Maple News reports that British Columbia conducted its largest immigration draw of 2020 on September 29, issuing a total of 450 invitations to apply for a provincial nomination through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). This draw surpassed the 430 invitations issued earlier in the month on September 1, marking a significant milestone for the province’s immigration efforts amid the evolving economic landscape.
Invitations in this latest draw were extended to candidates in both the Express Entry BC (EEBC) and Skills Immigration (SI) streams, targeting Skilled Workers and International Graduates. These streams are tailored to attract individuals with the qualifications, training, and experience needed to fill in-demand jobs in British Columbia.
The minimum points required varied by stream and category, ranging from 75 to 94. Specifically, the score thresholds were as follows:
– SI – Skilled Worker: 93
– SI – International Graduate: 94
– SI – Entry Level and Semi-Skilled: 75
– EEBC – Skilled Worker: 93
– EEBC – International Graduate: 94
The EEBC stream caters to candidates registered in the federal Express Entry system, which manages applications for Canada’s main economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Alongside federal registration, candidates also need to be enrolled in B.C.’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).
Express Entry profiles are scored based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. A provincial nomination from British Columbia adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, significantly improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency from the federal government.
This large-scale draw reflects British Columbia’s sustained demand for skilled talent, especially in essential sectors. It underscores the province’s proactive stance in addressing labor shortages while supporting Canada’s broader immigration objectives.
Maple News continues to monitor PNP updates across Canada’s provinces as they play a vital role in meeting regional labour market needs and welcoming newcomers through targeted immigration pathways.