Maple News reports that the province of British Columbia issued more than 400 invitations to immigration candidates through its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) during a series of draws held on October 12, 2021. These invitations span multiple program streams that target skilled talent and business-minded individuals looking to build their futures in Canada.
A total of 308 invitations were sent in a standard general draw to candidates under the Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry BC (EEBC) streams. Eligible candidates came from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled sub-categories. The minimum scores required for selection fell between 69 and 91 points, reflecting varying demand across sectors and job types.
In parallel, British Columbia conducted a targeted draw focusing on specific labor market needs. A separate round of invitations was issued under SI and EEBC streams for candidates with experience in occupations categorized under National Occupation Codes (NOC) 0621 (retail and wholesale trade managers) and 0631 (restaurant and food service managers). This draw resulted in 101 invitations, with a higher cutoff score of 104 points, indicating strong competition in these categories.
Notably, this round also saw the province re-engage with Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) candidates for the first time since August. Ten invitations were extended to candidates under the EI-base category, while fewer than five were issued under the EI-regional pilot category, which aims to support economic development in B.C.’s smaller communities.
However, British Columbia has temporarily paused the intake of new applications within its EI-base stream as the program undergoes a structural review. Authorities have announced that updated details and revised intake procedures are expected to be released in early 2022.
The province has maintained a steady pace in attracting newcomers throughout 2021. So far, nearly 10,000 invitations have been issued under a variety of BC PNP streams, underscoring the province’s ongoing commitment to filling in-demand jobs and bolstering regional economies through immigration.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program is designed to attract skilled workers, recent international graduates, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the province’s economic growth and who aim to settle permanently in Canada. The program works in coordination with Canada’s federal immigration system to fast-track permanent residency applications for those best suited to B.C.’s labor market priorities.