Maple News reports that the province of British Columbia invited 95 skilled tech professionals to apply for permanent residency through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) on March 9. This draw was part of the BC Tech Pilot—a fast-track immigration stream designed to attract highly sought-after technology workers and international graduates.
Invitations were issued under two key streams: Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration. Within these, candidates from both the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories were selected. To qualify, applicants needed a minimum provincial score of 80.
So far in 2021, British Columbia has conducted 12 draws, issuing a total of 1,926 invitations. Selected candidates now have up to 30 calendar days to submit a full application for provincial nomination. A successful nomination will significantly boost their chances of gaining Canadian permanent residence.
Operated through the BC PNP’s online portal, the Tech Pilot accelerates the immigration process for individuals with job offers in one of 29 eligible tech occupations. Candidates must first register through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), where they are assessed and scored based on factors including education, work experience, and the nature of the job offer.
Launched in May 2017 in response to a regional labor shortage, the BC Tech Pilot aims to support the province’s booming technology sector by simplifying pathways for international talent. Since its inception, the pilot has been extended multiple times due to its success, with the latest extension running until June 2021.
Tech draws take place on a weekly basis, helping British Columbia maintain a robust pipeline of talent in areas like software development, digital media, and information systems. This targeted approach aligns with the province’s economic strategy of fostering innovation through skilled immigration.
Candidates already registered in the federal Express Entry system stand to benefit significantly. A BC provincial nomination adds 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next federal Express Entry draw.
Maple News will continue to monitor provincial immigration updates as British Columbia and other Canadian provinces refine their strategies for attracting global talent.