The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) has invited 427 candidates to apply for nomination in their most recent round of invitations.
Again, the minimum Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) points requirement continues to decrease from previous non-tech rounds of invitations. The cut-off has dropped to an all-time low for the year as the Canadian border begins to slowly reopen.
BCPNP has also continued to invite candidates under NOC codes 0621 and 0631 separately with a higher minimum score requirement. These occupations have been targeted more competitively due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on B.C. businesses. BCPNP may later adjust these draws in response to changing labour market needs.
Targeted BCPNP draw: 64 invitations
This draw targeted NOC codes 0621 and 0631 only. Since these targeted draws began in February 2021, the minimum Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) points required for these targeted draws has been steadily decreasing.
Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 106
- International Graduate: 106
BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 106
- International Graduate: 106
General BCPNP draw: 363 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: 88
- International Graduate: 76
BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 91
- International Graduate: 78
- Entry level and semi-skilled: 73
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 month 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.
Do I need a job offer for B.C.’s Nominee Programs?
Unless you are eligible for B.C.’s International Post-Graduate category, you will require a job offer and support of a B.C. employer to qualify for BCPNP Skills Immigration. However, candidates may not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for B.C. immigration.
British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) offers work permit support letters to successful nominees. BCPNP candidates can then use this letter to apply for work authorization in lieu of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is the result of a provincial-federal agreement that allows the province to issue these letters and bypass the lengthy LMIA process. B.C. employers must still fill a Job Offer form, which requires some details of the company’s recruitment efforts to hire a Canadian permanent resident or citizen.