Settling in Canada permanently after finishing graduate and postgraduate programs is a dream for most international students. It is much better to plan for permanent residency early, as it makes the transition from temporary to permanent resident status smoother. Planning at the time of choosing your program and institute in Canada can be highly beneficial.
British Columbia Permanent Residency Program (BCPNP)
Out of the various permanent residency programs, one of the most famous today is the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). Most permanent residency programs in Canada require work experience and/or a job offer, but BCPNP has a special category for students with backgrounds in science, engineering, and agriculture.
If a student chooses to pursue a master’s program in Canada related to these fields at an eligible institute in British Columbia, they can apply for the BCPNP provincial nominee program upon completion of their studies. No work experience or job offer from a BC employer is required—the only requirement is successful graduation from one of the eligible master’s programs in British Columbia.
Eligible Institutions Offering Programs
Some institutions offering eligible programs include:
- New York Institute of Technology
- Trinity Western University
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Thompson Rivers University
- University of Northern British Columbia
- Royal Roads University
(Only selected programs qualify for BCPNP)
Quick Facts About the BCPNP Program
- No work experience needed
- No job offers required
- No minimum English language requirement for the express stream
- No minimum funds required for the non-express stream
- Spouse and dependent children can get nomination with the applicant
BCPNP Program Requirements
- Educational Qualification
- A master’s or doctoral degree received within the past three years from an eligible program at a post-secondary institution in B.C.
- The graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) must be in one of the following fields:
- Agriculture, agriculture operations, and related sciences
- Biological and biomedical sciences
- Computer and information sciences and support services
- Engineering
- Engineering technology and engineering-related fields
- Health professions and related programs
- Mathematics and statistics
- Natural resources conservation
- Physical sciences
- Intent to Live and Work in B.C.
- The applicant must demonstrate the ability and intention to settle in British Columbia.
- An essay explaining the intention to settle in B.C. may be required.