Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

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British Columbia Invites 464 Candidates to Apply for Nomination

Published on: September 15th, 2021

By: Lauren Boorman

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) has invited 464 candidates in their most recent Skills Immigration and Express Entry draws.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held a draw on September 14, 2021. In their most recent round of invitations, the province invited 464 Skills Immigration and Express Entry candidates to apply for nomination. Successful nominees may later apply for Canadian permanent residency. 

Candidates with experience in NOC codes 0621 and 0631 have again been targeted separately by BCPNP with a more competitive points requirement than other occupations. British Columbia began this draw pattern in February 2021 in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the province’s businesses. Future draw requirements may evolve in response to changing labour market needs.

Targeted BCPNP draw: 99 invitations

This targeted draw issued invitations to applicants with experience in NOC codes 0621 and 0631 only. Individuals in BCPNP’s pool of candidates with these NOC codes required a score of at least 105 to be invited 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: 105
• International Graduate: 105

BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score: 

• Skilled Worker: 105
• International Graduate: 105

General BCPNP draw: 365 invitations

The following BCPNP draw targeted all other NOC codes. BCPNP targeted the same scores as in their previous draw, which were the lowest seen all year.

Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:

• Skilled Worker: 86
• International Graduate: 75

BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score: 

• Skilled Worker: 90
• International Graduate: 77
• 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.