Maple News reports that British Columbia has issued 51 invitations to skilled technology professionals through the BC PNP Tech draw held on August 10. These candidates are now eligible to apply for a provincial nomination, a key step toward permanent residency in Canada.
The invitations were extended through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech stream, a specialized pathway designed to help the province address tech talent shortages. To qualify, candidates must be registered under either the Express Entry BC or Skills Immigration categories, which are managed through British Columbia’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).
Eligible candidates in this round belonged to either the Skilled Worker or International Graduate subcategories. To receive an invitation, they were required to have a minimum provincial score of 80. Once invited, nominees have 30 calendar days to submit their full provincial nomination application.
The BC PNP Tech program was first introduced in May 2017 as a pilot initiative, following a regional labor market survey that identified the urgent need for more tech professionals in the province. Due to its success, British Columbia made the program permanent in 2021. It continues to serve as a vital component of the province’s efforts to attract top global tech talent.
This program targets professionals in 29 eligible technology occupations and is open to international students and skilled workers with full-time job offers of at least one year. The job offer must have a minimum of 120 days remaining at the time of application and must come from an eligible B.C. employer.
Unlike other PNP categories, the BC PNP Tech draw operates on a weekly basis, offering a faster route for qualified candidates. Most applications submitted through this stream are processed within two to three months, making it an efficient option for tech workers aiming to settle in British Columbia.
Through recurring tech draws, the province reaffirms its commitment to growing its innovation sector and supporting employers who struggle to find local talent. With the tech industry continuing to expand, programs like BC PNP Tech remain integral to meeting labor demands while offering a reliable immigration route for global professionals.
As the program continues to evolve, Maple News will provide updates and insights into British Columbia’s immigration strategies and opportunities for skilled tech talent worldwide.