Maple News reports that the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has issued 87 new invitations to immigration candidates through its Tech Pilot stream. The draw, held on February 23, targeted skilled professionals in the tech sector under the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration categories.
To be eligible, invited candidates needed a minimum provincial score of 75. This marks a modest five-point drop compared to previous BC Tech Pilot draws in 2021, reflecting a potentially more accessible opportunity for qualified applicants.
The BC PNP Tech Pilot is a fast-track immigration initiative designed to attract global talent to British Columbia’s thriving tech industry. Launched in 2017 and extended multiple times, the pilot is currently confirmed to operate until at least June 2021. It supports both international graduates and skilled foreign workers with experience in one of 29 designated in-demand tech occupations.
Candidates must hold a valid job offer of at least one year in a tech-related role to qualify. In addition, they must be registered with one of BC’s provincial immigration streams and submit an online profile through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Profiles are scored based on factors like education, work experience, and the employment offer in B.C.
Those invited through the Express Entry BC stream benefit significantly: receiving a provincial nomination means an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This essentially guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a subsequent federal Express Entry draw.
Tech Pilot draws are conducted weekly, ensuring a regular flow of opportunities for eligible candidates. Once invited, applicants have 30 calendar days to submit a complete application for provincial nomination.
As the demand for tech talent continues to grow across Canada, programs like the BC PNP Tech Pilot play a crucial role in filling critical labour shortages while offering skilled migrants a stable path to permanent residency.
For those aiming to build a future in Canada’s innovation economy, British Columbia’s targeted and streamlined immigration pathways provide a promising gateway.