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. Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived on and cared for the lands now called British Columbia, with deep connections to the territories, waters, and all living beings, shaped by diverse cultures and ways of knowing.
Today, British Columbia offers a high quality of life, stunning natural beauty, and strong communities for people from all backgrounds.
Rich heritage
British Columbia is home to First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous Peoples. There are over 200 distinct First Nations communities in what is now known as British Columbia, each with their own unique cultures, traditions, languages, and governance systems. 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, and 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.
Indigenous-specific anti-racism
The Indigenous-Specific Anti-Racism (ISAR) initiative works to end racism against Indigenous Peoples in B.C.’s health care system. It also helps to ensure respectful and culturally safe care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. Learn more about how we’re addressing racism in B.C. health care.
Cultural safety and humility
Cultural safety and humility in B.C.’s health care system means treating everyone with respect by listening, learning, and providing care without judgment. Indigenous cultural safety refers to creating environments where Indigenous Peoples feel respected, safe, and free from racism and discrimination within the health-care system. It supports relationships built on trust and fairness, in alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and the British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard.
Financial supports
Get settled sooner and get ahead faster with the many bursaries, incentives, and loan forgiveness programs available to trained healthcare workers to help you make your move. British Columbia has several incentives in place to support your transition into the province and your new workplace or community. Read more about nursing and allied health incentives (667KB 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.
Explore careers with B.C.’s public health employers
British Columbia’s health authorities offer outstanding and diverse opportunities, to not only build your career, but to forge your own lifestyle.
