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British Columbia in its latest PNP Tech Pilot draw, sent invitations to 74 applicants to apply for permanent residence.

Applicants under the Express Entry British Columbia and Skills immigration categories were issued invitations to apply for Canada PR.

Skilled Worker and International Graduate subcategories applicants with a minimum provincial score of 80 received invitations. The minimum provincial score for Tech Pilot remains the same in its 80s throughout the year.

What is a BC PNP Tech Pilot?

The BC PNP Tech Pilot is a rapid migration route for in-demand tech employees and foreign students. Launched in 2017, the pilot program was extended several times, most recently until June 2021. To be eligible for this program, candidates must be a part of B.C.'s current provincial migration streams and also have a valid work offer of at least one year in one of the 29 eligible Tech Pilot occupations.

Candidates must create a profile through the BC PNP's online portal to apply under Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC categories and register under its Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).

Applicants are assessed and graded to decide whether they will be invited to participate in the invitation round. The score is dependent on many variables, such as the degree of schooling, years of relevant work experience and B.C. job offer.

29 Tech Pilot Occupations are:

• Telecommunication carriers managers;
• Computer and information systems managers;
• Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts;
• Civil engineers;
• Mechanical engineers;
• Electrical and electronics engineers;
• Chemical engineers;
• Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers);
• Information systems analysts and consultants;
• Database analysts and data administrators;
• Software engineers and designers;
• Computer programmers and interactive media developers;
• Web designers and developers;
• Biological technologists and technicians;
• Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians;
• Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment);
• Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics;
• Computer network technicians;
• User support technicians;
• Information systems testing technicians;
• Authors and writers;
• Editors;
• Translators, terminologists and interpreters;
• Broadcast technicians;
• Audio and video recording technicians;
• Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts;
• Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts;
• Graphic designers and illustrators;
• Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade

Express Entry and B.C. PNP

Express Entry applicants who are nominated by British Columbia will earn an extra 600 points against their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and are essentially assured an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a potential Federal Express Entry draw.

Normally, the Express Entry draws are conducted twice a month releasing approximately 4,000 invitations to immigration applicants for permanent residence in Canada.