Nowadays it’s not as easy or as fast to become a permanent resident (PR) in Canada. Requirements are higher and sometimes more difficult. However, the British Columbia (BC) povincial government realease 77 “priority occupations” that will allow you to become a PR much faster (processing time is approximately 3 months only). BC continues to be an attractive province for foreign workers, immigrants, international students not just for its beauty and mild climate, but because there are many jobs available across all industries.
The BC Province addresses labour shortages and economic development through hiring foreign workers that are already here in Canada or still in their home countries. This is great news for anyone wanting to immigrate as working temporarily for at least one year (especially if it’s in a skilled position) may lead to permanent residency status in Canada as long as the foreigner all meets the other eligibility requirements.
However, if you are working under one of the “priority occupations,” you might be eligible for permanent residency (PR) much faster through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The priority occupations under the BC PNP are centered on technology, healthcare and childcare occupations. Other priority occupations outside of these fields are veterinarians (31103) and animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (32104). BC is anticipating population and economic growth and the provincial government wants to ensure that the province has the workforce to support the growth. For more information, please visit: https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/About-The-BC-PNP.
As of January 1, 2023, these are the priority occupations:
10030 Telecommunication carriers managers
20012 Computer and information systems managers
21100 Physicists and astronomers
21210 Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
21211 Data scientists
21220 Cybersecurity specialists
21221 Business systems specialists
21222 Information systems specialists
21223 Database analysts and data administrators
21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
21231 Software engineers and designers
21232 Software developers and programmers
21233 Web designers
21234 Web developers and programmers
21300 Civil engineers
21301 Mechanical engineers
21310 Electrical and electronics engineers
21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
21320 Chemical engineers
21399 Other professional engineers
22110 Biological technologists and technicians
22220 Computer network and web technicians
22221 User support technicians
22222 Information systems testing technicians
22310 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
22312 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
50011 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
51111 Authors and writers (except technical)
51112 Technical writers
51120 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
52119 Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
52112 Broadcast technicians
52113 Audio and video recording technicians
52120 Graphic designers and illustrators
53111 Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators
30010 Managers in health care
31100 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31101 Specialists in surgery
31102 General practitioners and family physicians
31110 Dentists
31112 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
31120 Pharmacists
31121 Dietitians and nutritionists
31200 Psychologists
31201 Chiropractors
31202 Physiotherapists
31203 Occupational therapists
31204 Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
31209 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
31300 Nursing coordinators and supervisors
31301 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
31302 Nurse practitioners
31303 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
32101 Licensed practical nurses
32102 Paramedical occupations
32103 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
32110 Denturists
32111 Dental hygienists and dental therapists
32112 Dental technologists and technicians
32120 Medical laboratory technologists
32121 Medical radiation technologists
32122 Medical sonographers
32123 Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
32124 Pharmacy technicians
32129 Other medical technologists and technicians
32200 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
33100 Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
33103 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
41300 Social workers
41301 Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
42201 Social and community service workers
42202 Early childhood educators and assistants
If you are a foreigner already in Canada and have worked (or currently working) in these occupations, we can assist you with submitting your PR application through this immigration stream. This immigration stream will allow not just you but also your family to become permanent residents and is perfect for those who have completed some education in Canada and/or some education in your home country and have a job offer from a company based in BC. Contact us through WhatsApp or through phone call at +1 778 288 7388 and we can assess your profile and see if this immigration stream can apply to you.