The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program issued 58 invitations to apply for a provincial nomination to skilled workers and graduates in the Information Technology (IT) sector.
The latest draw, which took place on March 28, prioritized candidates with a job offer in one of the 32 eligible occupations under the BC PNP Tech Pilot. The pilot is designed to help attract tech workers and graduates to settle in the province and satisfy labour market needs.
The minimum score required was lower than last week's draw, which invited workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs outside the tech pilot.
To be considered under the BC PNP, candidates must be registered in BC's unique Skilled Immigration system under one the program's Skills Immigration Stream and Express Entry BC categories.
Candidates who secure a provincial nomination under Express Entry BC: Skilled Worker and Express Entry BC: International Graduate will receive 600 additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a later Express Entry draw. It is worth noting an invitation to apply for the BC PNP is not the same as the Invitation to Apply, or ITA, issued at the federal level.
Candidates invited through the Skills Immigration categories will have their applications for permanent residence processed outside the Express Entry system after they receive a nomination from BC.
Discover your Canadian immigration options under the BC PNP with our free online assessment.
The minimum scores for each category involved in this draw were as follows:
| Date | Category | Minimum Score Required | Number of ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
March 28, 2018 (tech-only draw) | EEBC – Skilled Worker | 77 | 58 |
| EEBC – International Graduate | 82 | ||
| SI - Skilled Worker | 77 | ||
| SI – International Graduate | 82 |
How does the BC PNP tech-only pilot work?
- Once a candidate has determined his or her category, he or she may register online and receive a registration score. Registration is free.
- Every week (subject to processing capacity), the BC PNP will conduct a tech draw and invite the highest-scoring technology sector registrants to apply.
- Invited candidates have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete online application. The government application fee is $700.
- The BC PNP will process the application on a priority basis.
- If approved, the applicant receives a nomination that he or she can use to apply for permanent residence.
- Individuals who have been nominated and who meet the conditions of their nomination will receive a work permit support letter that allows them to obtain or renew their current work permit allowing them to work throughout the process.
For individuals interested applying under the BC PNP, it is important to begin the process by creating an online profile with the BC PNP and complete all sections of the registration form.
BC PNP candidates must have an indeterminate, full-time job offer from an employer in the province to become eligible for the majority of Canadian immigration categories managed by the BC PNP.
If you are interested in immigrating to Canada through the BC PNP, use the exclusive CanadaVisa Skills Immigration Registration System Calculator to determine how many points you may be awarded under the BC PNP.
For more information on the eligibility criteria for the BC PNP’s various streams, please visit our dedicated BC PNP page.