Maple News reports that on March 2, the province of British Columbia extended 444 invitations to immigration candidates through two separate draws under its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).
The invitations targeted applicants across the Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry BC (EEBC) streams, including sub-categories such as Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled. These programs focus on individuals with the qualifications and work experience needed to meet labor market demands in the province.
In the largest draw, 418 invitations were issued to candidates who scored between 83 and 97 points under the BC PNP’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). A smaller, targeted draw also took place, issuing 26 invitations to retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 0621) and restaurant and food service managers (NOC 0631). These candidates needed a minimum score of 118 to qualify.
With these latest rounds, British Columbia has conducted 11 draws in 2021 so far, issuing a total of 1,831 invitations.
The BC PNP is designed to attract skilled foreign workers who wish to become permanent residents of Canada and meet critical employment needs in B.C. To qualify, candidates first register through SIRS, where they receive a score determined by factors such as education level, work experience, and language proficiency.
Top-ranking candidates from each sub-category are invited to apply for a provincial nomination, which enhances their chances of receiving permanent residence status through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once invited, candidates have 30 days to submit their complete application online.
Approved applicants are typically notified of a decision within two to three months. If nominated, candidates can then apply to IRCC for permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee Class. Nominations remain valid for approximately six months.
For candidates applying through the Express Entry BC stream, eligibility requirements are linked to one of the federal Express Entry programs. These applicants must meet criteria such as age, education, language ability, and work history, and are ranked using Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The BC PNP continues to serve as a strategic pathway for talented professionals and international graduates to secure permanent residence while supporting British Columbia’s economic and labor market priorities.