British Columbia holds largest immigration draw of 2020

British Columbia issued 450 new invitations to apply for a provincial nomination in a draw that took place on September 29.

This was the province's largest draw of 2020, surpassing the over 430 invitations it issued in its September 1st draw.

Today’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw saw invitations go to Skilled Worker and International Graduate candidates in both the Express Entry BC (EEBC) and Skills Immigration (SI) streams.

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The EEBC category is for candidates with a valid profile in the federal government’s Express Entry system, which is Canada’s main pathway for skilled immigrants who are hoping to obtain Canadian permanent residence.

The SI category is for skilled and semi-skilled workers whose occupations are in high demand in the province of B.C.

The minimum score requirements in today's draw ranged between 75 and 94 points for the five EEBC and SI categories that were involved.

The minimum scores were:

SI - Skilled Worker: 93
SI - International Graduate: 94
SI - Entry Level and Semi-Skilled: 75
EEBC - Skilled Worker: 93
EEBC - International Graduate: 94

In order to receive an invitation through the EEBC candidates must be registered under both the federal Express Entry system and B.C.'s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).

Express Entry is the federal government’s application management system for Canada’s three main economic immigration programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Express Entry candidates are given points based on human capital factors such as age, work experience, education, and language proficiency in English or French.

Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination receive an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The 600 points effectively guarantee they will obtain a permanent residence invitation under Express Entry.

Skills Immigration candidates only need to be registered with the SIRS.

It was a busy month of September for B.C.

The province held seven draws in total through its various PNP categories and streams and invited over 1,430 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination.

Applicants who received an invitation to apply today now have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete application via the BC PNP Online registration system. An invitation to apply does not guarantee that applicants will be approved for a nomination.

In order to be considered under the BC PNP, most candidates must have an indeterminate, full-time job offer from an employer in the province who is willing to support them through the application process.

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