Maple News reports that the province of British Columbia issued 102 immigration invitations under its BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech stream on January 4, 2024. The initiative continues to support the province’s fast-growing technology sector by providing a dedicated immigration pathway for skilled foreign tech workers and recent international graduates.
The BC PNP Tech stream, originally launched in 2017 as a pilot program and later made permanent, is designed to help local employers fill technology sector labour shortages by attracting top international talent. It offers a fast-tracked nomination process for eligible candidates already registered under BC’s existing Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC categories.
To be considered in this draw, candidates were required to fall under the Skilled Worker or International Graduate subcategories and possess a minimum provincial score of 80. Those invited will now have 30 calendar days to submit a complete application for a provincial nomination.
Unlike other immigration streams, the BC PNP Tech mandates a job offer in one of 29 in-demand tech occupations, lasting at least one year and with a minimum of 120 days remaining at the time of application. The role must be full time and offered by an eligible BC employer.
Weekly tech draws are conducted by the province to invite the highest-scoring candidates who meet the program’s specific requirements. These ongoing efforts aim to directly address persistent talent shortages revealed by labour market studies, ensuring BC remains a competitive hub for technological innovation.
This latest draw underscores the province’s commitment to strengthening its tech workforce and helping international professionals pursue permanent residency in one of Canada’s most dynamic economies.
For candidates aiming to establish long-term careers in BC’s tech sector, the BC PNP Tech continues to be a strategic and effective avenue for immigration.