British Columbia Immigration
British Columbia (commonly referred to by its initials, “B.C.”) is located on the southwest coast of Canada and is the country’s resource-rich gateway to the Pacific Rim region. It is also a top destination for Canadian immigration by those who are issued a Permanent Resident Visa for Canada.
Each year, British Columbia immigration has attracted to the province an average of 42,000 foreign nationals who have been issued Permanent Resident Visas for Canada (44,899 in 2019-2020). British Columbia has also consistently attracted the third highest number of immigrants of any province or territory in Canada, after Ontario and Quebec.
Only Ontario and Quebec have populations larger than British Columbia’s 5.2 million residents (2021), many of whom were issued a Permanent Resident Visa for Canada under one of the various Canadian immigration visa types.
The provincial capital of British Columbia is Victoria, but the largest city is Vancouver.
Vancouver – Canada’s Gateway to the Pacific!
Vancouver is a diverse city with a population of about 631,486 and approximately 2.6 million people living in the metropolitan area (2021).
During the past two decades, Vancouver has been assessed as being among the Top Ten “Most Livable Cities” in the world more than a dozen times by the well-respected, London-based Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)! In June 2022, the EIU ranked Vancouver as the fifth “Most Livable City” on Earth out of 173 cities from around the globe (Toronto and Calgary were also included in the 2022 list of the world’s Top 10 “Most Livable Cities”).
Vancouver is also known as the “Hollywood” of Canada, boasting a $1.2 billon CAD film and television industry employing approximately 35,000 people and ranking third only behind the US cities of Los Angeles and New York in terms of the number of movies and television shows made there each year.
Other major business sectors in Vancouver include technology, trade, construction tourism and natural resources.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is located in Vancouver and is not only one of Canada’s top institutions of higher education, but is listed among the world’s best universities year after year.
Points of interest in or around Vancouver include: Stanley Park (the third largest park in North America); Vancouver Aquarium; Gastown District; Granville Island (and its public market); English Bay; Kitsilano Beach; Spanish Banks; Jericho Beach; Queen Elizabeth Park; Vancouver Lookout (for a great view of the city); Bloedel Conservatory; VanDusen Botanical Garden; Vancouver Art Gallery; Museum of Anthropology; and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Victoria
Situated on the southeastern tip of beautiful Vancouver Island is the city of Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia, which has a population of about 86,000 and a metropolitan population of around 368,000 (2021).
Victoria is nicknamed “The Garden City” as it is a green city with a scenic harbor and several gardens and parks, such as Butchart Gardens and Beacon Hill Park.
The Chinatown district in Victoria is North America’s second oldest after the one in San Francisco, California.
Other points of interest in or around Victoria include: Royal BC Museum; Fisherman’s Wharf; Legislative Assembly; Empress Hotel; Bateman Gallery; Bastion Square; and the Royal Theatre.
Victoria’s top business sectors include a $3.2 billion CAD technology industry that includes over 800 high-tech firms that employ about 15,000 workers, pharmaceuticals, tourism, food production, education, along with provincial and federal government administration.
Recreation
With relatively mild weather and lots to see and do, you’re unlikely to be bored living in British Columbia!
Outdoors enthusiasts who make British Columbia immigration will discover a host of recreational offerings, including great places to go golfing, hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, bicycling, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, white-water rafting, whale-watching, sailing, bungee jumping, skydiving, and water and snow skiing!
With pristine pine-covered mountains, spectacular seaside scenery, and around 1,000 provincial parks and other protected areas (including several national parks), amazing views await you almost everywhere you travel in BC.
Sports fans will enjoy the excitement of cheering on the Vancouver Canucks NHL hockey team as they hit the ice!
There is so much to see and do that its no wonder British Columbia immigration has skyrocketed over the past several years!
Economy
With a strategic location next to the Pacific Ocean and the United States, British Columbia is a key center for Canadian international trade and has one of the strongest provincial economies in Canada.
British Columbia in general, and Victoria and Vancouver in particular, usually have some of Canada’s lowest unemployment rates.
Much of British Columbia’s economic activity is related to its vast natural resources. For example, one-third of all hydroelectric power in Canada is generated in BC. British Columbia is also Canada’s second largest producer of natural gas. Additionally, the oil industry, forestry, mining, agriculture and eco-tourism are major contributors to British Columbia’s economy.
The top business sectors of British Columbia’s economy include: professional, scientific, and technical services (including healthcare and technology); film and television; retail trade; accommodation and food services; educational services; construction; manufacturing; information, culture and recreation; transportation and warehousing; business, finance, insurance and real estate.
According to the provincial Economic Forecast Council, the GDP of British Columbia is predicted to grow by a healthy 4.7% during 2021 and a robust 4.3% in 2022.
Economic expansion over the next few years is expected to produce many new jobs in British Columbia.
If you are a skilled foreign worker, now is a good time to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa for Canada so you can legally live and work British Columbia.
To receive your eligibility assessment
DISCLAIMER: This guide is not and shall not be considered as professional or expert advice.