Maple News reports that the province of British Columbia has issued 85 new immigration invitations through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech stream. The draw, held on October 19, targets skilled tech talent ready to contribute to the province’s growing innovation economy.
The selected candidates were invited under the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories, which fall under the larger umbrella of British Columbia’s Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC pathways. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum score of 75 on the province’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).
Those invited now have 30 calendar days to submit a complete application for a provincial nomination—an important step toward gaining Canadian permanent residence.
The BC PNP Tech is a specialized fast-track immigration stream designed to attract foreign tech professionals and international graduates. It requires applicants to hold a full-time job offer from a B.C.-based employer in one of 29 eligible tech occupations. That offer must be valid for at least one year, with a minimum of 120 days remaining at the time of submission.
Launched in 2017 as a pilot based on a provincial labor market study, BC PNP Tech became a permanent feature in 2021. The program helps British Columbia’s thriving tech sector bridge talent gaps by giving companies access to much-needed international expertise when qualified local candidates are unavailable.
So far in 2021, British Columbia has issued close to 10,000 invitations to apply for provincial nomination through its various immigration streams. This consistent activity underlines the province’s commitment to supporting economic growth through targeted immigration, especially within high-demand sectors like technology.
As the global race for tech talent heats up, British Columbia continues to position itself as one of Canada’s top destinations for international professionals seeking permanent residency. The BC PNP Tech program remains a key tool in that strategy, offering a streamlined, employer-driven route to Canadian immigration.