B.C. Emphasizes 25 New Construction Occupations for Immigration

Manitoba PNP Canada Minimum Wages Engineer Skilled Trades Draw Min. Wage Updates for Oct. 2023 Construction Worker Construction Occupation Agriculture and Construction Workers
  • November 16, 2023

As of November 16, 2023, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (B.C. PNP) has officially shifted its focus to prioritize 25 new construction occupations, reflecting a strategic move in its immigration program.

The encompassing list of prioritized occupations includes electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, concrete finishers, painters, and various other trades vital to the construction sector.

In a landmark move, the province conducted its inaugural targeted round of invitations for permanent residency specifically tailored to these 25 new construction occupations on November 16, extending a modest 12 invitations. Notably, these invitations were distributed across all categories of provincial Skills Immigration and their corresponding Express Entry variants.

This emphasis on construction occupations aligns with the province’s overarching Homes for People action plan, designed to address the pressing need for residential housing and infrastructure development in B.C. over the next five years.

To effectively tackle this challenge, targeted invitations are being extended to workers in specific occupations who also possess a valid B.C. trades qualification. This criterion ensures that nominated construction workers from B.C. are equipped to make immediate contributions to the local employment market.

A valid B.C. trades qualification encompasses a SkilledTradesBC trades certificate or an apprenticeship recognized by SkilledTradesBC.

 

New List of Construction Occupations Eligible for B.C. Immigration

  • 22114 Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
  • 72102 Sheet metal workers
  • 72103 Boilermakers
  • 72104 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
  • 72105 Ironworkers
  • 72106 Welders and related machine operators
  • 72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
  • 72201 Industrial electricians
  • 72300 Plumbers
  • 72301 Steamfitters, pipefitters, and sprinkler system installers
  • 72302 Gas fitters
  • 72310 Carpenters
  • 72311 Cabinetmakers
  • 72320 Bricklayers
  • 72400 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
  • 72401 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
  • 72402 Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
  • 72500 Crane operators
  • 73100 Concrete finishers
  • 73101 Tilesetters
  • 73102 Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers
  • 73110 Roofers and shinglers
  • 73111 Glaziers
  • 73112 Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
  • 73113 Floor covering installers

This shift in focus expands on B.C.’s previous targeted rounds of invitations, which primarily included early childhood educators, tech, healthcare occupations, veterinarians, animal health technologists, and veterinary technicians.

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