For Employers

BC PNP Employer Guide

Want to help your foreign worker get permanent residence? Here's everything you need to know about supporting a BC PNP application.

Why Support BC PNP Applications?

Helping employees get permanent residence benefits your business:

  • Retain talent: Employees with PR are more likely to stay long-term
  • No more permit renewals: PRs don't need work permit extensions
  • Improved morale: Employees appreciate employer support
  • Access to larger talent pool: Attract workers willing to relocate

Employer Eligibility Requirements

To support a BC PNP application, your business must meet these criteria:

Business Structure

  • Established and operating in British Columbia
  • Registered with BC Registries and in good standing
  • Has a valid municipal business license
  • Operates from a permanent physical location in BC

Employee Count Requirements

Business Age Metro Vancouver Outside Metro Van
Operating 1+ year 3+ full-time employees (or equivalent) 1+ full-time employee
Operating less than 1 year 5+ full-time employees 3+ full-time employees

Employment Terms Requirements

  • Full-time: Job must be 30+ hours per week
  • Indeterminate: No end date (permanent position)
  • Competitive wage: Must meet or exceed median wage for the occupation
  • Located in BC: Work must be performed in British Columbia
⚠️ Not Eligible: Employers on the BC PNP ineligible employer list, businesses with regulatory violations, or employers with a history of non-compliance cannot support applications.

Documents You Need to Provide

1. BC PNP Employer Declaration

Official form signed by an authorized representative (owner, director, or HR executive) confirming:

  • Business details and contact information
  • Job offer specifics
  • Declaration that information is accurate

2. Job Offer Letter

On company letterhead, including:

  • Employee's full legal name
  • Job title and NOC code (2021 version)
  • Detailed job duties
  • Wage or salary
  • Hours per week (must be 30+)
  • Start date and employment type (full-time, permanent)
  • Work location
  • Supervisor's contact information and signature

3. Business Registration Documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation from BC Registries
  • BC Company Summary (recent, showing active status)
  • Municipal business license (valid and current)

4. Additional Documents (If Requested)

  • Organizational chart showing employee's position
  • Proof of recruitment efforts for domestic candidates
  • Financial statements demonstrating ability to pay wages
  • T4 Summary or WCB statements proving employee count

Employer Costs

Fee Type Amount Who Pays
BC PNP Application Fee $1,475 Employee (employer can assist)
LMIA Fee (if applicable) $1,000 Employer only
Staff time for documentation Varies Employer
💡 Note: While employees typically pay the BC PNP fee, many employers choose to reimburse or share these costs as a retention benefit.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Confirm eligibility:

    Ensure your business meets all employer requirements.

  2. Provide employment documentation:

    Give your employee a proper job offer letter and reference letters.

  3. Employee registers in SIRS:

    Your employee creates their BC PNP profile using information from your job offer.

  4. Wait for invitation:

    Employee waits in the pool; you continue normal employment.

  5. Complete Employer Declaration:

    When invited, sign the official BC PNP employer form.

  6. Respond to verification:

    BC PNP may contact you to verify the job offer—respond promptly.

  7. Continue employment:

    Maintain employment until employee receives PR.

Employer Responsibilities

During Processing

  • Keep the employee employed in the same position
  • Respond to BC PNP verification requests within stated deadlines
  • Notify BC PNP of any changes to employment terms
  • Maintain accurate payroll records

After Nomination

  • Continue employment until employee receives PR (6-18 months)
  • Provide Work Permit Support Letter requests if needed
  • Allow time for medical exams and appointments

Common Employer Mistakes

  • Vague job duties: Ensure duties match the NOC description precisely
  • Below-median wages: Offering wages too low for the occupation raises red flags
  • Incomplete letterhead: Include full company address and contact information
  • Delayed responses: Not responding to BC PNP verification requests in time
  • Terminated employee: Firing the employee during processing cancels their application

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I support multiple employees?

Yes. There's no limit to how many BC PNP applications you can support, as long as each position is genuine and meets requirements.

What if the employee changes positions?

If the employee changes roles significantly, BC PNP must be notified. Major changes may require a new application.

Can I charge the employee for my time?

No. IRCC and BC PNP prohibit employers from charging workers for immigration-related costs including LMIA fees and administrative time.

What if I need to lay off the employee?

Notify BC PNP immediately. The employee may be able to find a new employer and transfer their application, but this isn't guaranteed.

Employee Resources

Share our calculator with employees to help them understand their eligibility.

BC PNP Calculator →