BC PNP Issues Wave of Invitations for In-Demand Occupations

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has issued invitations in its latest provincial draw held on January 16, 2024. A total of 193 invitations were issued across five priority occupations - childcare, construction, healthcare, tech, and veterinary care.

In the childcare category, 53 invitations were issued to candidates with a minimum score of 60 points on the BC PNP points grid. For construction occupations, 20 invitations went out with a minimum score requirement of 75 points. Healthcare workers received 29 invitations at a minimum score of 60 points.

The tech sector saw the bulk of invitations at 91, requiring candidates to have a minimum score of 103 points. Finally, the veterinary care occupation saw less than 5 invitations issued to candidates with 60 points or higher. 

All invited candidates applied through the BC PNP Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories. The International Graduate category includes eligible candidates from the Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) stream.

More About the BC Provincial Nominee Program 

The BC PNP is one of Canada's popular provincial nominee programs. It allows the province to nominate qualified workers and graduates who wish to immigrate to BC permanently.

There are different categories under the BC PNP: 

• Skilled Worker category - for skilled workers with an in-demand job offer in BC
• International Graduate category - for recent graduates from a BC institution
• Entrepreneur Immigration category - for experienced entrepreneurs wishing to operate a business in BC

Successful nominees receive a provincial nomination certificate which can then be used to apply for Canadian permanent residence. 

How to Apply for BC PNP and Next Steps

To be considered for future BC PNP draws, eligible candidates need to complete the following steps:

1. Take an eligibility assessment to determine which BC PNP category to apply under 
2. Prepare an online application and submit the required supporting documents
3. Score enough points on the BC PNP selection factors to meet the minimum draw cut-off

Candidates who are invited will receive instructions on the next steps for provincial nomination. This includes submitting a full application to the BC PNP office for assessment. 

If approved as a provincial nominee, applicants can then apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

The BC PNP aims to attract qualified, in-demand talent to help drive economic growth in the province. Future draws are expected in 2024 as BC continues welcoming skilled immigrant workers.