The BC PNP Tech Pilot has been extended indefinitely and renamed BC PNP Tech to provide B.C. tech employers with the continued ability to recruit and retain international talent when local skilled workers are unavailable.
BC PNP Tech offers people in 29 tech occupations a prioritized pathway to permanent residency, and an opportunity to contribute to the Province’s shared prosperity and build a great life here in B.C.
B.C. is developing the highest quality local talent by introducing students to tech earlier, expanding tech training and education in post-secondary institutions and creating work experience opportunities. Beyond accessing the skills and talent of B.C. workers, companies need to be able to attract skilled workers from around the world. Tech entrepreneurs and skilled workers from other countries can help grow B.C.’s technology sector, leading to more jobs for British Columbians. In support of these priorities, BC PNP Tech has supported over 6,000 tech workers to be nominated for permanent residence since its launch in May 2017. BC PNP Tech helps ensure the technology sector can attract and retain the talent it needs to sustain and grow the sector further. BC PNP Tech helps employers address their talent needs by providing a fast-tracked, permanent immigration pathway for in-demand foreign workers and international students.
BC PNP Tech Features
BC PNP Tech key features are based on service, timeliness, prioritization, and engagement in response to the needs of the industry:
Service: A dedicated BC PNP concierge for tech employers provides tailored information and navigation assistance for immigration programs and processes.
Timeliness: Weekly invitations to apply are issued to qualified skilled tech workers, minimizing the wait for employers and their prospective employees.
Prioritization: Tech applications are prioritized during processing to meet the sector’s fast-paced demands.
Engagement: Continuous support is provided to tech sector employers through proactive engagement activities and participation at key industry events.
BC PNP Tech job offers
If your employee applies with a valid job offer under one of the 29 eligible occupations, their job offer must be for at least one year (365 days), and the job offer must have at least 120 days remaining at the time of application to the BC PNP.
BC PNP Tech process
Weekly invitations
Your employee must first register to be considered for BC PNP Tech. The free registration process includes providing information about your company as the supporting B.C. employer. BC issue weekly invitations to qualified registrants who have valid job offers in the 29 key technology occupations. In order to be issued an invitation to apply, both you and your employee must meet all program requirements at the time of registration. Meeting program requirements does not guarantee that your employee will be invited to apply.
Priority processing
BC prioritize applications in the 29 key technology occupations. Once your employee submits a complete application, their file will be assigned within one business day to a dedicated processing team. Processing times for 80% of BC PNP applications is 2-3 months from receipt. BC PNP Tech applications are typically processed in shorter timeframes.
Engagement and outreach
BC will continue to proactively support technology employers and industry stakeholders. Program staff conduct outreach activities and provide individualized services to employers. BC PNP Tech services are in addition to the benefits that are available to all users of our program, such as:
pathways that don’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
work permit support letters for nominees so they can apply for a new work permit or renew their current work permit and continue to work throughout the federal permanent residence process
client support services through email and phone
The complete list of the 29 in-demand tech occupations is as follows:
Job Title NOC Code
Telecommunication carriers managers 0131
Computer and information systems managers 0213
Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts 0512
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
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, 5226
broadcasting and the
performing arts
Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the 5227
performing arts
Graphic designers and illustrators 5241
Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade 6221