1. BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Presentation to The Growing Labour Crisis Kelowna, BC ● June 28, 2006 Economic Immigration Programs Branch, Ministry of Economic Development

2. What Is PNP?  A partnership between the BC & federal governments  1998 Canada/BC Agreement on Immigration  A tool that BC uses to select immigrants that meet its economic & labour market needs  Administered by Ministry of Economic Development in partnership with Citizenship & Immigration Canada

3. Objectives of the BC PNP Strategic Occupations Stream  Address critical skills shortages  Create economic benefit Business Categories Stream  Attract entrepreneurs with a desire to establish businesses & invest in BC

4. BC PNP Categories Strategic Occupations Stream  International Students (studying in BC)  Skilled Workers  Health Care Professionals Business Categories Stream  Business Skills  Regional Business  Projects

5. BC PNP Targets FY 2005/2006  500 Strategic Occupations Nominations  Target was exceeded with 750 Nominations  100 Business Categories approvals  Target was met FY 2006/2007  650 Strategic Occupations Nominations  150 Business Categories approvals

6. Advantages for BC Employers Employers select immigrants directly based on desired skill sets and other preferences  Critical skill shortages addressed  Flexibility on program criteria to address ever changing labour market needs  Expedited processing of Nominees

7. Advantages for Applicants  Not assessed on federal point grid  Expedited processing  BC PNP support during visa processing  Work permit between nomination & permanent resident visa  Federal Processing times for PR  30% after 8 months, 50% after 18, and 70% after 41  //www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/times/index.html

8. Skilled Workers Managers, professionals, technicians & trades Public Sector Health Professionals Physicians & RNs recruited by health authorities International Graduates Foreign grads with BC degrees Strategic Occupations

9. Strategic Occupations Criteria Recruitment of foreign worker a) meets key skill needs & b) has economic benefits to BC Job offered is permanent, full-time Pay & benefits meet industry norms Candidate meets employment requirements Candidate is likely to settle successfully in BC Employer’s track record/prospects positive

10. Skilled Workers  An offer of full-time employment with long- term potential from a BC employer  Applications reviewed to ensure a critical skill shortage exists in the occupation  Focus on skills transfer to BC workforces  Applicant must be qualified for the position  Wages & working conditions at industry standards

11. Top Sectors Health (nurses, doctors, others)438 Education195 Skilled Trades156 High Technology109 Information Technology81 Entertainment67 Communications48 Transportation42 Financial41 TOTAL NOMINATIONS 1449

12. Who Has Come Sector/ RegionThompson/ Okananagan Skilled Trade24 Physicians11 Health (other)10 Hospitality8 Manufacturing7

13. 1.Employer recruits foreign worker 2.Employer & candidate submit application jointly to BC PNP 3.BC PNP reviews application (4 – 6 weeks) 4.Nominee applies to CIC for permanent resident visa (work permit can be issued for temporary employment/entry) 5.CIC conducts medical, security & criminal background checks/ issues visa (8 – 10 months) What’s the Process?

14. BC PNP Assesses Application Permanent Resident Visa BC PNP Facilitates Work Permit Visa Office Conducts Checks Expedites Provincial Nominees

15. Who Does What? Role of the BC PNP  Assess applications  Nominate applicants that meet criteria  Facilitate temporary work permit issuance Citizenship & Immigration Canada’s Role  Conduct medical & background checks  Issue work permits & permanent resident visas