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.

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)

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.

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.