Maple News reports that the province of British Columbia has issued 80 new invitations to immigration candidates through its Tech Pilot stream under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The draw took place on April 6, 2021, and targeted candidates in the technology sector with skills highly sought after in the province’s labor market.
The invitations were extended to applicants under the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration streams, specifically for the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories. Candidates needed to score at least 80 points in B.C.’s provincial scoring system in order to receive an invitation.
The BC PNP Tech Pilot is a specialized pathway designed to expedite permanent residence for international tech talent and recent graduates with offers of employment in British Columbia. It supports the province’s thriving tech industry by fast-tracking applications for individuals working in one of 29 eligible tech occupations.
To be eligible, candidates must first register in one of B.C.’s provincial immigration streams and secure a valid job offer for a position lasting at least 12 months. Applicants are assessed through the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), which scores profiles based on language ability, education, work experience, and job offers in B.C.
Since the beginning of 2021, the BC PNP has conducted 19 draws and issued nearly 3,000 invitations across various streams, demonstrating the province’s strong demand for skilled talent and its commitment to bolstering the local economy.
For those in the federal Express Entry pool, receiving a nomination from British Columbia adds a significant advantage. Nominated candidates receive an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a future federal Express Entry draw.
The Tech Pilot was originally launched in 2017 to support the growth of B.C.’s tech sector by attracting globally competitive talent. It has been extended several times due to its ongoing success, with the latest extension valid until at least June 2021.
According to Maple News, this initiative continues to provide future-focused immigration solutions while addressing critical labor market shortages in the province’s technology ecosystem.