BC PNP International Graduate
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has introduced significant changes to its International Graduate category in 2025. The previous International Graduate and International Post-Graduate streams have been replaced with three new pathways tailored to different education levels: Bachelor’s Stream, Master’s Stream, and Doctorate Stream. These changes aim to better align B.C.’s immigration system with its labor market needs.
New BC PNP Graduate Streams (2025)
1. Bachelor’s Stream
This stream is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree from an eligible institution in British Columbia. It requires:
A bachelor’s degree completed within the last three years at a recognized B.C. post-secondary institution.
A full-time, indeterminate (permanent) job offer from a B.C. employer.
The job offer must be for a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 1, 2, or 3 position.
The employer must meet eligibility criteria, including business stability and wage standards.
2. Master’s Stream
This stream is tailored for individuals who have earned a master’s degree in any field from an eligible B.C. post-secondary institution. Requirements include:
A master’s degree completed within the last three years in B.C.
A full-time job offer from a B.C. employer that lasts at least one year.
The job must be in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3).
Employers must meet BC PNP’s eligibility criteria and offer a competitive wage based on industry standards.
3. Doctorate Stream
This stream is for individuals who have completed or are close to completing a doctoral degree in British Columbia. It is unique because:
No job offer is required.
Applicants must have completed (or be near completion of) a Ph.D. program at an eligible B.C. institution.
This provides a direct pathway for Ph.D. graduates to apply for permanent residency without needing employment sponsorship.
General Eligibility Requirements
Regardless of the stream, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
Education
Must have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in British Columbia within the past three years.
The degree must be obtained from a recognized post-secondary institution in the province.
Job Offer Requirements (For Bachelor’s and Master’s Streams)
The job offer must be full-time and permanent (indeterminate) for the Bachelor’s Stream and full-time for at least one year for the Master’s Stream.
The position must be classified under NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3.
The offered wage must be competitive, based on the industry average for the role in British Columbia.
The employer must be eligible, meaning the business is legally registered, operating in good standing, and meets minimum employee requirements.
1. Inside Metro Vancouver: The company must have at least five full-time employees.
2. Outside Metro Vancouver: The company must have at least three full-time employees.
Language Proficiency
A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 8 in English or French is required for all three graduate streams.
Settlement Funds
Applicants must show proof of sufficient settlement funds, as determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This requirement can be met through:
1. Personal financial savings (bank statements, investment accounts, etc.).
2. Maintaining a valid job offer in British Columbia.
Changes & Key Updates in 2025
1. New Streams Replace Old International Graduate Categories
Previously, the International Graduate and International Post-Graduate streams existed under BC PNP. These have now been replaced with the three new streams for graduates at different education levels.
2. Higher Language Requirements
The new minimum language proficiency requirement is CLB 8 for all streams.
This is an increase from the previous requirement of CLB 4 for NOC TEER 2 and 3 occupations.
3. Doctoral Graduates Get a Direct PR Pathway
Ph.D. graduates no longer need a job offer to apply for BC PNP, making it easier for them to transition to permanent residence.
4. Changes in Job Offer Requirements
Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates now have slightly different job offer conditions, with the Bachelor’s Stream requiring a permanent, indeterminate position, while the Master’s Stream only requires a one-year full-time job offer.
5. Potential Processing Delays Due to Reduced Nomination Allocations_
In 2025, B.C.’s annual nomination allocation was reduced to 4,000, a 50% decrease from the previous year.
This reduction may lead to longer processing times and fewer invitations to apply (ITA) under BC PNP.
Application Process
1. Determine Eligibility
Ensure you meet the educational, job offer (if applicable), language, and settlement fund requirements.
2. Create a Profile on BC PNP Online Portal
Register through the BC PNP Online System and submit your application.
3. Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a provincial nomination.
4. Submit a Full Application
Complete and submit your official application within 30 days of receiving an ITA.
5. Receive BC PNP Nomination
If approved, you will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate, which adds 600 CRS points if applying through Express Entry.
6. Apply for Permanent Residence
Submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Conclusion
The BC PNP International Graduate Stream has undergone significant changes in 2025, offering three distinct pathways based on educational qualifications. While the Doctorate Stream removes the job offer requirement, the Bachelor’s and Master’s Streams continue to require employment offers from eligible B.C. employers. The higher language proficiency requirement (CLB 8) and reduced nomination allocations may impact processing timelines.
Applicants should regularly check the official BC PNP website for updates and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
