Maple News reports that British Columbia issued 243 invitations to immigration candidates on December 21 through its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), marking one of the final draws of 2023.
The latest draw was held across two main streams: Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry BC (EEBC). Candidates were selected from various sub-categories, including Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled. These streams are designed to meet the province’s labor market demands by attracting skilled foreign workers and recent international graduates.
Of the 243 invitations, 194 were distributed in a general draw, which evaluated candidates across all eligible sectors. These candidates needed to meet minimum scores ranging from 74 to 106, depending on their respective categories. The remaining 49 invitations were targeted specifically at individuals whose occupations fall under National Occupation Code (NOC) 0621 (retail and wholesale trade managers) and NOC 0631 (restaurant and food service managers). These individuals were required to meet a uniform minimum score of 106.
Since February 2021, British Columbia has regularly conducted targeted draws to address labor shortages in specific sectors. These draws occur twice a month and are informed by the province’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), which ranks candidates based on factors such as work experience, education, and language proficiency.
The BC PNP allows British Columbia to nominate foreign workers and graduates for permanent residence. The program operates through two major streams—Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC—each with multiple sub-categories tailored to a variety of applicants.
To enter the draw pool, interested candidates must first register with the SIRS. Once registered, they receive a score, and those with the highest rankings are invited to apply for a provincial nomination, significantly enhancing their chances of receiving permanent residency status through Canada’s immigration system.
With more than 11,500 invitations issued through the BC PNP in 2023, the province continues to demonstrate its commitment to attracting international talent to address persistent gaps in its workforce.
British Columbia’s ongoing PNP draws signal opportunities for skilled professionals and graduates seeking permanent residency in Canada, especially those working in high-demand sectors.