Living in B.C.
British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province and home to more than 5.7 million people. Living in B.C. means being part of a diverse and welcoming province rooted in rich Indigenous cultures. For more than 10,000 years, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have shaped this land.
Today, British Columbia offers a high quality of life, stunning natural beauty, and strong communities for people from all backgrounds.
Rich heritage
Today, there are approximately 200,000 Indigenous people in British Columbia. They include First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. There are more than 200 distinct First Nations in B.C., each with their own unique traditions and history. More than 30 different First Nation languages and close to 60 dialects are spoken in the province. Find out more about B.C. First Nations & Indigenous People.
Diverse population
Nearly 30% of our population in B.C. was born outside of Canada. More than 40,000 immigrants from around the world arrive in B.C. every year. All beliefs, religions, and cultural traditions are welcome here.
Quality of life
B.C. has a high standard of living, with free health-care and kindergarten to grade 12 education, subsidized licensed child care, top-ranking universities, and diverse and safe communities. Learn more about moving, working, and living here at WelcomeBC.
Diverse landscapes
Wherever you settle in B.C., you’ll be on nature’s edge. With mountain ranges, vast provincial parks, an abundance of wildlife, and miles of coastline, B.C. is a destination for those who love to explore.
Exceptional location
B.C. is home to diverse climates. Embrace the temperate rainforest of B.C.’s southern coastline or seek out snowier winters and warm summers in B.C.’s interior and northern regions. From small towns to cosmopolitan cities, there’s something for everyone.
Strong economy
B.C. is a great place to live and work – our economy has the strongest growth in Canada and the second lowest unemployment rate. We want to make sure everyone is ready to succeed, seize opportunities in our strong, sustainable economy, and build a good life here.
Working in B.C.
In British Columbia, the health-care system is run by the provincial government. This public system ensures that everyone living in the province can access the medical care they need.
Our health-care system is designed to celebrate and reflect the diversity of our province. As a health-care professional here, you’ll have the chance to work in communities across the entire province.
Faster licensing
Are you internationally educated? Get to work quickly with provisional licensing, tailored recruitment supports, streamlined immigration processes, and transitional education programs. Go to our professions page to find out more information about your specific profession. Bursaries and financial supports may be available.
Prioritizing diversity, anti-racism, inclusion
A diverse health-care team leads to better patient outcomes. Here in B.C., we provide leading-edge training, resources, and support to ensure all health-care professionals and patients feel valued, safe, and included.
Financial supports
Get settled sooner and get ahead faster with the many bursaries, incentives, and loan forgiveness programs available to trained health-care workers to help you make your move. Read more about nursing and allied health incentives (676KB PDF).
Moving to B.C.
Thinking about making B.C. your new home? We’ve gathered helpful resources to make your move easier and help you feel confident about starting your journey to a life in beautiful British Columbia.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is B.C.’s economic immigration program. It lets the Province select and nominate prospective economic immigrants who will live in B.C. and help fill critical roles. An overview of the Health Authority stream can be found on the BC PNP’s Skills Immigration page. For complete program criteria, please refer to the Skills Immigration Program Guide.
If approved as a provincial nominee, applicants will be able to apply for a work permit and permanent resident status in Canada. Upon receipt of a temporary work permit, applicants will be able to start work while waiting for their permanent residency application to be approved.
The BC PNP offers a concierge service for U.S. health-care professionals participating in the informational webinar series for U.S. health-care professionals. Candidates can contact PNPConcierge@gov.bc.ca at any step of their immigration journey.
Resources and services
Thinking about moving to B.C.? You might have questions about the different regions or what life is like here. WelcomeBC, HelloBC, and IndigenousBC are great places to start. You can also check out these helpful websites for more info about B.C. and support to help you settle in:
- Newcomers guide and videos
- Community map
- Child care
- Driver’s licence
- Education system
- Find a dentist
- Health insurance
- Housing (real estate & rent)
- Legal system
- Social Insurance Number
- Taxes
The Health Match BC navigation team can also help guide you through the application process with BC PNP and obtain permanent resident status in Canada.
Register with Health Match BC today
Register now to connect with a B.C. health recruitment specialist.
Get customized advice for your profession, credentials and interests and help with licensing and immigration requirements. Start moving your career forward today.