Maple News reports that international graduates in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health-related fields can now access permanent residency in Canada through British Columbia — without needing a job offer.
Graduates who have earned a master’s or doctoral degree from eligible institutions in British Columbia may apply under the Skills Immigration – International Post-Graduate category of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). This unique stream prioritizes individuals who hold advanced degrees in natural, applied, or health sciences.
Eligible fields include agriculture, biological and biomedical sciences, computer and information sciences, engineering, engineering technology, health professions, mathematics, statistics, physical sciences, and natural resources conservation.
Applicants must submit their nomination request within three years of receiving their academic credentials. Additionally, candidates must prove their intent and ability to reside and work in B.C. Evidence may include past or current residency in the province, study or work history, family ties, or documents showing job searches, housing prospects, or community engagement.
Interestingly, this stream allows candidates to apply without creating a federal Express Entry profile. However, for those who do have an Express Entry profile, there’s an added advantage. The Express Entry BC – International Post-Graduate stream offers expedited processing, significantly speeding up both the provincial nomination and permanent residency stages.
Express Entry candidates nominated by a province receive an automatic 600 points added to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in upcoming federal draws by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This pathway underscores British Columbia’s ongoing strategy to retain highly skilled postgraduate talent, fueling its knowledge economy while providing a streamlined immigration option for global professionals.
For recent grads considering their next steps, this presents a compelling alternative to traditional employment-based immigration routes, enabling them to establish roots in one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces.