Are you interested in becoming a permanent resident in Canada? Do you live in the Sea-to-Sky? If so, you may have heard about the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which are two of the most popular pathways to permanent residency. But did you know that by combining these two programs, you can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining permanent residency? In this blog post, we’ll explain how residents of the Sea-to-Sky region can utilize this route and qualify for permanent residency using Express Entry and the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP).
Express Entry
Express Entry is one of the most competitive immigration programs in Canada, and many applicants do not have enough points to be drawn from the pool of candidates, even if they qualify.
What is the BCPNP?
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) comes in here. The BCPNP program allows the province of British Columbia to nominate candidates for permanent residency based on the province’s economic needs. By applying for the BCPNP, candidates can boost their chances of being selected for permanent residency, even if they do not have enough points for Express Entry.
Why is the BCPNP a good option for Sea-to-Sky residents?
For residents of Whistler, Squamish, and Pemberton, the BCPNP can be an excellent option for those looking to stay in the region long-term. Many residents in these areas work in industries such as tourism and hospitality, which may not qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) under Express Entry. Additionally, some residents may not have education beyond high school or relevant foreign work experience, which can lower their points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used for Express Entry.
Different streams of the BCPNP
The BCPNP has several streams that cater to different categories of applicants, such as the Skills Immigration stream, International Graduate stream, and Entrepreneur Immigration stream. By applying for the BCPNP, candidates can demonstrate their commitment to British Columbia and show that they have the skills and experience to contribute to the province’s economy. Moreover, successful candidates can receive an additional 600 CRS points under Express Entry, which virtually guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residency in the next draw. If you work in a semi-skilled position such as bartending, serving etc you can also find our article on the semi-skilled route using PNP
Combining Express Entry and the BCPNP
As immigration consultants in the Sea-to-Sky region, we have found that the most commonly used pathway to permanent residency is through the combination of Express Entry and the BCPNP. However, we often see clients who wait until the end of their visa to seek consultation, only to find out that they do not have enough points for Express Entry and have also not left themselves enough time to ensure they qualify for the BCPNP. At Dr. Joe’s, we understand the importance of planning ahead, which is why we offer local consultations for just $50 to make them more accessible.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – book a consultation with us to find out what options are available to you to stay in Canada.