In the first draw of the month, British Columbia has issued 374 invitations under their Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP).
Once again, BCPNP has targeted NOC codes 0621 and 0631 in a separate draw with a higher minimum score requirement. These codes have been targeted more competitively due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on B.C. businesses. B.C. may adjust these draws in response to changing labour market needs in the future.
As the Canadian border begins to slowly reopen, the minimum Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) points continues to decrease from previous non-tech rounds of invitations.
Targeted BCPNP draw: 13 invitations
This draw targeted NOC codes 0621 and 0631 only. The minimum Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) points required for these targeted draws has been slowly decreasing since they began in February 2021.
Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 107
- International Graduate: 107
BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 107
- International Graduate: 107
General BCPNP draw: 361 invitations
The following BCPNP draw targeted all other NOC codes. The minimum points required for this draw type have continued to decrease to the lowest selected scores this year.
Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 89
- International Graduate: 77
BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 91
- International Graduate: 79
- Entry level and semi-skilled: 74
How does BCPNP work?
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) divides their skilled worker immigration programs into two main streams: Express Entry and Skills Immigration. Each stream has additional immigration pathways. The programs for Skills Immigration and Express Entry are essentially the same; however, the Express Entry pathway offers an accelerated option for candidates who are eligible to submit an Express Entry profile.
Candidates that meet the requirements for BC’s Skilled Worker, International Graduate, or Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker pathways can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province. Once a candidate creates an EOI profile, they are ranked by the province’s Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), and given a “SIRS” score. The highest-ranking candidates will receive an invitation from BC to apply for nomination. After receiving an invitation, candidates have 30 days to prepare and submit their online application to the province.
After approximately 2-3 months, a decision will be made on a candidate’s application. Should a nomination be received, a candidate will be eligible to submit an application to the federal government for Permanent Residence. Candidates eligible under BC’s Express Entry stream will be eligible for an accelerated 6 months processing of their application. Those who have submitted under BC’s Skills Immigration will be invited to submit a non-Express Entry application for permanent residence.
Lauren Boorman
