Maple News reports that on May 4, British Columbia extended invitations to 84 skilled immigration candidates through its ongoing BC PNP Tech Pilot program. These candidates are now eligible to apply for a provincial nomination, potentially opening the door to permanent residency in Canada.
The draw targeted individuals under the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration streams, specifically in the Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories. To receive an invitation, candidates were required to have a provincial score of at least 80 points.
This brings the total number of invitations issued by the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) in 2021 to 3,977. Invited applicants now have 30 calendar days to submit a complete application for a provincial nomination.
The BC PNP Tech Pilot is a fast-track immigration pathway tailored for in-demand tech sector professionals and international graduates. To qualify, applicants must be registered in one of B.C.’s existing immigration streams and hold a valid job offer of at least one year in one of the 29 eligible technology occupations.
Candidates must first create a profile through the BC PNP’s online portal and register under the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Each applicant is assessed on several factors including education level, direct work experience, and the strength of the job offer. Weekly Tech Pilot draws select the highest-scoring registrants.
Launched in 2017 in response to a talent shortage in British Columbia’s fast-growing tech sector, the Tech Pilot program has become a strategic tool to consistently attract high-skilled professionals. It has been extended multiple times, ensuring ongoing support for B.C.’s tech-driven economy.
For Express Entry candidates, receiving a provincial nomination from British Columbia is a significant advantage. It adds 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, virtually securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a future federal Express Entry draw.
According to Maple News, the BC PNP Tech Pilot continues to demonstrate its importance in addressing labour shortages and supporting economic growth by fast-tracking permanent residency for top tech talent.