British Columbia is extending the pilot program that fast-tracks the immigration process for certain tech workers, the province announced on June 4.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot has been extended until June 2021. The pilot offers a pathway to permanent residence for foreign tech workers who have job offers in one of 29 eligible occupations in B.C.

The job offer must be for a minimum of one year, and there must be at least 120 days remaining at the time of application.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

The BC PNP holds Tech Pilot draws almost every week in an effort to minimize the wait for workers and their B.C. employers, who both have to meet program eligibility requirements.

B.C. prioritizes applications for the Tech Pilot. Once employees submit a complete application, their file will be assigned to a dedicated Tech Pilot processing team within the next business day.

Tech Pilot applications are typically processed faster than other BC PNP programs, most of which take 2-3 months from receipt, the government webpage says.

BC PNP Tech Pilot Process

In order to apply through the Tech Pilot, immigration candidates must first create a profile through the BC PNP’s online portal and register under its Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). They must choose to proceed through the Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC immigration categories.

The BC PNP will then hold the draws and announce minimum score requirements for candidates to be invited to apply for a provincial nomination.

Invited candidates will then have 30 calendar days to apply for the nomination.

The BC PNP will then process the application, giving priority to Tech Pilot candidates.

If the application is approved, the candidate can then use the nomination towards a Candian immigration application with the federal government. Nominees will receive a work permit support letter which will allow them to work throughout the process of obtaining permanent residence.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

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