For the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)—especially the Skills Immigration stream—your job offer can make or break your score. It affects your points for wage, occupation (TEER/NOC), and location inside British Columbia. If your offer is strong, your points go up. If it’s weak or doesn’t meet rules, your points—and your chances—can drop.
This article explains, in simple words, how to judge your job offer. Then you can confirm your exact score in minutes.
Skip the guesswork — Try the BC PNP Calculator (Free)
The Four Job Offer Pillars (What BC PNP Looks For)
1) Wage Level
A higher wage usually means more points. BC also compares your wage to typical wages for your occupation in the province. If your wage is too low for the role, your points can suffer.
2) TEER/NOC Match
Your job must match the correct NOC (National Occupation Classification) and TEER level. BC looks at your duties, not just your job title. If your duties don’t match the NOC you choose, you may lose points or eligibility.
3) Employer & Role Type
The offer should usually be full-time and indeterminate (no fixed end date). Your employer must be eligible and properly operating in BC. Some occupations also need licensing (for example, certain health or trade roles).
4) Location (Metro vs. Regional BC)
Jobs outside Metro Vancouver may earn extra points. BC wants to support growth in many communities, not just the big city.
Wage Bands: How a Small Raise Can Lift Your Score
Wage points are often set in bands. If your wage crosses into a higher band, your score can jump—sometimes by more than you expect.
How to convert hourly to yearly wage:
Hourly wage × 40 hours × 52 weeks
Example: $28.00/hour × 40 × 52 = $58,240/year
Mini example (wage band jump):
- Offer A: $27.50/hour → may sit in a lower band
- Offer B: $29.00/hour → could cross into the next band and add points
If your current wage is close to a higher band, ask your employer if a small raise is possible. It might be the boost you need.
See your wage points now → [BC PNP Calculator]
TEER/NOC: Pick the Right Code for Your Duties
Choosing the correct NOC is critical. Don’t rely on the title alone—look at the main tasks you do each day and match those to the NOC description.
Why it matters:
- If your duties don’t match the NOC, your application can be questioned.
- The TEER level linked to your NOC also affects your points and eligibility.
Mini example (title vs. duties):
- Person 1: Job title “Coordinator,” but duties are mostly supervising staff → may fit a Supervisor NOC.
- Person 2: Same title “Coordinator,” but duties are scheduling and reports → may fit a Coordinator/Clerical NOC.
- Same company, same title—different NOCs because the duties are different.
Tip: Read the NOC description and duty list carefully. Your reference letter should match these duties.
Regional Advantage: Why Location Changes Your Score
BC gives extra points for jobs outside Metro Vancouver to support regional growth.
Metro Vancouver is the big urban area around Vancouver. Towns and cities like Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George, Nanaimo, and Cranbrook are considered regional.
Mini example (same job, different city):
- Offer C: NOC 21231 (Software Engineer), Vancouver, $40/hour
- Offer D: Same NOC and wage, Kelowna
- Even with the same job and pay, Offer D may score higher because it’s in regional BC.
Check your regional points instantly → [Use the Calculator]
Employer & Role Checks
Before you celebrate your points, make sure your offer and employer meet the basic rules:
- Full-time (usually 30+ hours/week), indeterminate job offer
- Employer is in good standing and has a valid business in BC
- The role truly requires you and matches your NOC/TEER
- Licensing/registration completed if your occupation needs it
- Wage and conditions meet provincial standards for that occupation and location
If any of these are missing, your points may not matter—your offer could be ineligible.
Step-by-Step: Validate Your Job Offer
Use this quick checklist to judge your offer. Then get your exact score in minutes.
- Gather documents
- Job offer letter (title, wage, hours, start date, location)
- Your NOC/TEER code and a duty list that matches your real work
- Proof of employer eligibility (if available)
- Any required license/registration proof
- Convert your wage
- Hourly → yearly (hourly × 40 × 52). Note if you’re close to a higher band.
- Match duties to NOC
- Read the official NOC duty list. Your reference letter should reflect those tasks.
- Confirm location
- Is it Metro Vancouver or regional? Regional may add points.
- Run the numbers
- Get your exact score → [BC PNP Calculator] (fast and accurate).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing NOC by title: Always match by duties, not just the job title.
- Forgetting regional points: Don’t miss out if your job is outside Metro Vancouver.
- Not annualizing wage: BC looks at standard full-time pay. Convert hourly to yearly.
- Ignoring licensing: If your job needs a license, get it done early.
- Assuming part-time is enough: Most offers must be full-time and indeterminate.
FAQs
Do I need an LMIA for BC PNP?
Not always. Some BC PNP categories do not require an LMIA. But your employer and offer must still meet program rules.
Does part-time count?
BC PNP usually expects full-time offers. Part-time or fixed-term offers often do not qualify for Skills Immigration.
What if my wage is just below the next band?
Even a small raise can push you into a higher points band. Talk to your employer. Show how this could improve your nomination chances.
Can I switch NOCs if my duties fit another code better?
Yes, but your duties must truly match the new NOC. Update your reference letter so it’s accurate and consistent.
How often should I recalc my points?
Any time something changes—wage, location, NOC/duties, license, or employer status—re-run your score.
Know Your Real BC PNP Score in Minutes
Don’t guess. Enter your job details once and see your wage, TEER, region, and role reflected in your points. Test different scenarios—small wage changes, regional locations, or a cleaner NOC match—and see how your score moves.
