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The demand for technology talents in the Canadian province of British Columbia is increasing at a fast pace. As technology is a sector that contributes significantly towards the economic growth of the province, the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology gives utmost priority to attract and retain the best tech talents. It was with this aim, BC PNP Tech Pilot was launched under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) in 2017.
What is BC PNP Tech Pilot?
BC PNP Tech Pilot is a fast-track immigration pathway for in-demand foreign workers and international students. It aims to attract skilled workers to the province of British Columbia, meet the demand for technology talent of the tech companies, and expand the technology talent pool of the province. BC PNP Tech Pilot sends invitations to qualified registrants with valid job offers in the 32 key technology occupations every week. The major advantage for candidates invited under the BC PNP Tech Pilot is that they enjoy speedier processing of their applications. But in order to be eligible, the applicants must have a full-time indeterminate job offer from an eligible BC employer.
BC PNP Tech Pilot: In-demand occupations
Under the BC PNP Tech Pilot scheme, invitations are sent to only the qualified individuals in any one of the 32 in-demand occupations identified in the 2016 Tech Talent BC Report. These occupations are identified by their respective National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. They are:
| Occupation | NOC |
| Purchasing managers | 0113 |
| Telecommunication carriers managers | 0131 |
| Computer and information systems managers | 0213 |
| Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts | 0512 |
| Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations | 1123 |
| Civil engineers | 2131 |
| Mechanical engineers | 2132 |
| Electrical and Electronics engineers | 2133 |
| Chemical engineers | 2134 |
| Computer engineers(Except software engineers and designers) | 2147 |
| Information systems analysts and consultants | 2171 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 2172 |
| Software engineers and designers | 2173 |
| Computer programmers and interactive media developers | 2174 |
| Web designers and developers | 2175 |
| Biological technologists and technicians | 2221 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 2241 |
| Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) | 2242 |
| Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics | 2243 |
| Computer network technicians | 2281 |
| User support technicians | 2282 |
| Information systems testing technicians | 2283 |
| Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants | 4163 |
| Authors and writers | 5121 |
| Editors | 5122 |
| Translators, terminologists and interpreters | 5125 |
| Broadcast technicians | 5224 |
| Audio and video recording technicians | 5225 |
| Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts | 5226 |
| Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts | 5227 |
| Graphic designers and illustrators | 5241 |
| Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade | 6221 |
The process
An eligible candidate can register online for the BC PNP Tech Pilot for free after which he/she will receive a registration score. In the registration process, the candidate must provide information regarding his/her supporting BC employer. The highest scoring applicants will receive invitations following the weekly tech draw of the BC PNP Tech Pilot. In order to receive the invitation, the applicant and the employer must meet all the required criteria. From the date when the applicant receives the invitation, he/she can submit a complete online application within 30 days. The application fee is $700.
The applications are processed on priority basis. The selected candidates will receive a nomination under BC PNP with which they can apply for permanent residence in Canada.
The nominated candidates who meet the conditions will receive a work permit support letter. With this letter, they can apply for or renew their work permit. It means, they can keep working throughout the process.
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