After Your BC PNP Nomination

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.

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:

Step 3: Federal PR Application Documents

For your federal application, you'll need:

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

1. Log into your BC PNP Online account
2. Navigate to your approved nomination
3. Submit a request for Work Permit Support Letter
4. BC PNP will issue the letter (usually within 1-2 weeks)
5. 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.

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.
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. 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