Maple News reports that British Columbia has officially transitioned its Tech Pilot immigration initiative into a permanent program, now known as BC PNP Tech. Launched in May 2017, the pilot was originally designed to help the province address persistent talent shortages in its fast-growing technology sector. Following several one-year renewals, the program will now offer ongoing, expedited immigration access to skilled foreign tech workers and international graduates.
The BC PNP Tech is part of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), a pathway that enables the province to nominate candidates for permanent residence who support its economic priorities. Through weekly invitations, the tech stream continues to target 29 in-demand occupations, allowing employers to attract global talent with minimal delays.
This shift to permanency reflects not only the program’s success but also its growing demand. Despite pandemic-related disruptions, 1,855 tech professionals were nominated through the program in 2020—a 63% increase compared to 2018. Since its inception, BC PNP Tech has facilitated the nomination of over 6,000 skilled tech workers for permanent residency in British Columbia.
The decision to make the program permanent aligns with calls from leaders in the province’s tech industry. Just days before the announcement, the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) urged the provincial government to formalize the program. In a letter to Josie Osborne, B.C.’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, the CCI emphasized that a permanent tech stream would enable companies to plan long-term and scale confidently.
“By establishing BC PNP Tech as a permanent fixture, British Columbia sends a strong signal to global talent that it remains open and supportive of technology innovation,” Maple News notes. This strategic move ensures the province continues to meet workforce needs while securing its reputation as one of Canada’s leading tech hubs.
The change comes as Canada seeks to remain globally competitive in attracting top talent, amid increased international competition for skilled tech workers. British Columbia’s leadership in making innovative immigration pathways permanent may serve as a model for other provinces evaluating similar pilot programs.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments on provincial immigration initiatives and their implications for international workers and Canadian employers alike.