On March 9, the province of British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held a Tech Pilot draw inviting 95 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination.

The candidates were invited through the BC PNP’s Tech Pilot, which focuses on targeting candidates with experience in in-demand tech occupations in the province. For this draw, candidates were invited through the province’s Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration streams. 

The minimum provincial score for this Tech Pilot draw were as follows: 

• Express Entry BC stream:
  • Skilled Worker: 80 points 
  • International Graduate: 80 points
• Skills Immigration stream:
  • Skilled Worker: 80 points
  • International Graduate: 80 points

As of this draw the BC PNP has now held a total of 12 draws this year. To date, the province has now issued a total of 1,952 invitations to apply for a provincial nomination. 

Candidates who have received an invitation for this Tech Pilot have 30 calendar days to successfully apply for the PNP nomination. 

What is the BC Tech Pilot?

In 2017, the BC PNP launched their Tech Pilot to focus on inviting skilled workers and international graduates with experience in in-demand tech occupations in the province. The pilot was created to address BC’s lack of access to global talent to support their growing tech sector. Since its launch in 2017, the pilot has been extended several times, most recently until June of this year. 

Candidates who are interested in applying must register a profile in one of the BC PNP’s immigration streams. To register, candidates must submit a profile through BC’s online portal and register through their Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). For Express Entry candidates, an active profile in the federal Express Entry system is also required.

After registration, applicants are then evaluated based on a number of factors, such as education, work experience, and ties to the province. Candidates are then given a ranked score based on these factors that determines whether or not they will receive an invitation to apply for provincial nomination. 

The BC PNP holds a Tech Draw every week. Candidates who wish to apply must have an active SIRS profile and must have at least a valid job offer of at least one year in one of the Tech Pilot’s 29 eligible occupations.

How to Apply 

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