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BC PNP | BC government confirms PNP Tech’s permanency

On May 28, 2021, the British Columbia Provincial Government announced its decision to make BC PNP Tech Pilot a permanent pathway. The program is now renamed BC PNP Tech, a fast-tracked channel dedicated to compensate for the province’s technology deficit.

Since its launch in May 2017, the Pilot has issued over 6,000 invitations to tech professionals. Even in the face of COVID-19, the number of nominees exhibited a steady uprising trend. In 2020, the program invited 1,855 applicants, a 23% increase from 2019’s data.

B.C.’s ambitious launch of BC PNP Tech shows its determination to expedite its technological sector. Now that the program is permanent, business have the leeway to devise their recruitment for the following years. Thus, there is no doubt that we will witness an increase in B.C.’s technological competitiveness.

Program Advantages

in response to the industry’s demands, the PNP Tech program entails 4 features: service, timeliness, prioritization, and engagement.

  • Service: There will be a specific concierge to provide program information;
  • Timeliness: BC PNP Tech will conduct weekly draws, hence minimizing the wait for candidates;
  • Prioritization: Program applications are prioritized for processing. Additionally, 80% of the application will be process in 2-3 months;
  • Engagement: Trade and Invest BC will proactively support tech employers. Simultaneously, the department will routinely hold key industry events.

Besides the previous advantages, those who apply also enjoys the following benefits:

  • The Labor Market Impact Assessment is no longer a mandatory document; and
  • The program grants work permit support letters to candidates, so that they can continue to work while waiting for their permanent residence approval.

Eligible BC PNP Tech Occupations

There are 29 tech occupations that satisfy the program’s demands. Please refer to the following chart for a detailed list of occupations.

NOC Job Title
0131 Telecommunication carriers managers
0213 Computer and information systems managers
0512 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting
and performing arts
2131 Civil engineers
2132 Mechanical engineers
2133 Electrical and electronics engineers
2134 Chemical engineers
2147 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
2171 Information systems analysts and consultants
2172 Database analysis and data administrators
2173 Software engineers and designers
2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers
2175 Web designers and developers
2221 Biological technologists and technicians
2241 Electrical and electronics engineering technologies and technicians
2242 Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2243 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
2281 Computer network technicians
2282 User support technicians
2283 Information systems testing technicians
5121 Authors and writers
5122 Editors
5125 Translators, terminologists and interpreters
5224 Broadcast technicians
5225 Audio and video recording technicians
5226 Other technical and co-ordinating occupations
in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
5227 Supporting occupations in motion pictures,
broadcasting, photography and the performing arts
5241 Graphic designers and illustrators
6221 Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade

Note: If a tech company’s hiring needs do not fall into any of these 29 categories, it can still opt for a candidate by reaching out to the concierge.

Other than occupation requirements, BC PNP Tech also specified 3 other criteria:

  1. The applicant must work full-time in any of the 29 eligible positions;
  2. The job offer must last at least a year (365days); and
  3. By the time of application, the job offer must have at least 120 days remaining.

Application Process

  1. The applicant registers for PNP eligibility under a corresponding class, e.g. skilled worker or international graduates (for more information, refer to the end of the paragraph);
  2. BC PNP issues invitation to apply (ITA) to eminent candidates;
  3. Candidates complete their applications for final review;
  4. The provincial government process PNP Tech files in priority;
  5. Those who become nominees can seek permanent residence from IRCC;
  6. Obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Regarding applicants’ varying work experience and education backgrounds, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) designated 5 categories accordingly:

  1. Skilled Worker (SI);
  2. International Graduate (SI);
  3. Entry Level & Semi-skilled worker (SI) (PNP draws from this category were rare);
  4. Skilled Worker (EEBC); and
  5. International Graduate (EEBC)

*SI: Skilled Immigration; EEBC: Express Entry BC

BC PNP Tech Draw Data (2020-2021)

Since May 2020, the program has maintained its draw score at a minimum of 80 points. As a result, a total of 2,168 candidates were nominated in 2020, exhibiting a 23% increasing from 2019.

According to the latest PNP Tech draw data this year, 928 applicants have been invited to apply. Based on trends from previous years, there will likely be an increase in numbers till the end of 2021.

Latest draw results from May 18th, 2021. A total of 82 invitations issued, with a minimum score of 80.

Results from May 12th, 2020. A total of 92 invitations issued, with a minimum score of 80.

Results from May 14th, 2019. A total of 77 invitations issued, with a minimum score of 90.

 

Since the launch of Tech Pilot in 2017, BC PNP has tightened its application criteria. By looking at past statistics, it is reasonable to say that a minimum score of 80 is IRCC’s daring concession. Except that of SI – Entry Level & Semi-Skilled Worker category, the score is unlikely to decrease.

In 2019, the U.S. Congress introduced S386, Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2019. The passing and implementation of the bill rendered many’s American dream futile. However, contrary to its neighbour, the BC PNP Tech is definitely an assurance to prospective immigrants. The program implies Canada’s gradual establishment of its global competitiveness in technology and creative arts.

In every way, BC PNP Tech is an ideal pathway to permanent residency, especially to those who want to expedite their immigration process. Therefore, we recommend eligible applicants to seek counsel from immigration professionals as soon as possible.

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