British Columbia invites 72 IT workers in new PNP draw

British Columbia invited immigration candidates working in the technology sector to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.

A total of 72 invitations were issued through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot on October 6.

Candidates in the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories in both the Express Entry BC (EEBC) and Skills Immigration streams were invited in this latest invitation round.

The minimum required score for applicants in both subcategories was 80, which represents no change in score from all other tech draws held since mid-June.

British Columbia holds weekly Tech Pilot draws through which candidates with job offers in 29 eligible occupations are invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Launched in 2017, the purpose of the Tech Pilot is to help B.C.'s technology sector recruit IT workers to help address current labour market needs.

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In order to be considered eligible under the Tech Pilot, candidates need to be registered in one of B.C.’s existing provincial immigration streams and have a valid job offer of at least 12 months in one of the Tech Pilot’s eligible occupations.

To apply for the Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC categories candidates must first create a profile through the BC PNP’s online portal and register under its Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).

Applicants are evaluated and issued a score based on factors such as level of education, work experience, proficiency in English and location of employment.

If an applicant is approved, they can then use their provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada under the Provincial Nominee Class.

Express Entry candidates who receive a nomination from British Columbia will be given an additional 600 points toward their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and are effectively guaranteed an Invitation To Apply (ITA) in a future federal Express Entry draw.

B.C. holds draws through its various PNP categories and streams on a weekly basis. Last week, the province issued 450 provincial nomination invitations in its largest draw this year. September was a busy month for British Columbia, as the province held a total of seven draws in its various PNP categories and streams and invited more than 1,430 immigration candidates.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration program