British Columbia Invites 74 in Latest Tech Draw

The British Columbia Nominee Program (BCPNP) has held their second tech draw of the month, inviting 74 eligible candidates to apply for nomination.

These candidates were selected based on their eligibility for the BCPNP Tech program. Those invited must have also qualified for one of BCPNP’s Skills or Express Entry Immigration streams and hold a job offer in B.C.’s 29 eligible tech occupations.

The number of invitations issued has increased since the previous tech draw, which invited just 51 eligible candidates. This is largest tech draw held since May 2021.

To date this year, BCPNP Tech has issued 1,280 invitations to qualifying candidates. The same time last year, B.C. had invited 1,505 candidates in tech specific draws.

August 24th BCPNP draw results: 74 invitations

The minimum targeted SIRS score has remained at 80. This score has been selected in all but one BC PNP Tech round of invitation this year.

Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:

• Skilled Worker: 80
• International Graduate: 80

BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score: 

• Skilled Worker: 80
• International Graduate: 80

How does BCPNP work?

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) divides their skilled worker immigration programs into two main streams: Express Entry and Skills Immigration. Each stream has additional immigration pathways. The programs for Skills Immigration and Express Entry are essentially the same; however, the Express Entry pathway offers an accelerated option for candidates who are eligible to submit an Express Entry profile.

Candidates that meet the requirements for BC’s Skilled Worker, International Graduate, or Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker pathways can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province. Once a candidate creates an EOI profile, they are ranked by the province’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), and given a “SIRS” score. The highest-ranking candidates will then receive an invitation from BC to apply for nomination. After receiving an invitation, candidates have 30 days to prepare and submit their online application to the province.

After approximately 2-3 months, a decision will be made on a candidate’s application. Should a nomination be received, a candidate may submit an application to the federal government for Permanent Residence. Candidates eligible under B.C.’s Express Entry stream will be eligible for an accelerated 6 month processing of their application. Those who have submitted under B.C.’s Skills Immigration will be invited to submit a non-Express Entry application for permanent residence.

What is the benefit of BCPNP Tech?

In response to a labour market demand for certain tech occupations, the BCPNP Tech program offers a fast-tracked pathway to foreign workers and international students that can fill this gap.

The BCPNP Tech programs holds weekly draws with consistently lower points requirements than non-tech draws. Those with a qualifying tech job offer also benefit from faster application processing times. Overall, these candidates are in a stronger position to receive a nomination and more quickly than non-tech candidates.

Do I need an LMIA for BCPNP Tech program?

British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) offers work permit support letters to successful nominees. These letters allow applicants to apply for a work permit. In other words, these applicants do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is the result of a provincial-federal agreement that allows the province to issue these letters and bypass the lengthy LMIA process. However, BC employers must still fill a Job Offer form, which requires some details of the company’s recruitment efforts to hire a Canadian permanent resident or citizen.