The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program invited candidates from five immigration sub-categories.

 

British Columbia invited immigration candidates to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence on October 14.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued a total of 417  invitations through the Express Entry BC (EEBC) and Skills Immigration streams. Candidates were invited under the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories, as well as the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled subcategory under the Skills Immigration stream.

The minimum required score for applicants varied between 75 and 94 across all categories. Some occupations were left out of this draw due to the coronavirus pandemic affecting regional businesses. These 31 occupations can be found on the B.C. government website.

B.C. holds draws through its various PNP categories and streams on a weekly basis. Two weeks ago, the province issued 450 provincial nomination invitations in its largest draw this year.

British Columbia holds weekly Tech Pilot draws through which candidates with job offers in 29 eligible occupations are invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Launched in 2017, the purpose of the Tech Pilot is to help B.C.’s technology sector recruit IT workers to help address current labour market needs.

In order to be considered eligible under the Tech Pilot, candidates need to be registered in one of B.C.’s existing provincial immigration streams and have a valid job offer of at least 12 months in one of the Tech Pilot’s eligible occupations.

To apply for the Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC categories candidates must first create a profile through the BC PNP’s online portal and register under its Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).

Applicants are evaluated and issued a score based on factors such as level of education, work experience, proficiency in English and location of employment.

If an applicant is approved, they can then use their provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada under the Provincial Nominee Program.

Express Entry candidates who receive a nomination from British Columbia will be given an additional 600 points toward their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and are effectively guaranteed an Invitation To Apply (ITA) in a future federal Express Entry draw.

Canada just held one of its largest Express Entry draws ever, inviting 4,500 candidates to apply for permanent residence.