British Columbia conducted two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws on March 8. In the latest BC PNP draw, the province invited 204 applicants from Skills Immigration (SI), and Express Entry BC (EEBC) streams for provincial nomination.
The candidates invited were from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled subcategories of SI and EEBC stream under BC Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP).
Out of 204, 191 immigrants were invited through a general BC PNP draw. This included candidates from all three subcategories, and the minimum score requirement varied according to the program (ranging between 77 and 128).
| NUMBER OF INVITATIONS (NOI) | CATEGORY | MINIMUM SCORE |
| 191 | SI – Skilled Worker | 112 |
| SI – International Graduate | 100 | |
| SI – Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 77 | |
| EEBC – Skilled Worker | 128 | |
| EEBC – International Graduate | 114 |
The remaining 13 applicants were issued invitations through a targeted draw. Applicants with only two specified occupations were invited through this BC PNP draw. The two occupations are retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 0621) or restaurant and food service managers (NOC 0631). These candidates were from the Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories of SI and EEBC streams under BC PNP. The minimum cut-off score was 128 for all programs.
| NUMBER OF INVITATIONS (NOI) to NOC 0621 and NOC 0631 | CATEGORY | MINIMUM SCORE |
| 13 | SI – Skilled Worker | 128 |
| SI – International Graduate | 128 | |
| EEBC – Skilled Worker | 128 | |
| EEBC – International Graduate | 128 |
British Columbia’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) has many applicants registered in its labour market sectors. As a result, BC PNP has been holding a separate draw twice every month, targeting these two occupations only since 2021.
Candidates invited in this draw have to submit their application for provincial nomination within 30 calendar days.
After the recent BC PNP draw, the total invitations issued this year reached 1,678.
BC PNP draw
BC PNP is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) of British Columbia. It is a pathway for aspirants willing to become Canadian permanent residents. The PNP aims to integrate foreign workers who are qualified and meet the province’s labour market requirements. Candidates willing to settle and work in British Columbia can apply for a provincial nomination through the BC PNP.
BC PNP operates through two main streams – Skills Immigration Stream and Express Entry British Columbia stream, and these are further divided into various subcategories. The Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) of British Columbia manages the BC PNP draw.
Candidates who meet any stream or subcategory requirements can apply online through SIRS. Scores are awarded to registered applicants based on several factors, including their academic credentials, employment experience, language skills, and other characteristics.
The BC PNP holds regular draws in which the applicants with the highest scores in each subcategory are invited. Candidates who get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have 30 calendar days to submit their application for provincial nomination.
It takes two to three months for the application to be approved by the authorities. Successful candidates receive a provincial nomination, which can be used to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Candidates who receive a provincial nomination can increase their CRS base score by 600 points if they add the nomination to their Express Entry profile. As a result of their high score, they have a better chance of receiving an ITA in the next federal Express Entry draw. Starting on the day it is confirmed, a provincial nomination is valid for six months.
Through a free assessment form provided by Canadian Visa News, you can test your eligibility and learn about different alternatives for immigrating to British Columbia.
