A Guide to BC PNP Tech Program
Immigrate to British Columbia as a tech professional through the BC PNP Tech (formerly known as BC Tech Pilot Program). Check eligibility now.
Overview
British Columbia offers multiple provincial nominee programs for foreign skilled workers and entrepreneurs. The BC PNP Tech Program is one of the most unique streams under the British Columbia Skills Immigration Category. This stream makes it easier for British Columbia companies in the technology sector to hire foreign workers and help them settle in the province. Let’s examine the BC PNP Tech (formerly known as BC Tech Pilot Program) and its eligibility requirements.
What is the BC PNP Tech Program?
The BC PNP Tech was initially a pilot program introduced in 2017 to help meet the high demand for labor in British Columbia’s technology sector. However, the province chose to make it a permanent part of the Skills Immigration category due to its immense success.
British Columbia conducts targeted tech-only draws to guarantee that talented tech applicants have preferential access to the program.
Also, dedicated staff is assigned which allows us to process BC PNP Tech applications more quickly.
BC PNP Tech Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the BC PNP Tech program:
1. General Requirements
These are the common eligibility requirements that apply to all BC PNP Skills Immigration categories, including:
- Intention to Live in BC
- Economic Benefit to British Columbia
- Minimum Language Requirements (CLB 4)
- Valid Immigration Status in Canada
- Signed Job Offer Letter
- Employer Requirements
2. Pre-eligibility
Prospective tech stream applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the other streams under the BC PNP Skills Immigration category including:
3. Job Offer
Applicants must possess a job offer in an eligible occupation in the technology sector. This job offer must be at least one year in length. There must also be a minimum of 120 days remaining in the job offer when the applicant applies for the program.
Eligible Occupations
Prospective BC PNP Tech applicants must ensure their job offer is for one of the following TEER NOC codes and occupations:
| TEER Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 10030 | Telecommunication carriers managers |
| 20012 | Computer and information systems managers |
| 21100 | Physicists and astronomers |
| 21210 | Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries |
| 21211 | Data scientists |
| 21220 | Cybersecurity 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 |
| 50011 | Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts |
| 22312 | Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics |
| 51111 | Authors and writers (except technical) |
| 51112 | Technical writers |
| 51120 | Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations |
| 52119 | Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts |
| 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 |
If you are already working in one of the identified occupations in British Columbia then, you don’t need a new job offer. You may submit a registration with your current job offer.
Application Process: BC PNP Tech Program
BC PNP Tech is not a separate category, so it follows the same application process as the other BC PNP Programs.
1. Get a Job Offer
The first and the most crucial step is to find a job offer from a Canadian employer. You can do it from outside or while living inside BC. This might help if you don’t have a job offer and searching for how to get one: How to get a job offer from outside Canada?
2. Registration
Create their online profile using the BCPNP Online portal. Not necessary for Health Authority and International Post-Graduate category applicants. BC PNP Tech applicants will then be entered into a pool of candidates and chosen based on their Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) score. The registration is completely free.
3. BC PNP Tech Draw and ITA
After that, BC conducts a tech-targeted draw, in which you get an invitation to apply for BC PNP Tech. British Columbia invites the highest-scoring registrants to apply for PNP.
4. BC PNP Tech Application
Successful BC PNP candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and will need to complete an application through the BC PNP Online System within 30 days, pay BC PNP fees i.e. $1,150 CAD, and submit supporting documents. Processing time for most applicants is less than 2 to 3 months from the date of submission.
5. Nomination
- The province will nominate successful candidates for permanent residence.
- They will also receive additional points for their Express Entry application.
- Candidates who get the nomination through the BC PNP Tech will receive a work permit support letter.
- The individuals can apply for a temporary work permit and Canadian permanent residency.
- The work permit allows nominated individuals to work as the permanent residence application is in process with the government.
6. Applying for Permanent Residence
If you get nominated by the BC PNP, you will have 6 months from the date of your Confirmation of Nomination to apply to IRCC to become a permanent resident of Canada.
If the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRCC) approves your permanent residence application, you will be awarded a permanent resident visa, allowing you to become a permanent resident of Canada.
Your BC PNP file will be regarded as closed once you have become a permanent resident or your application for permanent residence has been denied by IRCC, and no further BC PNP help will be offered.
How ELAAR can help you?
The BC PNP Tech offers an expedited Canadian immigration pathway. Tech applicants get priority when processing Canadian immigration applications. The government offers weekly invitations to the applicants that fast-track the immigration process.
Prospective British Columbia PNP Tech applicants who wish to immigrate to Canada through this stream should contact Elaar Immigration. Our team of experienced Regulated Immigration Consultants understands the requirements for this program and can guide you through its application process.
Move to Canada through BC PNP Tech Program
Immigrate to Canada as a tech worker through British Columbia’s BC PNP Tech Category.
