the CanadaVisa Team - 10 July, 2015
The B.C. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, Shirley Bond, today announced significant changes to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) for Canadian immigration.
Effective immediately, the government of B.C. is implementing a 90-day pause on new applications to most categories of the BCPNP. New applications will be accepted in July 2015 with an improved application process and updated program criteria.
The BCPNP will continue to accept applications under its Express Entry British Columbia stream, as well the Health Care Professional and Northeast Pilot Project categories during the temporary pause on new applications. Applications that are in the BCPNP application system as of March 31, 2015, will continue to be processed during the 90-day pause which runs April 1, 2015, to July 1, 2015.
In a statement, the government of British Columbia said that, during the pause, B.C. will engage program stakeholders and undertake a redesign of the BCPNP in order to improve operating efficiency and better meet skilled labour needs in the province. The redesign will update program criteria and put in place a streamlined application process to help attract the skilled workers and qualified entrepreneurs the province needs to grow a diverse and strong economy.
“The PNP is an important program for B.C. and a key pathway to permanent residency for workers who want to come and live in B.C., raise a family and contribute to building our province. The redesign of the PNP and streamlined application process will support B.C.’s economic growth by attracting high-demand skilled workers and investment-ready entrepreneurs,” stated Ms Bond.
“The redesigned PNP will be focused on supporting B.C.'s labour market and economic development priorities for a strong economy. The Province’s 2015 PNP allocation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is 5,500 nominations and is over-subscribed. We continue to work with the Federal Government to secure flexibility in the number of high-demand skilled workers and investment-ready entrepreneurs we need to keep the economy diverse, strong and growing.”
