Skills Immigration - BC PNP Tech
Key Highlights
BC PNP Tech
It is a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers in sought-after tech occupations to achieve permanent residence status in British Columbia, Canada. This program plays a crucial role in aiding tech companies in the province to attract and retain international talent, especially in situations where local skilled workers are scarce.
It’s essential to note that BC PNP Tech is not a standalone immigration stream but rather a collection of streamlined administrative procedures designed to expedite the processing of skilled tech workers through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These measures include specialized draws exclusively for tech professionals, where they receive invitations to apply, and a dedicated concierge service tailored to meet the needs of tech employers.
Eligible occupations and job offers
There are select in-demand tech occupations eligible for BC PNP Tech.
- 10030 – Telecommunication carriers’ managers
- 20012 – Computer and information systems managers
- 21100 – Physicists and astronomers
- 21210 – Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
- 21211 – Data scientists
- 21220 – Cyber Security specialists
- 21221 – Business systems specialists
- 21222 – Information systems specialists
- 21223 – Database analysts and data administrators
- 21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers
- 21231 – Software engineers and designers
- 21232 – Software developers and programmers
- 21233 – Web designers
- 21234 – Web developers and programmers
- 21300 – Civil engineers
- 21301 – Mechanical engineers
- 21310 – Electrical and electronics engineers
- 21311 – Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- 21320 – Chemical engineers
- 21399 – Other professional engineers
- 22110 – Biological technologists and technicians
- 22220 – Computer network and web technicians
- 22221 – User support technicians
- 22222 – Information systems testing technicians
- 22310 – Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
- 22312 – Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
- 50011 – Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
- 51111 – Authors and writers (except technical)
- 51112 – Technical writers
- 51120 – Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
- 52112 – Broadcast technicians
- 52113 – Audio and video recording technicians
- 52120 – Graphic designers and illustrators
- 53111 – Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators
- 52119 – Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
To determine the most suitable BC PNP stream for your immigration goals, it’s crucial to consider both the general and stream-specific requirements. There are two primary streams to choose from:
- Skilled Worker Stream (which includes the Express Entry BC option)
- International Graduate Stream (also featuring the Express Entry BC option)
When applying through the BC PNP program, particularly if you hold a job offer in one of the eligible tech occupations, certain criteria must be met. Your job offer must be valid for a minimum of one year (equivalent to 365 days). Furthermore, at the time of submitting your BC PNP application, your job offer must have a remaining duration of at least 120 days.