Maple News reports that British Columbia invited a new batch of skilled tech professionals and entrepreneurs to apply for provincial nomination on December 1, 2020. The latest draw under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) resulted in a total of 79 immigration candidates receiving invitations, highlighting the province’s continued focus on attracting top-tier talent to support its innovation economy.
Out of the total, 68 invitations were issued through the Express Entry BC (EEBC) and Skills Immigration streams. These invitations targeted candidates in the Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories under the BC PNP Tech Pilot—a program designed to meet the growing demand for tech talent in British Columbia. To qualify, candidates were required to have a valid job offer in one of the eligible tech occupations. The minimum score to receive an invitation in this draw was 80 across all categories.
In addition to tech professionals, the province also reached out to entrepreneurial talent. Eleven invitations were issued through the Entrepreneur Immigration stream, which helps British Columbia attract individuals capable of investing in and operating businesses in the province. To be considered, candidates needed a minimum score of 121.
British Columbia conducts PNP draws on a weekly basis, strategically inviting candidates who align with the province’s labor market needs and economic priorities. These targeted draws offer a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the region’s development and economic resilience.
Candidates interested in the Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC streams must start by registering through the BC PNP’s online portal and submitting their details to the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Profiles are scored based on key factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and intended employment location in British Columbia.
Those who receive a provincial nomination gain a significant advantage when applying for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as it adds 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under the Express Entry system.
The BC PNP Tech Pilot, an initiative aimed at sustaining British Columbia’s fast-growing tech sector, continues to serve as a vital tool for employers facing chronic talent shortages. The province’s ongoing commitment to welcoming technology professionals and entrepreneurs positions it as a forward-thinking hub for innovation and business development in Canada.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on future draws and provincial immigration updates as part of ongoing coverage of Canadian immigration pathways.