British Columbia to launch three new pathways for international graduates in 2023

British Columbia is gearing up to launch three new pathways in January 2025 aimed at recent international graduates of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs. These initiatives are part of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), designed to simplify the process for graduates seeking Canadian permanent residence (PR) and better job prospects in the province.

The new streams—Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate—will offer distinct routes for eligible graduates who have completed their studies at recognized Canadian post-secondary institutions within the last three years. Each stream requires candidates to secure a full-time job offer in British Columbia that aligns with specific criteria, including language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 8.

What do we know about these new streams so far? British Columbia has outlined key details ahead of their launch. These include the necessity for job offers to be indeterminate, meaning without a defined end date, unless they fall under priority technology occupations. The province also clarified that while job offers won’t be restricted to specific occupations, they must meet the criteria set for each stream.

BCPNP’s new streams will not impose limitations on approved programs, opening eligibility to recent graduates from diverse fields of study. This approach ensures flexibility while adhering to the program's requirements.

Regarding competition for Invitations to Apply (ITAs), each stream—Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate—will operate independently, eliminating competition among candidates of different credential levels. This ensures fairness in the selection process.

To determine eligibility for the International Graduate stream under the BCPNP, applicants must meet general criteria such as obtaining their degree, diploma, or certificate from an eligible Canadian institution within the last three years. They also need to secure a full-time job offer in British Columbia that aligns with the NOC Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 1, 2, or 3.

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, along with the ability to support themselves and their dependents financially. Recent updates include a heightened language requirement across all BCPNP streams except for the Health Authority stream, reflecting the program's evolving standards.

The BCPNP operates on a points-based system, evaluating candidates based on factors like work experience and language skills. Those selected for ITAs have 30 days to submit their applications to the province, along with required fees and documentation.

In essence, these new streams represent British Columbia's commitment to attracting and retaining skilled graduates, contributing to the province's economic growth and diversity.