Maple News reports that international tech professionals aiming to settle in British Columbia have a streamlined immigration pathway through the BC PNP Tech program — a dedicated stream under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) designed to fast-track skilled tech workers to permanent residency in Canada.
Previously a pilot project, BC PNP Tech has now become a permanent fixture to support BC’s thriving tech sector. The program gives local employers access to global talent while offering foreign tech workers priority processing and faster entry into Canada’s Express Entry system.
To qualify, candidates must first be eligible for either the Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC stream. Additionally, they must meet criteria for at least one of Canada’s federal immigration programs administered through Express Entry, such as the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Applicants targeting the BC PNP Tech stream must also be eligible for an Express Entry BC subcategory. These include Skilled Worker, Healthcare Professional, International Graduate, and International Post-Graduate. Most of these categories require a valid job offer from a BC employer, except for International Post-Graduate applicants.
The BC PNP Tech focuses on 29 designated tech occupations. Candidates need a full-time job offer lasting at least one year, with a minimum of 120 days remaining at the time of application. British Columbia conducts weekly invitation draws specifically for tech applicants, either independently or as part of broader selection rounds.
Those invited to apply for a provincial nomination have 30 calendar days to submit a complete application. An invitation doesn’t guarantee nomination, but once received, successful applicants can use their nomination within six months to submit a federal application for permanent residence. During this time, candidates may also be eligible for a work permit support letter, allowing them to remain and work legally in Canada while their application is processed.
One of the key advantages of obtaining a provincial nomination through the BC PNP Tech is the significant boost it provides to an Express Entry profile. Nominated candidates are awarded an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points — effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in a future Express Entry draw.
With consistent demand for skilled tech workers in British Columbia and a responsive immigration pathway now permanent, the BC PNP Tech program continues to be one of the most efficient routes for tech talent looking to build a long-term life and career in Canada.