Maple News reports that the province of British Columbia has extended invitations to 67 skilled workers and international graduates through its latest BC PNP Tech Pilot draw, held on September 8. These individuals now have the opportunity to apply for a provincial nomination toward permanent residency in Canada.
The invited candidates were selected under the Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories of both the Express Entry BC (EEBC) and Skills Immigration streams. To qualify, each candidate needed a minimum provincial score of 80, and all were required to have a valid job offer lasting at least one year in one of the 29 high-demand tech occupations supported by the Tech Pilot.
The BC PNP Tech Pilot is a fast-tracked immigration initiative designed to attract international talent in key technology fields. Since its launch in 2017, the program has played a significant role in helping British Columbia address labor shortages in its booming tech sector, which includes a growing number of global tech companies and start-ups anchoring their operations in the province.
Candidates who receive a provincial nomination under the Express Entry BC stream gain a significant advantage in the federal immigration process. Once nominated, they are awarded an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), effectively ensuring an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence in future federal Express Entry draws.
Those selected under the Skills Immigration stream will have their applications processed directly by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after securing their nomination from the province.
To enter the BC PNP pools, applicants must first register through the province’s online Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Each profile is assessed and scored based on several factors, including education, work experience, English language proficiency, and the geographic location of employment in B.C.
British Columbia continues to be a leading destination for tech professionals around the world, thanks to its robust innovation ecosystem and proactive immigration strategy. The Tech Pilot remains a crucial tool for attracting global tech talent to sustain the region’s growth and competitiveness.