Entry Level & Semi-Skilled Stream 2025 Guide
The Entry Level & Semi-Skilled (ELSS) stream is part of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Skills Immigration pathways. It offers a permanent residence route for workers in select tourism, hospitality or food-processing occupations—and for any TEER 4 or 5 roles in B.C.’s Northeast Development Region—with at least nine months of consecutive, full-time experience. Unlike other BC PNP streams, ELSS does not have an Express Entry BC option, focusing instead on in-province labour contributors.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for ELSS, you must:
Full-time, indeterminate job offer
Hold an indeterminate (no end date), full-time job offer from a B.C. employer in a TEER 4 or 5 occupation eligible under tourism/hospitality or food processing sectors—or in any TEER 4/5 role in the Northeast Development Region, excluding live-in caregivers
Work experience
Have worked full-time for the same B.C. employer for at least nine consecutive months before registering
Qualifications
Be fully qualified for the role, including any required certifications or registrations in B.C.
Language proficiency
Demonstrate Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in listening, speaking, reading and writing via an approved test (CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada)
Education
Meet the minimum education requirements for the occupation (typically secondary school completion or equivalent, as defined by industry standards and regulatory bodies)
Wage and settlement funds
Receive a wage in line with B.C. rates for your occupation and show you can support yourself and any dependants
How Does the Application Process Work?
The application process for the Atlantic Immigration Program is straightforward
1. Register
Sign in to BCPNP Online, select Entry Level & Semi-Skilled, complete the free registration and submit your profile
2. Wait for an Invitation
BC PNP periodically draws top-scoring registrations. If invited, you have 30 calendar days to submit a full application
3. Gather Documents
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Job offer letter & employer declaration
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Proof of nine months’ consecutive work
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Language test results (CLB 4+)
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Qualification certificates or licences
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Proof of wage history & settlement funds
4. Submit the Application
Upload all documents in BCPNP Online, pay the CAD 1,475 application fee, and click Submit within the invitation window
5. Receive Nomination
If approved, you’ll get a nomination package to apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Application Fee and Processing Time
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Registration fee: Free
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Application fee: CAD 1,475 (skills approval)
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Provincial processing: Approximately 3 months for 80 % of Skills Immigration applications, with timelines expected to stabilize by early 2025
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Federal PR processing (non-Express Entry): IRCC aims to process 80 % of PNP applications within 19 months
Required Documents
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Valid Passport -
Education Credential Assessment -
Language Test Results -
Proof of Work Experience -
Endorsement Certificate From an Atlantic Province -
Proof of Settlement Funds
Official Application Page
For detailed information and to start your application process, visit the official;
🔗 Entry Level & Semi-Skilled Stream – WelcomeBC welcomebc.ca
🔗 BC PNP Skills Immigration Program Guide (PDF) welcomebc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What occupations qualify under ELSS?
TEER 4/5 roles in tourism, hospitality or food processing—plus any TEER 4/5 role in the Northeast Development Region, except live-in caregivers
Is ELSS linked to Express Entry?
No. ELSS is not part of Express Entry BC; it follows the non-Express Entry Skills Immigration process
How long must I have worked?
At least nine months of full-time, consecutive work for your B.C. employer before registration
What language score is needed?
CLB 4 in each skill (listening, speaking, reading, writing) on an approved test
Can I switch employers after nomination?
No. You must maintain employment with your supporting employer until your nomination and PR application conclude.
Do I need a high-school diploma?
Yes. You must meet the education requirements for your occupation, typically secondary school or equivalent
