Maple News reports that British Columbia has invited 422 candidates in its most recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, held on September 28, 2021. These invitations were distributed across two separate rounds—continuing the province’s now regular practice of holding multiple draws per month to address labor market demands.
The majority of candidates—386 in total—were selected through the Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry BC (EEBC) streams under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. These included applicants from three sub-categories: Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled. The minimum qualifying scores for this general draw ranged from 69 to 90, reflecting the province’s targeted approach to selecting skilled talent.
In a second, smaller targeted draw, an additional 36 candidates received invitations. This round focused specifically on applicants whose occupations fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 0621 (Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers) and 0631 (Restaurant and Food Service Managers)—occupations currently experiencing high registration volumes in the BC PNP Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). These candidates needed a minimum score of 105 to qualify.
Since February, British Columbia has been conducting bi-monthly double-draws to accommodate rising numbers of registrants in specific sectors while simultaneously maintaining fair access across other critical occupations. This strategy ensures that the province remains responsive to shifting employer needs and workforce shortages.
To date, British Columbia has issued a total of 9,083 invitations in 2021 through various streams of the BC PNP. This consistent activity underlines the province’s commitment to attracting high-value immigrants who have the skills and qualifications necessary for long-term economic contribution.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program is designed to support the permanent immigration of foreign workers who meet local labor demands. It operates through two major streams: Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC—each featuring multiple sub-categories. These programs are managed through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), which ranks candidates based on a points system that considers education, work experience, language ability, and employment location.
Candidates with the highest scores in their eligibility category are invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Once nominated, they can apply for permanent residency with the federal government, significantly accelerating their immigration process.
With B.C.’s dynamic economy and continued demand for skilled professionals, the province remains one of Canada’s top destinations for newcomers looking to settle permanently. Maple News will continue to track the province’s immigration updates and provide timely insights for prospective applicants.