Living in B.C.
British Columbia (B.C.) is Canada’s westernmost province and home to more than 5.7 million people. British Columbia has a lot to offer!
Not only in its epic landscapes, clean cities, and friendly people but also in safety, work satisfaction and health-care. We are proud of our rich Indigenous history that stretches back more than 10,000 years, our diverse multicultural population, and the wide range of industries and lifestyles you can experience.
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.
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.
B.C. is where progress happens.
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 Explore roles 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.
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.
The Health Match BC navigation team will help guide your through the application process with BC PNP and obtain permanent resident status in Canada.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
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.
Resources and services
You might have a number of questions about moving to B.C., the different geographic regions, or what to expect when you get here. To get you started, we’ve gathered a list of helpful sites where you can get more information about various areas in B.C., as well as services and programs to assist you in making the transition to B.C. Welcome BC, HelloBC and IndigenousBC are an excellent place to start.
Register with us today
Register to connect with a B.C. health recruitment specialist, who can give you customized advice based on your profession, credentials, and interests.
Get help navigating licensing and immigration requirements, and start moving your career forward.