Maple News reports that British Columbia issued a total of 387 invitations to immigration candidates in two separate Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws held on July 6, 2021. These draws fall under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), which continues to adapt its selection process to support provincial labor market needs.
The province has maintained its strategy of conducting two rounds of invitations per draw since February. The first round was a general draw, issuing 342 invitations to candidates scoring between 75 and 92 points. The second focused on specific occupations, issuing 45 invitations to candidates with a minimum score of 108. This targeted approach aims to address economic demand in particular industries.
The second draw specifically targeted candidates in occupations under National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 0621 (Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers) and 0631 (Restaurant and Food Service Managers). British Columbia held this separate draw due to an influx of registrations in these two occupations within the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).
Candidates invited in both rounds were selected from the Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) streams. These pathways encompass several sub-categories: Skilled Workers, International Graduates, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled Workers, reflecting the province’s effort to attract a wide range of skilled labor.
Through the SIRS, applicants are assigned a score based on key factors such as education, work experience, and language proficiency. The highest-scoring registrants across various categories are then invited to apply for a provincial nomination, which, if approved, supports their permanent residence application to the federal government.
Invitees now have 30 calendar days from the date they receive their invitation to submit a completed application through the BC PNP’s online portal. Given British Columbia’s ongoing economic recovery and labor force strategies, further targeted draws are expected throughout the year.
The BC PNP continues to be an essential pathway for foreign nationals aiming to settle in the province permanently. With frequent draws and a focus on high-demand sectors, the program aligns immigration with provincial economic needs and opportunities.