Changes to the provincial immigration program will leave entry level foreign workers with limited options. While immigration to Canada is regulated by the federal government, there are, however, employment-driven streams toward permanent residency which each province is able to facilitate. In British Columbia this program is called the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (“BC PNP”).

On February 4, 2008, the BC PNP announced that they would be adding a two-year pilot project called the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Pilot Project (“Entry Project”) to their current BC PNP options. The Entry Project was targeted at service industries, specifically tourism/hospitality workers and long haul truck drivers.

The employer and employee must meet set criteria prior to submitting an application to the BC PNP. Some of the criteria include eligible occupation, positive Labour Market Opinion, valid work permit, and working full-time for at least nine months for the same employer, all of which must take place immediately prior to the date of the application. Once an application is submitted to the BC PNP it is reviewed by the program and if approved the foreign national would then be permitted to apply for permanent residency.

The Entry Project assists BC employers by allowing them to recruit foreign workers for unfilled positions and retain their current foreign workers. The benefit is that the employer is able to offer foreign workers the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency and remain in Canada; this in turn results in greater company loyalty and commitment. It is a win-win situation. The success of this program encouraged the BC PNP to extend it for another one and a half years.

On August 31, 2011, the Entry Project will be ending. This is unfortunate as it is one of the few immigration streams available to entry level and semi-skilled workers. While the end of this Entry Project does not impact the Skilled Worker or the Entrepreneur programs, there are no current plans to replace the Entry Project.

Applications for the Entry Project may be submitted until August 31, 2011, and will be reviewed as long as all the requirements are met. For those applicants that did not make the submission deadline do not despair as there may be other programs appropriate for you.

Remember, when dealing with Immigration lawyers or consultants always ensure they are certified professionals.

*Important Note: The information contained in this column should not be treated by readers as legal advice and should not be relied on without detailed legal counsel being sought.

Photo: Contributed

Deborah C. Pearce is an Associate Lawyer with Ocana Law Group. Ocana Law Group located in the Okanagan, and is an immigration and citizenship law firm providing professional assistance to companies and individuals locally and internationally. We are skilled at assisting clients with various applications for temporary and permanent residence and citizenship.