What is the British Columbia PNP Points Calculator?
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) operates under the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), first introduced in 2016. This point-based system evaluates candidate profiles and ensures that only the most qualified applicants, those with the expertise to fill provincial labour market needs, are invited.
Through BC PNP, candidates have multiple pathways to permanent residency. Each category has its own eligibility criteria and NOC level requirements. In some cases, prior work experience in BC may not be mandatory, making it one of the most flexible PNPs in Canada.
What Factors Affect the BC PNP Points?
BC PNP points under SIRS are based on economic and human capital factors. Together, these factors reflect whether a candidate can integrate successfully into the province’s labour market.
NOC Skill Level – High-demand occupations receive preference.
Annual Salary Offered – Higher wage offers increased settlement potential.
Job Location in BC – Regional employment can add extra points.
Work Experience – Directly related Canadian and BC experience carries more weight.
Education Level – Higher academic qualifications score more points.
Language Proficiency – English and/or French skills are essential for the selection process.
The BC PNP may update point grids, draw frequency, and pool management without prior notice.
How Does the BC PNP Points Calculator (SIRS) Function?
The total maximum score in SIRS is 200 points, split between:
Human Capital Factors (120 points)
Directly Related Work Experience - 40 points
Highest Level of Education - 40 points
Language Proficiency in English or French - 40 points
Economic Factors (80 points)
Hourly Wage of the B.C. Job Offer - 55 points
Area Within B.C. - 25 points
Directly Related Work Experience (Maximum 40 points)
Additional Points:
1+ year of Canadian experience in the same occupation: +10
Currently working full-time in BC with the same employer: +10
Maximum: 40
Education (Maximum 40 points)
Additional Points:
BC post-secondary education: +8
Canadian post-secondary outside BC: +6
Eligible professional designation in BC: +5
Maximum: 40
Language Proficiency (Maximum 40 points)
Additional Points:
Proficiency in both English & French: +10
Maximum: 40
Wage Offered (Maximum 55 points)
Maximum: 55
Area of Employment in BC (Maximum 25 points)
Additional Points:
Regional experience or alumni: +10
Maximum: 25
Latest Updates in BC PNP (2025)
The BC PNP has introduced key updates in 2025 that directly impact candidates:
Reduced Allocation – BC’s annual PNP quota has been cut to 4,000 spots (50% reduction from 2024). This makes selection more competitive.
May 2025 Invitations – On May 8, 2025, BC issued 94 invitations under the High Economic Impact category.
47 candidates with wages $105/hr+, job offer in NOC TEER 0 or 1, and full-time employment.
47 candidates with a SIRS score of 150 or higher.
Priority Focus – For 2025, BC is focusing on processing existing applications faster and tailoring new intakes to meet labour market gaps in healthcare, tech, and trades.
How to Apply for the BC PNP
The step-by-step process includes:
Review BC PNP eligibility criteria.
Select the most suitable immigration stream.
Register under the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
If invited, apply for provincial nomination.
Create/update an Express Entry profile.
Accept the BC nomination to gain 600 CRS points.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.