Recent British Columbia PNP Tech Pilot Draws
British Columbia (BC) continues to prioritize its tech sector through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot. On June 1st, BC issued 68 invitations to workers in the technology and information technology sectors. British Columbian invitations targeted individuals who met the requirements of the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration categories and had a job offer in one of BC’s 29 in-demand tech occupations. To qualify for this draw, candidates needed a minimum score of 80.
Comprehensive Sector-Specific Invitations
Tech Occupations Take the Lead
In a subsequent BC PNP Tech Pilot Draw on September 26, BC issued 204 invitations, with 127 specifically allocated to candidates in tech occupations. These invitations encompassed individuals from various streams under the BC PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry categories. Notably, the cutoff score for this tech-targeted draw increased by 2 points compared to the previous tech-only draw on September 12, highlighting the competitiveness of BC’s tech sector.
Opportunities for Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
Additionally, BC extended 49 invitations to candidates with experience in early childhood education and assistance, categorized under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 42202. Recognizing the importance of nurturing its young population, BC prioritizes professionals in this field to ensure the well-being and development of its children.
Welcoming Healthcare Professionals
Moreover, the September 26 draw included 28 invitations specifically directed towards individuals in 39 different healthcare-related occupations. BC continues to seek skilled healthcare professionals to contribute to the sector’s growth and efficiency.
Diverse Occupations Recognized
Furthermore, BC allocated a small number of invitations (less than 5) to other priority occupations falling under NOCs 31003 and 32104. This reflects BC’s commitment to embracing a wide spectrum of talents and skills.
Understanding the Scoring and Ranking System
When candidates apply for an Expression of Interest profile, the Skills and Immigration Registration System (SIRS) assigns them a score based on economic factors related to the job offer and the candidate’s potential to settle in the province. BC uses this score to rank candidates and determine who receives an invitation. For the BC PNP Tech Pilot Draw, the minimum score required is set at 80.
Differences Between Express Entry and Skills Immigration Pathways
Express Entry Pathway
- Firstly, Candidates must submit an Expression of Interest and be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile. Secondly, BC’s point system differs from the federal Express Entry system, requiring candidates to meet provincial requirements. Finally, Candidates who receive a provincial nomination under BC Entry Pathways can earn an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Applications for permanent residence through the Express Entry system are processed within six months.
Skills Immigration Pathway
- However, PR provincial nominee applications outside of Express Entry take approximately 15 to 19 months for complete processing.
Processing Time for BC PNP
For candidates invited through the Skills Immigration category, the processing time is estimated at approximately three months. This timeframe also applies to post-nomination requests. Processing timeframes are based on 80% of cases and commence once BC PNP receives a candidate’s complete application after selecting them in a draw.
What’s Next for BC PNP Draws in 2023?
The next anticipated BC PNP draw is scheduled for October 4, 2023. This upcoming draw is expected to encompass both general and targeted invitations. The focus will be on welcoming candidates specializing in 39 healthcare occupations, early childhood educators, and other priority occupations categorized under NOCs 31103 and 32104.
Q&A Section
- What is the minimum score required for the BC PNP Tech Pilot Draw?
- For one thing, Candidates need a minimum score of 80 to qualify for the BC PNP Tech Pilot Draw.
- How many invitations did BC issue in the latest BC PNP Tech Pilot Draw?
- BC issued a total of 68 invitations in the latest BC PNP Tech Pilot Draw.
- What is the estimated processing time for candidates invited through the Skills Immigration category?
- In this case, the estimated processing time for candidates invited through the Skills Immigration category is approximately three months.
