Maple News reports that on September 7, British Columbia extended invitations to 34 tech professionals under its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech stream. This targeted draw is part of the province’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled international talent to support its growing technology industry.
The BC PNP Tech stream is a specialized pathway under the broader British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. It aims to provide a fast-tracked route to Canadian permanent residency for individuals with tech skills in high demand. The invited candidates in this round were selected from the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories, both under the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration streams. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum score of 80 on the province’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).
Eligible candidates now have 30 calendar days to submit a complete application for provincial nomination. A nomination from British Columbia provides a significant advantage in the federal permanent residence process by awarding candidates an additional 600 points in the Express Entry system.
So far in 2021, British Columbia has issued over 8,100 invitations through various draws, highlighting its active role in facilitating economic immigration and meeting labor market demands.
Originally launched as a pilot in May 2017, the BC PNP Tech program became a permanent fixture due to its effectiveness in addressing talent shortages in the province’s technology sector. It was introduced after a market study revealed that access to talent was one of the most pressing challenges facing B.C.’s tech industry.
To qualify for the BC PNP Tech stream, candidates must have a job offer that is full-time, from an eligible B.C. employer, and with a minimum duration of one year—at least 120 days of which must remain at the time of application. The job must fall within one of 29 designated technology occupations, and candidates must already be registered in one of the province’s base immigration categories.
Draws under the BC PNP Tech stream are held weekly, allowing employers and candidates alike to benefit from quicker timelines and ongoing opportunities for nomination.
British Columbia continues to position itself as a hub for global tech talent, using its PNP to bridge skill gaps and support its innovation-driven economy.