B.C. issues 358 invitations in new PNP draw

B.C. invited 358 immigration candidates to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence on November 10.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued invitations through the Express Entry BC (EEBC) and Skills Immigration streams.

Candidates were invited under the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled subcategories.

The minimum required score for successful candidates was as follows:

Skills Immigration: Skilled Worker: 93 points
Skills Immigration: International Graduate: 94 points
Skills Immigration Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled: 75 points
Express Entry BC: Skilled Worker: 92 points
Express Entry BC: International Graduate: 93 points

Because of the coronavirus impact on B.C. businesses, certain occupations were excluded in this draw. The BC PNP webpage has a full list of excluded occupations.

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B.C. holds draws through its various PNP categories and streams on a weekly basis.

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 (IRCC) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

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.

Such individuals are effectively guaranteed an Invitation To Apply (ITA) in a future federal Express Entry draw.

Every week, B.C. issues invitations under its Tech Pilot.

The BC PNP Tech Pilot is a fast-track immigration pathway for in-demand IT workers and international students. It operates through B.C.’s existing provincial immigration streams.

In order to be considered for immigration to B.C. through this program, candidates need to have a valid job offer in one of 29 eligible occupations.

Eligible occupations for the BC PNP Tech Pilot include computer and information systems managers, civil engineers, web designers and developers, translators as well as audio and video recording technicians, among many others.

In contrast to other BC PNP streams that require an offer of permanent employment, Tech Pilot job offers must have a minimum duration of one year. However, offers of employment that are more than one year in duration will still be eligible under the pilot. It is also required that the job offer be full-time and from an eligible employer in the province.

Candidates who are invited to apply for a provincial nomination have 30 days to submit a complete application.

Find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration