BC PNP holds new Tech draw: 95 invited

British Columbia issued 95 invitations to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence on March 9.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot draw issued invitations to candidates under the Express Entry BC and Skills immigration categories.

Selected candidates who were from the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories needed a minimum provincial score of 80.

The province has now held 12 draws so far this year, bringing the total number of invitations issued to date to 1,926 in 2021.

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

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About the Tech Pilot

The BC PNP Tech Pilot is a fast-track Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for in-demand tech workers and international students. 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 29 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 that determines whether they may be invited to apply in a given invitation round. The score is based on a number of factors such as level of education, years of direct work experience and having a B.C. job offer. Tech Pilot draws are held every week.

The pilot project was launched in May 2017, following a labour market study that found the biggest issue facing B.C.'s tech sector was access to talent. So, the Tech Pilot was created to support the tech sector's growth by making it easier for workers with in-demand skills to immigrate to B.C. The pilot has been extended several times, most recently until June 2021.

Tech Pilot for Express Entry candidates

Express Entry candidates who receive a nomination from B.C. 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.

Express Entry is an application management system for three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry candidates are given scores based on their age, skilled work experience, education, and language ability in English or French, among other factors.

Canada then invites them to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry draws. If they are approved, the last step is for them to land in Canada and claim permanent residency status.

The most recent Express Entry draw, on February 13, was the largest draw ever. Every single Canadian Experience Class candidate was invited to apply for permanent residence.

Find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration