and D).
  • Requires applicants to meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s federal economic immigration programs, including work experience, language and settlement funds.
  • A paper application process for applying to IRCC for permanent residence.
  • IRCC processing times differ from applications for permanent residency under this category and is usually longer than Express Entry.
  • Is for all eligible occupations in the (National Occupational Classification Matrix skill level 0, A, B, C and D).
  • Does not require applicants in some categories to have prior work experience.
How Can-X can help?
  • We help in creating Express Entry profile.
  • We help in building connections between the applicant and Canadian employers by providing job alerts. This increases chances of securing a job offer in Canada and thereby, receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) by the IRCC.
  • We review the documents and submit the final Permanent Residence application to IRCC.
  • We track the application throughout the process while communicating with the government on client’s behalf.

Entrepreneur Immigration

The Entrepreneur Immigration stream is for high net worth business people who can invest in and actively manage a valid business in BC. It is a points-based system. This stream provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for experienced business people who can establish themselves in BC and invest in and operate a commercially viable business that can provide significant benefits to the provincial economy.

British Columbia has introduced a mandatory online registration system, known as Entrepreneur Immigration Registration (EIR), for all prospective applicants to the Entrepreneur Immigration stream of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). A maximum of 200 registrations may be accepted per month, and the BC PNP will periodically invite the highest-scoring registrants to submit applications. Successful applicants will obtain a work permit and, if the business operation in British Columbia fulfills the requirements of the stream on an ongoing basis, they will be able to apply for permanent residence in Canada through the BC PNP.

The BC PNP encourages applicants to make an exploratory visit to BC to learn more about opportunities and the local business environment before they register. Registrants and applicants are not advised to make any investments or financial commitments prior to signing a Performance Agreement with the BC PNP and obtaining a valid work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Any investment made before an applicant obtains a valid work permit is solely at his or her own risk.

Entrepreneur Immigration Requirements

Applications are assessed on various factors, including

  • Business and/or work experience;
  • Personal net worth and source of funds;
  • Adaptability; and
  • Business proposal, which includes proposed investment and job creation in BC

Minimum Personal Requirements

  • Active and ongoing management of the day-to-day business operations in BC
  • Demonstrated residence in BC within 100 kilometers of the business;
    • The applicant must demonstrate BC residence for at least 75 percent of the time while on a work permit.
  • Admissibility to Canada
    • The applicant must not be prohibited from entering Canada; have been in Canada illegally; have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada or under a removal order in Canada
  • Personal net worth of at least $600,000 CAD (including cash, assets in bank accounts, fixed deposits, real properties, investments, etc.) under the candidate’s name and/or candidate’s spouse’s name. The net worth must be legally obtained and verifiable;
  • A minimum of 2 years of post-secondary education or experience as an active business owner-manager with 100 percent ownership of the business for at least three of the past five years. The 100 percent ownership may be shared between the applicant, the applicant’s spouse, and any dependent children.
  • Work experience
    • The candidate must have enough knowledge and experience to successfully establish business in BC.
    • The candidate must have a minimum of more than three years of experience as an active business owner-manager, or
    • The candidate must have more than 4 years of experience as a senior manage, or a combination of at least one year of experience as an active business owner/manager and at least 2 years of experience as a senior manager.

Minimum Business Requirements

The registration must include a brief business concept that will be assigned points based on proposed commercial transferability, viability of the candidate’s skills, and economic benefits. If the candidate is subsequently invited to apply, he/she will be required to submit a comprehensive business plan. The BC PNP will consider registrations to establish a new business, purchase an existing business, form a partnership with an existing business, and partner with a local or foreign entrepreneur to establish a new business.

The proposed business must be operated for the primary purpose of earning profits by providing products and/or services. Additionally, the business must have strong potential for sustained commercial success. The BC PNP does not pre-approve or endorse business proposals.

Franchises may be considered as eligible businesses by demonstrating that the proposed franchise is well-established. The BC PNP will only consider the purchase of an existing franchise location as an eligible business if it includes an expansion/improvement plan that is consistent with franchiser requirements. The BC PNP will not consider a business proposal for a seasonal business unless the proposed business operates for at least eight months per year.

Ineligible businesses

The following types of businesses are ineligible under the BC PNP

  • An immigration-linked investment scheme pursuant to Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation section 6(e) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) section 87(5)(b) and as defined in IRPR 87(9)
  • Any business where the terms of investment include a redemption option pursuant to IRPR 87(6)(d)
  • Bed and breakfasts, hobby farms and home-based businesses
  • Payday loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machine businesses
  • Pawnbrokers
  • Scrap metal recycling
  • Coin-operated laundries
  • Automated car wash operations
  • Businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs, refurbishing or recycling)
  • Real estate development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
  • Businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services
  • Any other type of business that by association would tend to bring the BC PNP or the Government of British Columbia into disrepute

The BC PNP will not consider registrations for the following businesses proposed in Regional Districts with a population more than 300,000

  • Convenience stores ¦ DVD rental stores ¦ gasoline service stations ¦personal dry-cleaning services ¦ tanning salons

Minimum Investment Requirements

In order to register, the candidate must demonstrate that he/she will make an eligible personal investment of at least $200,000 CAD in the proposed business within 610 days (approximately 20 months) of arriving in BC on a BC PNP supported work permit. If proposing a key staff member, the candidate must demonstrate that he or she will make an eligible personal investment of $400,000 CAD.

Elimination of Key Staff option: Effective from January 29, 2020, applications to the EI – Base Category will no longer be able to include key staff. This option of the EI stream has continued to diminish since 2015. This change will allow the principal applicant to be more involved in the day-to-day operations of the business, increasing the interaction with suppliers and customers, which will help in improving language proficiency. Key staff will continue to be eligible under the Strategic Projects category. These changes are in effect for new applications and do not impact those who have already registered/applied to the BC PNP EI – Base category.

Minimum Job Creation Requirements

Applicant must demonstrate that the business in BC will create at least one permanent new full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in the proposed business as well as the likelihood of supporting long-term employment of Canadians or permanent residents in the business. Job creation requirements differ for candidates who proposed to include a key staff member on their application.

Language Requirements

The PNP has introduced a minimum language requirement for Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) – Base Category candidates. This change supports the successful business establishment of immigrant entrepreneurs and helps their integration into B.C. communities, as well as meeting our agreement with the federal government. Entrepreneur candidates are now required to submit proof of language proficiency by nomination to demonstrate that their language ability meets a Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4. Research shows that proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages has a significant impact on the economic and social integration of immigrants into their new country. The timing of language requirement by nomination allows strong entrepreneur candidates an opportunity to improve their language ability once they arrive in B.C. to establish their business.

The Invitation to Apply

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to submit a complete application. If a candidate has entered into the selection pool, his/her final registration score will be ranked along with other registrants. Periodically, the BC PNP will invite the highest-ranked registrants to apply to the Entrepreneur Program. If a candidate is invited to apply, he/she will receive an email notification and will have up to four months from the date of invitation to submit a complete application.

At this stage, the applicant must pay a $3,500 CAD processing fee to the province. His or her spouse and dependent children are included in the application fee. If requested, the applicant will be required to attend an in-person interview at the BC PNP office in Vancouver. Interviews are conducted in English or French only. If an application is approved, the BC PNP will issue a Letter of Confirmation. This serves as a work permit support letter in order to apply for a 2-year work permit to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This will enable the applicant, along with his/her family, to move to BC and implement the business plan. The applicant will sign a performance agreement and will have up to 20 months to implement the business proposal in BC. Applicants who are invited to apply will need to engage a qualified supplier to verify their personal net worth and accumulation of funds as part of the nomination process.

Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot

Regional Pilot (EI – Regional Pilot) is focused on attracting entrepreneurs from around the world to establish businesses in regional communities. This will help meet the communities’ economic development needs and encourage investments outside urban areas.

Key features of the EI – Regional Pilot

  • Active community role : Participating communities have a key role in the pilot. They are actively involved in attracting foreign entrepreneurs to their community and working with local partners and existing networks to provide support for entrepreneurs settling into their communities.
  • Referral from the community : Prticipating communities may refer foreign entrepreneurs to the BC PNP whose business concept aligns with the community’s economic priorities. The foreign entrepreneur must be invited by the community to conduct an exploratory visit and present their concept to the community’s designated contact person prior to receiving a referral.
  • Community concierge : A dedicated BC PNP concierge service supports communities with immigration program information.
  • Invitations & prioritization : Foreign entrepreneurs who are referred by a participating community are placed in a separate registration pool dedicated to the pilot when they register. Regional pilot registrations and applications are prioritized.

Eligibility Requirements for the Community 

In order to be eligible, the BC community must have a population under 75,000 and must be located 30 kilometres away from a city with more than 75,000 inhabitants. The community must prove that it can offer the newcomer entrepreneur a network of settlement and business agencies. Eligible BC communities enrolled with the EI Regional Pilot are listed on the BC PNP Community Profiles page.

BC PNP EI Regional Pilot Process

Determine Eligibility for the BC PNP EI Regional Pilot : To be considered eligible for the category, a potential entrepreneur applicant must:

  • have a minimum personal net worth of $300,000 CAD;
  • have active business ownership and senior management experience within the last 5 years that includes:
    • 3 or more years of experience as an active business owner-manager; or
    • 4 or more years of experience as a senior manager; or
    • a combination of 1 or more years of experience as an active business owner/manager and 2 or more years of experience as a senior manager.
  • demonstrate a minimum language proficiency equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4;
  • provide a business plan to establish a new eligible business in an enrolled B.C. community;
  • have either a post-secondary credential OR experience as a business owner/manager with 100% ownership of the business for at least 3 out of 5 years;
  • demonstrate that he or she will hold at least 51 percent ownership of the proposed business; and
  • be able to make a minimum of $100,000 CAD in eligible business investments in the proposed business.

Community Exploratory Visit 

All potential applicants must conduct an exploratory visit to the community in which they are hoping to establish their business. During the exploratory visit, the prospective EI Regional Pilot candidate is expected to present a business proposal to the community representative. The purpose of the visit is to obtain a community referral, which is a requirement to register to the BC PNP’s EI Regional Pilot.

Business proposal and referral request 

In the business proposal, the applicant must provide a business plan to establish a new business in the participating B.C. community. The business must be established with the sole purpose of earning profits by providing products and/or services to the local community. The business must also demonstrate the potential for long-term financial success.

Ineligible businesses include bed and breakfasts, hobby farms and home-based business, real estate development /brokerage, insurance or business brokerage. 

For the community referral, the applicant must:

  • Learn about the enrolled community and their priority industry sub-sectors;
  • Understand the business conditions, local market and support services available to establish the business;
  • Propose and develop a business concept that aligns with a priority industry sub-sector identified by the enrolled community;
  • Meet with the designated community representative to discuss the business concept; and
  • Request a referral from the enrolled community so they can submit an online registration with the BC PNP.

Registration to the BC PNP 

Following the issuance of a community referral, potential applicants must submit an online registration to the BC PNP by providing information such as work and/or business experience, education, language ability, net worth, and details about the proposed business. EI Regional Pilot registrants must also submit a copy of their community referral and test results to prove their official language abilities. The registration will result in candidates being scored out of a maximum 200 points based on the following breakdown:

Self Decleared Factors and Points : Experience & Ownership (24) ¦ Net Worth (6) ¦ Total Personal Investment (10) ¦ Jobs (15) ¦ Community Population (6) ¦ B.C.’s Regions (12) ¦ Adaptability (67)

Business Concept Points : Commercial Viability (30) ¦ Transferability of Skills (15) ¦ Economic Benefits (15)

Submiission of the application  

The BC PNP periodically invite the highest-ranked candidates to submit a full application to the program.  When invited to submit an application to the BC PNP, the applicant may be required to attend an interview in Vancouver to discuss information provided in the application. Applications are assessed within four months of receipt.

Establishing Business and Nomination

Applicant signs a Performance Agreement upon nomination that details all the requirements and conditions that must be met before the provincial nomination for permanent residence is issued by the Government of British Columbia. Following the signing of a Performance Agreement, the BC PNP will issue the entrepreneur applicant a letter of confirmation (i.e. work permit support letter), which will allow him or her to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a two-year work permit.

Applicants arrive to B.C. on a valid work permit to establish the business, make investments and create jobs within 365 days (12 months) from the date of letter of confirmation issuance. An arrival report must be completed and submitted to the BC PNP within 60 days of arriving in the province. The accompanying spouse or common-law partner of an applicant is eligible for an open work permit during this time.

At this stage, the entrepreneur must:

  • make a minimum of $100,000 CAD in eligible business investments in the proposed business within 610 days (approximately 20 months) of arriving in B.C. on the BC PNP-supported work permit.
  • create at least one full-time equivalent position for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
  • actively manage their business in B.C. for at least 12 months in order to obtain a provincial nomination; and
  • reside within the enrolled community where the business is established for at least 75 percent of the time while on the BC PNP-supported work permit.

Transition to Permanent Residence

If the applicant meets the requirements of the performance agreement within the 20 months, the BC PNP will nominate him/her for permanent residence. He/she, along with his/her dependent family members can then apply for permanent residence under the BC PNP with IRCC. Once the entrepreneur completes the terms of the performance agreement, he/she can submit a final report to the BC PNP to be issued a nomination certificate. The entrepreneur must demonstrate to the BC PNP that he/she:

  • Is actively managing a business (i.e. be accountable for the day-to-day operations of the business) in BC;
  • Resides within 100 kilometers of the business;
  • Has been physically present in BC for at least 75 percent of the time that he or she was on a work permit; and
  • Has complied with any other terms of the performance agreement.

Contact us for consultation and assessment 

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