BC PNP Tech Pilot Program

British Columbia PNP Tech Pilot Program

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech allows the technology sector in BC to attract and retain the talent it needs to grow the sector further. BC PNP Tech was originally launched in 2017 as a pilot project in response to the fast-growing demand for talent in BC's technology sector. In June 2021, the province made the pilot a permanent program. The initiative aims to attract skilled workers and meet the demand for technology talent by expanding British Columbia's pool of skilled workers.

How it works

The BC PNP Tech is only open to people who are already eligible for either the Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC stream of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. The BC PNP issues invitations on a weekly basis to qualified registrants who have a valid job offer in one of the 29 eligible occupations.

Job offers under the BC PNP tech must:

• be for one of the 29 eligible occupations under the BC PNP Tech.
• be at least one year in duration (365 days); and
• have 120 calendar days remaining at the time of application.

The free registration process includes providing information about the applicant’s supporting B.C. employer. To be issued an invitation to apply, both the applicant and his or her employer must meet all program requirements at the time of registration. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee that the applicant will be invited to apply. For the BC PNP Tech the minimum duration of the job offer is 365 days, as opposed to the other BC PNP streams which require a job offer for an indeterminate duration. A job offer that is longer than a year will continue to be eligible for the Tech. The job offer must also be full-time and from an eligible employer in the province. The BC PNP supports employers to attract and retain needed talent by providing an expedited immigration pathway for internationally trained workers who have the critical skills, experience and qualifications needed by BC employers, as well as international students who have completed their education in BC or elsewhere in Canada and have the critical skills required for BC’s technology sector. The BC PNP will continue to invite candidates under different categories of its Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), depending on their job, work experience, and level of education.

BC PNP TECH application process

Once a candidate has determined his or her category, he or she may register online and receive a registration score. Registration is free. Every week (subject to processing capacity), the BC PNP will conduct a tech draw to invite the highest-scoring technology sector registrants to apply. Invited candidates to have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete online application.

The BC PNP will process the application on a priority basis.

If approved, the applicant receives a nomination that he or she can use to apply for permanent residence.

Individuals who have been nominated and who meet the conditions of their nomination will receive a work permit support letter that allows them to obtain or renew their current work permit allowing them to work throughout the process.

The BC PNP Tech features

• Dedicated concierge service

Tech employers have access to relevant immigration information.

• Weekly invitations for tech registrants to apply.

Tech employers have timely access to qualified individuals in the 29 eligible tech occupations.

• Priority processing

Dedicated BC PNP Tech Team and next business day assignment of tech applications in the 29 occupations.

The BC PNP says most applications are processed within two to three months.

• Focused outreach and engagement

BC PNP sessions and events tailored for the tech sector, including one-on-one employer support.

BC PNP Tech Pilot Program Occupation List