B.C. invited immigration candidates to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence on January 26, 2021.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 81 invitations through the Express Entry BC (EEBC) and Skills Immigration streams.

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

Candidates were invited under the Skilled Worker, and International Graduate subcategories through the BC PNP Tech Pilot. Invited candidates need to have job offers in an eligible tech occupation in order to receive the nomination. The minimum required score for candidates who received invitations in this draw was 80 in all categories.

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B.C. holds draws through two  Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) categories and streams every week.

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) through the Express Entry system.

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. These additional points will most likely increase the CRS score sufficiently to guarantee an ITA in a subsequent draw.

The BC PNP is one of Canada’s PNPs. Through these programs, provinces can nominate newcomers who can settle into the local labour market.

British Columbia launched the Tech Pilot in 2017 in response to strong growth in the technology sector and the influx of international talent leaving U.S. technology centers such as Silicon Valley. This phenomenon has been attributed, in part, to the stringent immigration and economic policies of the Trump Era.

British Columbia has a reputation for innovation and tech expertise, and its mild climate and proximity to U.S. markets are also key factors in attracting businesses and workers.

The BC PNP has conducted 5 draws since January, with minimum scores ranging from 77 to 106 points. Aside from tech workers, B.C. continues to invite workers and graduates in non-tech occupations on a regular basis.

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