Maple News reports that on January 19, 2021, British Columbia issued 195 invitations to immigration candidates under its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The draw targeted candidates across multiple streams, reinforcing the province’s strong interest in attracting skilled workers and international graduates to support its labor market needs.
The latest invitations were issued through the Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry BC (EEBC) categories, specifically within the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled substreams. Minimum scores required to receive an invitation ranged from 80 to 106 points, depending on the stream.
For the Express Entry BC stream, the Skilled Worker subcategory saw a minimum score of 106, while International Graduates required at least 103 points. Meanwhile, under the Skills Immigration stream, both Skilled Workers and International Graduates needed a minimum of 96 points. The Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled category required a score of just 80.
Express Entry BC is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, allowing nominated candidates to gain an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points toward their federal profile — a significant boost that enhances their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
The Skills Immigration stream, on the other hand, caters to individuals working in key in-demand occupations within British Columbia. It includes those with diverse educational backgrounds and work experience, provided they have a valid job offer from a BC employer.
These draws are managed through the province’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), where candidates must create a profile and are assigned a score based on factors such as education, language proficiency, and work experience. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for a provincial nomination in periodic draws.
It is important to note that some occupations were excluded from this draw due to ongoing labor disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. British Columbia continues to adapt its immigration strategy in response to economic conditions, prioritizing those roles most essential to the province’s recovery.
Invited candidates who receive a provincial nomination can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Provincial nominations remain one of the most effective pathways for skilled workers aiming to settle in Canada.
British Columbia’s regular PNP draws are part of its broader strategy to address workforce shortages and maintain economic resilience through targeted immigration.