B.C. PNP Tech Pilot extended indefinitely, renamed B.C. PNP Tech
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (B.C. PNP) has extended the Tech Pilot indefinitely and renamed the program, B.C. PNP Tech.
The B.C. PNP Tech was established to provide B.C. tech employers with the ability to recruit and retain foreign skilled workers when local talent is unavailable.
The B.C. PNP Tech offers a prioritized pathway to permanent residence to people in twenty-nine (29) technology occupations. As well, the program provides candidates with the opportunity to contribute to the province’s shared prosperity and build a life in B.C.
Tech entrepreneurs and skilled workers from overseas can help frow B.C.’s technology sector, leading to more jobs for British Columbians.
B.C. PNP Tech has supported over 6,000 tech workers to be nominated for permanent residence since the program launched in May 2017. The B.C. PNP Tech helps employers address their talent needs by providing a fast-tracked, immigration pathway for in-demand foreign skilled workers and international students.
There are four (4) main features of the B.C. PNP Tech in response to the industry needs: service, timeliness, prioritization, and engagement.
- Service – There is a dedicated BC PNP concierge for technology employers which provides tailored information and assistance for immigration programs and processes.
- Timeliness – There are weekly invitation rounds for qualified skilled tech workers.
- Prioritization – Tech applications are prioritized during processing to meet the industry’s fast-paced demands.
- Engagement – There is continuous support for employers in the tech sector through proactive activities and participation in industry events.
The 29 eligible occupations for the B.C. PNP Tech are below.
|
NOC |
Job Title |
|
0131 |
Telecommunication carriers managers |
|
0213 |
Computer and information systems managers |
|
0512 |
Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts |
|
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 |
|
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 |
Candidates need a valid job offer for a job in one of the eligible occupations to be considered. A valid job offer means that the position must last at least one year (365 days) and must have at least 120 days remaining at the time of the application.