Points Cut-off Drops to 70 in Latest BCPNP Tech Draw

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) has issued 108 invitations to candidates eligible under the BCPNP Tech program. In the most recent BCPNP Tech draw, the SIRS points requirement dropped to 70. This SIRS cutoff is one the lowest ever for a BCPNP Tech draw.

Candidates that received an invitation in B.C.’s most recent round of invitations had submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile and hold a job offer in one of BCPNP’s 29 eligible tech occupations. As well, eligible candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for one of BCPNP’s Skills or Express Entry Immigration streams.

To date this year, BCPNP Tech has invited 1,496 qualifying candidates. Last year, a total of 1,855 nominations were issued to BCPNP Tech candidates. Tech nominations accounted for 30% of all Skills Immigration nominations in 2020. According to BCPNP’s 2020 Statistical Report, six of the top ten occupations that were nominated last year were tech occupations.

While the minimum SIRS points requirement has remained at 80 for most of the year, this draw targeted candidates with a minimum score of just 70 points. This is among the lowest scores ever targeted for a BCPNP Tech draw.

October 5th BCPNP draw results: 108 invitations

The minimum required SIRS score has dropped to 70; previously, the minimum targeted score had remained at 80 in all but one BC PNP Tech draws this year.

Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:

• Skilled Worker: 70
• International Graduate: 70

BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score: 

• Skilled Worker: 70
• International Graduate: 70

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.