Maple News reports that the province of British Columbia issued 74 invitations to skilled tech professionals on August 24 as part of its ongoing effort to attract top global talent to support the local technology sector. These invitations were sent through the BC PNP Tech stream, a specialized pathway within the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).
To qualify for this draw, candidates needed to be registered under one of the province’s Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC categories. Managed under the province’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), these programs assess applicants based on factors such as work experience, education, and language ability.
In this round, the minimum provincial score required was 80. The invitations targeted individuals in the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories — typically professionals who have either post-secondary education completed in Canada or substantial skilled work experience.
Once invited, candidates have 30 calendar days to submit a complete application for a provincial nomination. If successful, nominated applicants gain a significant advantage when applying for permanent residence through Canada’s federal immigration system.
The BC PNP Tech program, originally launched as a pilot in May 2017, aims to address labor shortages in British Columbia’s rapidly growing tech industry. A government study identified that access to talent was a major challenge facing local tech employers. In response to continued success, the program was made permanent in 2021.
BC PNP Tech provides a fast-tracked process for individuals in 29 in-demand technology occupations. To be eligible, candidates must have a full-time job offer in British Columbia lasting at least 12 months, with a minimum of 120 days remaining at the time of application. Unlike other streams, weekly draws are held for the highest-ranking tech candidates, allowing for a more responsive and efficient selection process.
According to Maple News, processing times for complete and eligible BC PNP Tech applications generally range between two to three months, making it an attractive pathway for tech workers and international graduates aiming to establish their careers in Canada’s thriving West Coast tech hub.