Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

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British Columbia Invites 488 Nominee Candidates in Latest Draw

Published on: September 1st, 2021

By: Lauren Boorman

The minimum points requirement continues to fall for general BCPNP draws, inviting candidates with some of the lowest scores seen this year.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) held a draw on August 31, 2021. In their most recent round of invitations, the province issued 488 invitations to Skills Immigration candidates. This is the largest BCPNP draw held since March 2021.

BCPNP has continued to target candidates under NOC codes 0621 and 0631 separately and more competitively than other occupations. This higher points requirement is due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on B.C. businesses. BCPNP may adapt these draws later in response to changing labour market needs.

Targeted BCPNP draw: 21 invitations

This draw invited applicants with NOC codes 0621 and 0631 only. This round of invitations required candidates in these occupations to have a minimum scores of 106. This is the same score that was targeted in BCPNP’s previous draw for these occupations.

Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:

• Skilled Worker: 106
• International Graduate: 106

BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score: 

• Skilled Worker: 106
• International Graduate: 106

General BCPNP draw: 467 invitations

The following BCPNP draw targeted all other NOC codes. The minimum score selected has been steadily decreasing throughout the 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.