After Your BC PNP Nomination
Congratulations! You've been nominated. But you aren't a Permanent Resident yet. Here's exactly what you need to do to finish your journey.
Receiving a nomination means B.C. has selected you for permanent residence. Now you must pass the federal checks (security, medical, etc.) conducted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Here's your complete roadmap. If you're still waiting for your invitation, see our after ITA next steps guide instead.
Step 1: Understand Your Nomination Certificate
When BC PNP approves your application, you'll receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate. This is a PDF document that you'll need for your federal PR application. Key details on the certificate:
- Your personal information (name, date of birth)
- Nomination stream (EEBC or Skills Immigration)
- Validity period (typically valid for 6 months)
- Conditions of your nomination
Step 2: Apply for Permanent Residence
How you apply for PR depends on which stream you were nominated under:
Express Entry BC
You receive 600 CRS points added to your Express Entry profile—virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
- Accept nomination in your IRCC Express Entry profile
- Wait for the next Express Entry draw (usually within 2 weeks)
- Receive ITA (Invitation to Apply)
- Submit your PR application online within 60 days
- Complete medical exam and provide police certificates
- Wait for final decision
Non-Express Entry (Base)
This includes most ELSS, some Tech, and some Skills Immigration nominees.
- Log into the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal
- Create a new application
- Upload your nomination certificate
- Submit all required documents
- Pay the processing fees
- Complete medical and security checks
Step 3: Federal PR Application Documents
For your federal application, you'll need the following. For a full list, see our document checklist.
Core Documents
- Provincial Nomination Certificate (PDF from BC PNP)
- Passports for you and all family members
- Digital photos meeting IRCC specifications
- Proof of funds (bank statements—not required if you have valid Canadian job offer)
- Language test results (must still be valid)
Medical Exam
- Must be completed by an IRCC-authorized panel physician
- Required for you, your spouse, and all dependent children
- Book appointment as soon as you receive instructions
- Results are sent directly to IRCC
- Valid for 12 months—don't do it too early
Police Certificates
- Required from every country where you lived 6+ months since age 18
- Some countries (e.g., FBI for USA) take 3-6 months—start early
- Must be recent (usually issued within 6 months of submission)
Biometrics
- Fingerprints and photo at a Service Canada location (if in Canada)
- Or at a VAC (Visa Application Centre) if outside Canada
- Required once every 10 years
Step 4: Work Permit Support Letter
Does your current work permit expire while waiting for PR? BC PNP can help with a Work Permit Support Letter.
What It Does
- Allows you to apply for a new work permit without your employer needing an LMIA
- Bridges the gap between your current permit and PR approval
- Lets you continue working legally while waiting
How to Request It
- Log into your BC PNP Online account
- Navigate to your approved nomination
- Submit a request for Work Permit Support Letter
- BC PNP will issue the letter (usually within 1-2 weeks)
- Use the letter to apply for a new work permit with IRCC
Step 5: Maintain Your Nomination Conditions
Your nomination is conditional. Until you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), you must maintain the conditions under which you were nominated.
Warning: Don't quit your job!
Leaving your employer before receiving PR can result in your nomination being withdrawn, which cancels your entire PR application.
Conditions You Must Maintain
- Continue working for the employer who supported your application
- Maintain your full-time status (30+ hours/week)
- Stay at or above the wage stated in your application
- Live and work in British Columbia
- Keep your work permit valid
What If Your Job Situation Changes?
If you lose your job, get laid off, or want to switch employers, you must inform BC PNP immediately. Options may include:
- Same employer, different position: May be acceptable with BC PNP approval
- New employer, same occupation: Possible to request a nomination transfer
- Involuntary job loss: Contact BC PNP immediately to discuss options
Step 6: After PR Approval (COPR)
When IRCC approves your PR application, you'll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). What happens next depends on where you are:
If You're Inside Canada
- Your COPR confirms you're a permanent resident
- You can apply for a PR card (it will be mailed to you)
- You can now work for any employer in Canada
- You're no longer bound by your BC PNP nomination conditions
If You're Outside Canada
- Your COPR includes a single-entry visa to land in Canada
- You must enter Canada before the COPR expires
- You'll be officially "landed" at the port of entry
- Apply for your PR card after landing
Common Questions After Nomination
Can I travel while waiting for PR?
Yes, but be careful. You need a valid work permit to return to Canada. If you're flagging PR at a port of entry, make sure you have supporting documents. Avoid extended absences that might raise questions about your intention to live in BC.
What if my nomination expires before I submit PR?
Contact BC PNP before your nomination expires to request an extension. Extensions are not guaranteed and must be requested with valid reasons.
Can my family members work and study?
Spouse: Can apply for an open work permit based
on your valid work permit or nomination. See our spouse and family guide for details.
Children: Can study in Canada (K-12 is free;
post-secondary requires study permit and may have fees).
How long must I stay in BC after getting PR?
While BC PNP expects you to settle in British Columbia, once you're a permanent resident, you technically have mobility rights across Canada. Learn more about overall timelines in our how long to get PR in Canada guide. However, moving immediately after receiving PR may affect future applications (e.g., citizenship) where you'll need to explain your settlement history.
What's next after becoming a PR?
- Apply for SIN (Social Insurance Number)
- Get provincial health coverage (MSP in BC)
- Start your 1,095-day countdown for citizenship eligibility
- Consider applying for PR cards for any future dependents
Related Articles
- After ITA: Complete Next Steps Guide — What to do right after receiving your Invitation to Apply
- BC PNP Document Checklist — Make sure you have every document ready for your application
- BC PNP Processing Times — Current timelines for each stage of the process
- Work Permit Guide — Everything about work permits while waiting for PR
Planning Your Next Steps?
If your situation changes and you need to re-apply, check your current score.
Go to CalculatorChoosing Between Express Entry and Non-EE PR Application
After nomination you have two paths to PR: the Express Entry "enhanced" route (if you registered EEBC) and the non-Express Entry "base" route (paper-based, processed by the BC Permanent Residence Operations centre). The right choice depends on where you currently sit, your federal Express Entry profile age, and your urgency.
| Factor | Express Entry (EEBC) | Non-Express Entry (base) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 6 months target | 11-18 months |
| CRS bonus from nomination | +600 points | N/A |
| Settlement funds requirement | Yes unless working in Canada | Yes unless working in BC |
| Eligible for BOWP | Yes | Yes |
| Application portal | IRCC Express Entry | IRCC PR Portal |
| Medical exam | Upfront or after ITA | Upfront recommended |
Bridging Open Work Permit: Step-by-Step
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) keeps you legally employed in Canada while your federal PR application is processed. Eligibility requires:
- Currently in Canada with valid temporary status
- Valid current work permit (or permit expiring within 4 months)
- Submitted complete federal PR application in an eligible class (PNP, FSW, CEC, FST, Atlantic, Caregivers)
- Received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC
BOWP applications cost CAD $155 plus the $100 open work permit holder fee. Standard processing is 3-4 months but applicants benefit from maintained status (formerly "implied status") as long as they applied before their current permit expired.
Detailed Document List for Federal PR Submission
Once nominated, you have 60 days from ITA (Express Entry) or no fixed deadline (non-EE, but generally within 6 months) to submit a complete federal PR application. Required documents include:
- BC PNP nomination letter (provincial issuance)
- Valid passport(s) for all family members
- Police certificates from every country lived in 6+ months since age 18 (must be under 6 months old)
- Upfront medical exam from an IRCC Panel Physician (valid 12 months)
- Photos meeting IRCC specifications
- Proof of work experience: reference letters with duties, pay slips, tax records
- Proof of education and ECA report (still required even after nomination)
- Valid language test results
- Proof of settlement funds (unless exempt as working in BC)
- Marriage certificate, common-law affidavit, birth certificates of dependants
- Form IMM 5669 (Schedule A) and IMM 0008 generic application form
- Digital signature on all forms
Common Issues That Delay PR After Nomination
- Police certificate expiry. Certificates must be under 6 months old at submission. If your file sits in queue for 12+ months, IRCC may request fresh certificates.
- Medical exam re-do. Medical results are valid for 12 months. Many non-EE applicants need a second medical because federal processing exceeds the validity window.
- Address/employment changes. Update IRCC within 30 days of any change. Failure to update is treated as material non-disclosure.
- Dependant aging out. A child loses dependant status the day they turn 22, unless they are a financially dependent full-time student. Lock in your application before the child's 22nd birthday.
- Background check holds. Applicants with residence in higher-screening countries (Iran, North Korea, Syria, etc.) may have files sit in security screening for 12-24 months. The clock pauses but is unavoidable.
Landing Day and First 30 Days as a PR
Once IRCC approves your PR application, you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or, if landing virtually, a notification through the portal. You must "land" before your COPR expires (typically valid for 1 year).
- At landing: Confirm address with the CBSA/IRCC officer, sign the COPR, and provide your Canadian mailing address for PR card delivery.
- Within 1 week: Apply for or update your Social Insurance Number (SIN) - now a 9-digit number that does not start with 9 if you've upgraded from work permit to PR.
- Within 2 weeks: Enroll in BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP). New residents serve a 3-month waiting period - keep private interim coverage.
- Within 30 days: Update your driver's licence to a BC licence at ICBC, open a Canadian bank account if you don't already have one, and update your CRA file to reflect PR status (important for tax credits and benefits).
- PR card: Mailed within 75 business days to your Canadian address. You cannot leave and re-enter Canada by commercial carrier without a valid PR card or PRTD.
Run any final score scenarios or compare timelines using our BC PNP calculator.
Extended FAQ: After Nomination
How long is the BC nomination valid?
Your nomination certificate is valid for 6 months from issuance for the purpose of submitting your federal PR application. After 6 months, BC PNP may issue an extension on request if you have a good reason for delay.
Can I change employers after nomination?
You should not change employers until you have PR. The nomination was issued based on a specific job offer. Changing employers can trigger BC PNP to revoke the nomination, which IRCC will then act on by refusing the PR application.
What if I leave Canada during processing?
You may travel internationally during processing. Inform IRCC if you will be outside Canada for more than 2 weeks, especially around the COPR issuance date. If a port-of-entry interview is required, your application can be delayed until you re-enter Canada.
Do I need to keep working for the nominating employer?
Yes, until you receive PR. After PR, you have complete mobility rights as a Canadian resident and can change jobs or move provinces. However, BC PNP expects you to intend to settle in BC after PR (mobility rights override this in practice).
When can I sponsor my parents?
After becoming a PR and meeting the income threshold (MNI plus 30%) for 3 consecutive years. The PGP application requires you to be invited from a randomly-drawn interest-to-sponsor list. The Super Visa is faster and allows parents to visit for up to 5 years at a time.
When am I eligible for Canadian citizenship?
After 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada in the 5 years preceding citizenship application. Time as a non-PR (e.g., work permit, student) counts as half-day each, up to 365 days. Most PNP nominees become eligible 3-4 years after landing.
What is the PR Residency Obligation?
To maintain PR status you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within every 5-year period. Time accompanying a Canadian-citizen spouse abroad, or working for a Canadian business abroad, can also count. Failure to meet the obligation can result in loss of PR status.
Federal PR Application Document Checklist (Post-Nomination)
After receiving your BC PNP nomination certificate, you have 60 days (Express Entry) or 6 months (paper) to submit your federal PR application. Prepare the following:
- Nomination certificate from BC PNP
- Passport bio page (and pages with stamps)
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if foreign education
- Police certificates from every country lived in for 6+ months since age 18
- IRCC-approved panel physician medical exam
- Photographs (2 per applicant, IRCC specifications)
- Proof of funds (settlement funds, if not employed in Canada)
- Employment reference letters detailing duties, hours, salary
- Birth certificates and marriage certificate (translated to English/French)
- Schedule A (Background/Declaration)
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Biometrics fee receipt ($85/person)
- PR fees: $635 processing + $575 RPRF = $1,210/adult; $175/child
Post-Nomination Timeline (2026)
Day 0: Nomination certificate issued by BC PNP.
Days 1-14: Update Express Entry profile (add 600 PNP points), or request paper PR application kit. Begin medicals and police certificates.
Days 7-21: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC if Express Entry-aligned.
Days 22-60: Submit complete federal PR application. Pay fees, upload documents.
Months 2-6 (EE): IRCC reviews. Biometrics request, medicals review, security checks.
Months 6-8 (EE): Final decision and COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) issued.
Months 12-18 (paper/base): Final decision for non-Express Entry applicants.
Within 1 year of COPR: Landing (if outside Canada at COPR), PR card mailed within 4-8 weeks.
Common Mistakes After Nomination
- Letting language tests expire. A language test that expires during federal processing requires retesting and resubmission. Add 8-12 weeks to the timeline.
- Forgetting to update IRCC about job changes. The nomination is tied to your job offer. Switching employers requires written disclosure to BC PNP and IRCC.
- Missing medical exam validity. Medicals are valid for 12 months. If COPR is delayed past one year, retest is required.
- Not requesting police certificates early. Some countries take 4-6 months to issue police certificates. Order immediately upon nomination.
- Misreporting family members. All non-accompanying spouses and dependent children must still be declared and medically examined.