Are you working in tourism, hospitality, or food processing in British Columbia? The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Worker stream provides a pathway for eligible workers to gain permanent residency (PR) in Canada.
This immigration stream is ideal for workers in NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupations who have secured a full-time, permanent job offer from a BC employer. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this program could be your key to living and working permanently in one of Canada’s most vibrant provinces.
Why Choose the BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Stream?
- Direct pathway to permanent residency in British Columbia
- No high-skilled job requirements – open to NOC TEER 4 & 5 workers
- Work in key industries like tourism, hospitality, and food processing
- Includes a broader range of occupations in the Northeast Development Region
- No Express Entry requirement – simpler application process
Who is Eligible for the BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Stream?
To qualify for this stream, applicants must meet specific job, work experience, and employer requirements.
Job and Work Experience Requirements
- Full-time, permanent job offer in the tourism/hospitality or food processing sector
- Occupation must be on the list of eligible jobs in the sector (NOC TEER 4 or 5)
- Must have worked full-time for the employer for at least nine consecutive months before applying
- Must meet any required certifications or registrations in British Columbia
- Wages must be in line with British Columbia wage standards for the occupation
- Must meet minimum education and language requirements
- Must demonstrate financial ability to support themselves and dependents
- Must have legal immigration status in Canada
Special Eligibility for the Northeast Development Region
Workers in any NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupation (except live-in caregivers – NOC 44100) may apply under this program.
Eligible Occupations for BC PNP ELSS Stream
Tourism and Hospitality Sector
Occupations in Travel and Accommodation
- Hotel Front Desk Clerks (NOC 64314)
Tour and Recreational Guides and Casino Occupations
- Tour and Travel Guides (NOC 64320)
- Casino Workers (NOC 64321)
- Outdoor Sport and Recreational Guides (NOC 64322)
Occupations in Food and Beverage Service
- Maîtres d’hôtel and Hosts/Hostesses (NOC 64300)
- Bartenders (NOC 64301)
- Food and Beverage Servers (NOC 65200)
- Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Support Occupations (NOC 65201)
Cleaners (Employed Directly by Hotels/Resorts)
- Support Occupations in Accommodation, Travel, and Facilities Set-Up Services (NOC 65210)
- Light Duty Cleaners (NOC 65310)
- Specialized Cleaners (NOC 65311)
- Janitors, Caretakers, and Heavy-Duty Cleaners (NOC 65312)
Other Service Occupations (Employed Directly by Hotels/Resorts)
- Dry Cleaning, Laundry, and Related Occupations (NOC 65320)
- Other Service Support Occupations (NOC 65329)
Definition of a Resort
For BC PNP purposes, a resort is an accommodation facility connected to recreational activities such as skiing, golfing, boating, fishing, biking, swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and nature-based tours.
Food Processing Sector
- Process Control and Machine Operators – Food and Beverage Processing (NOC 94140)
- Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters, Poultry Preparers (NOC 94141)
- Fish and Seafood Plant Workers (NOC 94142)
- Testers and Graders – Food and Beverage Processing (NOC 94143)
- Labourers – Food and Beverage Processing (NOC 95106)
Employer Eligibility for BC PNP ELSS Stream
Employers play a crucial role in the BC PNP application. They must:
- Be willing to support the candidate’s application and provide necessary documentation
- Meet employer eligibility criteria set by BC PNP
- Fulfill responsibilities during the application process
For more details, refer to the official BC PNP employer requirements.
How to Apply for BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Stream?
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
- Obtain a full-time, permanent job offer from a British Columbia employer in an eligible occupation.
Step 2: Gain Required Work Experience
- Work full-time for at least nine consecutive months with the employer in British Columbia.
Step 3: Meet Eligibility Requirements
- Ensure compliance with language, education, and financial support criteria.
Step 4: Apply to BC PNP
- Submit an application through the BC PNP online system.
- Employer must provide supporting documents.
Step 5: Receive Nomination and Apply for Permanent Residency
- If nominated, submit an application for Canadian PR through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Why Choose the BC PNP ELSS Stream?
- Fast-track pathway to permanent residency in British Columbia
- Opportunity to work in tourism, hospitality, and food processing industries
- No Express Entry requirement – simpler process for PR
- Employer-supported program ensuring job stability
The BC PNP Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Stream is an excellent option for foreign workers in British Columbia looking to transition from a temporary job to permanent residency.
Start Your Journey to Permanent Residency Today
If you are already working in British Columbia and meet the eligibility criteria, apply now to secure your future in Canada.