Maple News reports that British Columbia invited a total of 464 immigration candidates in two separate Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws held on September 14, 2021. The invitations were issued under both the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC (EEBC) streams, reflecting the province’s ongoing efforts to meet labor market demands across multiple sectors.
In the main draw, 365 invitations went to candidates in the Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories. The minimum required scores varied by stream and subcategory. For EEBC candidates, the minimum scores were 86 for Skilled Workers and 75 for International Graduates. Under the Skills Immigration category, the cut-off scores were 90 for Skilled Workers, 77 for International Graduates, and 69 for Entry Level and Semi-Skilled workers.
Candidates who received invitations under the Express Entry BC stream had already registered in Canada’s federal Express Entry system. Receiving a provincial nomination grants them an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In addition to the general draw, a targeted draw was held for specific occupations facing high demand in the province. This secondary draw focused on candidates under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 0621 (Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers) and 0631 (Restaurant and Food Service Managers). Ninety-nine invitations were issued in this round, with a minimum score of 105.
So far in 2021, the BC PNP has issued over 8,500 invitations, maintaining a consistent pace through weekly draws. While general draws are the norm, British Columbia also routinely hosts targeted draws to support key industries—including the technology sector—through its specialized Tech Pilot program.
The Skills Immigration stream is designed for foreign nationals who typically already have an offer of employment in British Columbia. It includes five subcategories: Skilled Worker, Healthcare Professional, International Graduate, International Post-Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled. The majority of these are aligned with the federal Express Entry system, allowing candidates to benefit from expedited immigration processing.
To be considered for nomination, applicants must register through the BC PNP’s online portal and submit their profiles via the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Rankings are determined using a points-based system that assesses factors such as job offer, wage, education, and work experience.
With its targeted and strategic approach to immigration, British Columbia continues to leverage the PNP to attract skilled talent and support its economic growth. Prospective immigrants are encouraged to assess if they meet the eligibility requirements to take part in future draws.
Maple News will continue to provide updates on the latest developments in Canada’s immigration programs and provincial nominee pathways.