Maple News reports that the province of British Columbia issued a total of 383 invitations to immigration candidates through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws held on July 20. The invitations were extended under the Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry BC (EEBC) streams, including the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled categories.
As part of its bi-monthly draw strategy, B.C. continues to run two separate draws. The main draw invited 323 candidates who met minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores between 75 and 91 points. A secondary draw specifically targeted occupations under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes 0621 (Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers) and 0631 (Restaurant and Food Service Managers). That draw issued 60 invitations, requiring a higher score of 107 points.
The province has been conducting sector-specific draws since February in response to a large number of registrants under certain occupations within its Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). These targeted draws are part of an ongoing effort to maintain a balanced approach in meeting varied labour market needs across B.C.’s economy.
In a separate announcement on July 19, British Columbia temporarily paused new registrations under the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Base Category. However, all other streams under the BC PNP remain active, including the EI – Regional Pilot, Strategic Projects, and all Skills Immigration categories.
The temporary suspension aims to assess whether the Entrepreneur Base stream remains aligned with post-pandemic economic priorities. “The pause allows for a review to ensure the EI – Base category continues to effectively support B.C.’s economic recovery,” said a statement from provincial authorities.
Notably, this pause will not impact individuals who have already submitted a registration or application under the Entrepreneur Base category. Their applications will continue to be processed as usual.
This move reflects B.C.’s broader strategy to prioritize immigration programs that can help address current labour market demands and drive provincial growth in the post-COVID landscape.