Maple News reports that on October 14, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) extended 417 invitations for provincial nomination as part of its commitment to supporting the province’s economic recovery and labor market needs.
Invitations were issued through both the Express Entry BC (EEBC) and Skills Immigration streams, covering subcategories such as Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled. These streams are designed to attract high-demand talent, recent graduates, and entry-level workers critical to B.C.’s diverse workforce needs.
Candidates required scores ranging from 75 to 94 to qualify, depending on the subcategory. Due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on certain industries, the province temporarily excluded 31 specific occupations from this draw. These excluded occupations are typically tied to sectors facing slower recovery and lower demand.
The BC PNP continues to hold draws on a weekly basis, often inviting hundreds of applicants. This approach ensures a steady intake of skilled individuals ready to contribute to British Columbia’s economy. Notably, the province held its largest draw of 2020 just two weeks before, issuing 450 invitations.
B.C. is also actively recruiting through its Tech Pilot program, which targets candidates with job offers in one of 29 designated tech occupations. This initiative, initiated in 2017, is tailored to help B.C.’s thriving technology sector fill positions that require specialized skills. To be eligible, candidates must have a valid job offer of at least 12 months and be registered in one of B.C.’s existing streams.
To apply under the Skills Immigration or EEBC categories, prospective immigrants must create an online profile and register under the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Applicants are evaluated based on education level, professional experience, language proficiency, and regional job placement.
Those who receive a provincial nomination from British Columbia can then apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Candidates in the Express Entry system who receive a provincial nomination are awarded an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly enhancing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a future federal draw.
This draw is part of British Columbia’s broader strategy to attract and retain global talent aligned with the province’s evolving labor market demands.