Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
B.C. Invites Skilled Workers and Entrepreneurs in Latest Draws
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) has invited over 419 candidates in their most recent Expression of Interest nominee draws.
On October 13, 2021, BCPNP invited 409 Skills Immigration and Express Entry candidates to apply for provincial nomination.
Additional invitations were also issued under the BCPNP Entrepreneur Immigration streams. A total of ten candidates were invited under the Base Category, and less than five candidates were invited under the Regional Pilot program.
Candidates whose occupation falls under retail and wholesale trade managers or restaurant and food service managers were once again invited in a separate draw. This targeted draw was first implemented due to the high volume of candidates in the Expression of Interest pool with these occupations. B.C. may adjust the draw requirements in response to labour market needs.
Candidates that receive a nomination from B.C. may subsequently apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Targeted BCPNP draw: 101 invitations
This draw targeted candidates with National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes 0621 and 0631 only. Those in B.C.’s Expression of Interest pool with these NOC codes required a minimum SIRS score of 104 to receive an invitation in this draw. This score requirement has decreased by one point from BCPNP’s previous draw for these occupations.
Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 104
- International Graduate: 104
BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 104
- International Graduate: 104
General BCPNP draw: 308 invitations
The below draw targeted all other NOC codes. BCPNP has targeted slightly higher points requirements than the previous draw. The previously targeted minimum scores were some of the lowest seen all year in a general draw.
Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 87
- International Graduate: 76
BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 91
- International Graduate: 78
- Entry level and semi-skilled: 69
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 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 will be eligible to submit an application to the federal government for Permanent Residence. Candidates eligible under BC’s Express Entry stream will be eligible for an accelerated 6-month processing of their application. Those who have submitted under BC’s Skills Immigration will be invited to submit a non-Express Entry application for permanent residence.
Do I need a job offer for B.C.’s Nominee Programs?
Unless you are eligible for B.C.’s International Post-Graduate category, you will require a job offer and support of a B.C. employer to qualify for BCPNP Skills Immigration. However, candidates may not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for B.C. immigration.
British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) offers work permit support letters to successful nominees. BCPNP candidates can then use this letter to apply for work authorization in lieu of 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. B.C. 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.
A recent report from Statistics Canada revealed British Columbia has seen a notable increase in employment this September 2021, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. What better time for hopeful newcomers to take the first step towards obtaining Canadian permanent residence?
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