Maple News reports that British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 95 invitations on March 23 through its Tech Pilot stream, offering skilled tech professionals and international graduates a faster route to Canadian permanent residency.
The invitations were issued under the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration categories, specifically targeting Skilled Workers and International Graduates. To qualify, candidates needed to meet a minimum provincial score of 80 points.
The BC PNP Tech Pilot is designed to attract in-demand tech talent to the province. It streamlines the immigration process for candidates working in one of 29 eligible tech occupations who hold a valid job offer of at least one year in duration. These offers must be full-time and from eligible B.C. employers, with at least 120 days remaining at the time of application.
Tech Pilot draws are held weekly, selecting the top-ranking candidates who meet the program’s criteria. Once invited, applicants must submit their complete provincial nomination applications within 30 days. Successful candidates can expect their applications to be processed within two to three months.
Upon receiving a provincial nomination, applicants become eligible to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Provincial Nominee Class.
In addition to the Tech Pilot draw, Maple News confirms that the province has extended its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional Pilot until March 31, 2024. The extension ensures continued support for innovative entrepreneurs aiming to establish businesses in smaller communities across British Columbia.
The EI Regional Pilot supports rural economic development by enabling immigrant entrepreneurs to partner with local communities outside major urban centers, fostering job creation and sustainable growth in less populated regions.
British Columbia’s dual strategy—targeting top-tier tech professionals and forward-thinking entrepreneurs—underscores its commitment to driving economic growth and innovation through strategic immigration.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments within the B.C. PNP and provide timely updates for individuals seeking to live and work in Canada’s westernmost province.