British Columbia Invited 76 new tech experts via PNP draw

In the recent Provincial Nominee Program, British Columbia invited applicants under the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration categories. 76 immigration applicants were selected via Tech Pilot draw to apply for such program for permanent residence on November 17.

Through the British Columbia Provincial Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot draw, selected applicants from the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories need to have at least 80 provincial scores.

Since the beginning of May, it has been seen that the bottom score of eligibility remaining in the low 80s. The BC Tech Pilot is a faster promotional immigration route for in-demand tech workers and international students.

This busting pilot program was announced in the year 2017 and with multiple measure decisions; it was extended multiple times until June 2021.

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

The program estimate and issue a score to establish the applications and to know whether they might receive an invitation to apply in a subjected invitation round. The score is evaluated considering the factors i.e. level of education, years of direct work experience, and having a B.C. employment offer.

Applicants who receive such an invitation to apply nomination get additional 600 points in their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) point table and such addition of points guarantees approval of permanent residence application.

In order to be considered for immigration to B.C. through this program, candidates need to have a valid job offer in one of  29 eligible occupations. 

Eligible occupations for the BC PNP Tech Pilot include computer and information systems managers, civil engineers, web designers and developers, translators as well as audio and video recording technicians, among many others.

In contrast to other BC PNP streams that require an offer of permanent employment, Tech Pilot job offers must have a minimum duration of one year. However, offers of employment that are more than one year in duration will still be eligible under the pilot. It is also required that the job offer be full-time and from an eligible employer in the province.

Note: Invited candidates have 30 calendar days to apply for the nomination.