Effective Feb. 1, 2017, the regulation c. 37 for the Provincial Immigration Programs Act (PIPA) will come into effect.

The regulation was signed by an Order-in-Council and governs the delivery of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP is the province’s only direct economic immigration tool for bringing in new British Columbians. B.C.’s quota of PNP nominations is set by the federal government. 

Specifically, the regulation will:

• grant authority to collect PNP fees,
• set out the amount of PNP fees,
• allow for inspections to be conducted to monitor compliance with program requirements,
• implement a process for reviewing refused applications.

The PIPA was passed into law on Nov. 4, 2015 and comes into force on Feb. 1, 2017. It strengthens the administration of the province’s immigration programs and designates decision-making authority for the PNP to the director, provincial immigration programs.

For more information on the B.C. PNP you can visit: www.welcomebc.ca/pnp