It is well known that the technology sector in BC is a huge part of its economy, including the provincial government efforts to establish BC as a prefered location for new and emerging technologies. It is also known that unfortunately, the demand for talent is higher than the local workforce supply. Reports identify that access to talent is the biggest issue for the industry to grow.

Considering this scenario, the BC government has a pilot program under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to support the industry in drawing and maintaining the skilled workers it needs. It is not only developing the local talent pool but giving employers the tools to attract skilled workers from around the world.

It provides an expedited immigration pathway for:
- Internationally trained workers who have the critical skills, experience and qualifications needed by B.C. employers;
- International students who have completed their education in B.C. or Canada and have the critical skills required for B.C.’s technology sector;

Applicants need a full-time, indeterminate (permanent, or with no set end date) job offer from an eligible B.C. employer.

One of the BC PNP Tech Pilot features is weekly invitations for tech registrants to apply so employers have timely access to qualified individuals in the 32 key technology occupations. It also prioritizes the processing to meet the sector’s fast-paced demands. If you are working in the technology sector and you submit a complete application to the BC PNP, your file will be assigned to a dedicated technology sector-focused team.

List of 32 Eligible Occupations for the BC PNP Tech Pilot:

NOC Job Title
0113 Purchasing managers
0131 Telecommunication carriers managers
0213 Computer and information systems managers
0512 Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
1123 Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
2131 Civil engineers
2132 Mechanical engineers
2133 Electrical and electronics engineers
2134 Chemical engineers
2147 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
2171 Information systems analysts and consultants
2172 Database analysts and data administrators
2173 Software engineers and designers
2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers
2175 Web designers and developers
2221 Biological technologists and technicians
2241 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2242 Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2243 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
2281 Computer network technicians
2282 User support technicians
2283 Information systems testing technicians
4163 Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants
5121 Authors and writers
5122 Editors
5125 Translators, terminologists and interpreters
5224 Broadcast technicians
5225 Audio and video recording technicians
5227 Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts
5226 Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
5241 Graphic designers and illustrators
6221 Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade

What is the process for the BC PNP Tech Pilot?

The BC PNP program issues weekly invitations to qualified individuals who have a valid job offer in the 32 key technology in-demand occupations, identified by their NOC code. The job duties must accurately reflect the NOC they have identified in their application.

The applicant will have to provide information about his/her supporting employer at the time of the registration. They will only be issued an invitation to apply if both the applicant and his/her employer meet all program requirements.

The next step is to select which category would be the best fit for your application and register online with the BC PNP to receive a registration score.

The government will conduct a tech draw every week to invite the highest-scoring technology sector registrants to apply. If an applicant is invited to apply, he/she will have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete online application (which will be processed on a priority basis).

If approved, the applicant will receive a nomination that will be used to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada under the expedited Provincial Nominee Class.

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 permanent residency process.

For more information, contact us at info@verca-immi.com