The BC PNP is an immigration program that allows BC to select highly skilled immigrants to fill critical labor shortages in the Province. The program is aimed at high skilled occupations, where the potential for gains to the economy are substantial and where it is expected that there will be a transfer of skills to the BC workforce.

The BC PNP is not run by a specific skill shortage list. Rather, the BC PNP has identified certain sectors as high priorities such as Aerospace, Post Secondary Education, Information and High Technology, etc. Other areas, such as certain skilled trades, small to medium sized employers, and employers facing geographic impacts, may also be addressed.

Applications are assessed on a case by case basis. Employers in other industries who identify key shortages and the need to recruit highly skilled individuals from outside of Canada may also apply. These provincial priorities may change as skill shortages are identified or met by permanent residents.