British Columbia Nominee Program (BCPNP) has invited 387 candidates in two separate draws. Following a trend seen since earlier this year, BCPNP has continued to target NOC codes 0621 and 0631 separately and more competitively.
July 6th BC PNP draw results: 387 invitations
First BCPNP draw: 45 invitations
The first draw held targeted NOC codes 0621 and 0631 only. BCPNP has continued to target these NOC codes separately and with higher points requirements. The codes were initially excluded due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on B.C. businesses. As labour market needs evolve, B.C. may adjust program requirements as needed.
Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 108
- International Graduate: 108
BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 108
- International Graduate: 108
Second BCPNP draw: 342 invitations
Subsequently, BCPNP held a draw targeting all other NOC codes. Again, BCPNP has continued to target a lower score range than previously seen this year for non-Tech draws.
Express Entry BC categories (EEBC) minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 91
- International Graduate: 82
BC Skills Immigration categories minimum SIRS score:
- Skilled Worker: 92
- International Graduate: 83
- Entry level and semi-skilled: 75
How does BCPNP work?
British Columbia’s Skills Immigration nominee program consists of five main categories – Skilled Workers, Healthcare Professionals, International Post-Graduate, and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled. All but the Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled stream have an Express Entry option to benefit from expedited Permanent Residence application processing. To submit under this option, candidates must first be eligible for one of the federal Express Entry programs.
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. Subsequently, the highest ranking candidates will receive an invitation from BC to apply for nomination. Thereupon receiving an invitation, candidates have 30 days to prepare and submit their online application to the province.
Once the processing of the application is complete in approximately 2-3 months, a decision will be made on a candidate’s nomination. Following the issuance of a nomination, a candidate will be eligible to apply to the federal government for Permanent Residence.
If the candidate has an Express Entry profile, receiving a nomination will accordingly add an additional 600 points added to their CRS score, essentially guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence. These candidates will be eligible for an accelerated 6 month processing of their application. Otherwise, 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 an LMIA for this program?
British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) offers work permit support letters to successful nominees. These letters allow applicants to apply for a work permit. In other words, these applicants do not require 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. However, BC 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.
Lauren Boorman
