Foreign tech workers looking to immigrate to Canada have a high chance of acceptance in the province of British Columbia. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP Tech stream) is the most straightforward and also helps fast-track international workers’ processes than any other tech program.
The BC PNP Tech Stream is the best way for tech workers because this pathway first permits them to work in the province while their application for permanent residence is being processed.
Statistics from BC PNP Report showed that 1,697 nominations were issued through the BC PNP Tech Stream, specifically accounting for 27.3 per cent of the skilled workers nominated by the province.
How does the Tech Stream work?
You must first qualify for at least one other B.C. immigration program to be eligible. The BC PNP Tech Stream is a particular pathway that works within other programs. Therefore it isn’t a sole pathway alone. The candidates for the tech stream still need to meet the pathway’s basic requirements, which is to have a one-year job offer from a B.C. employer.
BC PNP Tech Stream can then fast-track the process for tech workers because of the 29 in-demand technology occupations offered in the province. These jobs are vital because they influence and build British Columbia’s economy.
The 29 eligible tech occupations in the stream are
| NOC CODE | Job Title |
|---|---|
131 | Telecommunication carriers managers |
213 | Computer and information systems managers |
| 512 | Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting, and performing arts |
| 2131 | Civil engineers |
| 2132 | Mechanical engineers |
| 2133 | Electrical as well as electronics engineers |
| 2134 | Chemical engineers |
| 2147 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
| 2171 | Information systems analysts and consultants |
| 2172 | Database analysts as well as data administrators |
| 2173 | Software engineers and designers |
| 2174 | Computer programmers as well as interactive media developers |
| 2175 | Web designers and developers |
| 2221 | Biological technologists as well as technicians |
| 2241 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
| 2242 | Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) |
| 2243 | Industrial instrument technicians as well as 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 as well as video recording technicians |
| 5227 | Support occupations in motion pictures and broadcasting, as well as photography and the performing arts |
| 5226 | Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, and the performing arts |
| 5241 | Graphic designers and illustrators |
| 6221 | Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade |
To ensure that these jobs are filled quickly with experienced candidates, British Columbia holds weekly invitations for these tech jobs. These candidates get several benefits such as priority processing and a special processing officer.
The province also helps technology employers by giving them access to a concierge service that includes a guaranteed next-business-day assignment of applications in one of the outlined jobs.
The BC PNP mainly draws from skilled workers and international graduates. The most recent draw saw the province issuing 374 invitations.
How does the BC PNP Tech Stream compare to other pathways?
Firstly, it should be noted that BC PNP Tech Stream is the easiest way to hire a foreign tech worker as a Canadian employer. However, the province does see some competition with Ontario.
Ontario also conducts tech draws through its Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream. Similar to British Columbia, the HCP is a stream designed for skilled workers looking to land a tech job in the province of Ontario.
Secondly, even though Ontario has two of the foremost technology centres in North America – Toronto and Ottawa – they lack the number of occupations provided to tech workers. The BC PNP Tech Stream has an advantage over the HCP because of the higher number of occupations offered. Ontario closes itself off to the massive market of overseas talent and gives it to British Columbia.
Thirdly, on the grander side, the Government of Canada’s federal program (The Global Talent Stream (GTS) work permit) offers a two-week processing time for candidates with a list of 12 tech occupations. However, the BC PNP Tech Stream still reigns higher because employers find it too challenging to meet the requirements of the GTS to gain access to the program.
Overall, between these two programs, the BC PNP Tech Stream positioned itself as the best way for tech workers to immigrate to Canada because of its long list of eligible occupations and the relatively easy access for employers.
Why live in British Columbia and choose the Tech Stream?
The province of British Columbia is located on the west coast of Canada and is known for its breathtaking mountains, lush forests, and rugged coastline. It’s also the only province in Canada where you can go skiing or beach on the same day.
The BC PNP Tech Stream is a perfect example of how to help the province boost the number of newcomers in an important sector because it benefits a key area of the economy.
The main features of the BC PNP Tech Stream include
- Dedicated concierge service: this function allows tech employers to have access to relevant immigration information.
- Priority processing: the pathway has a dedicated team, where each tech application is assigned to a member. This generally allows timely access to those qualified individuals to be matched with one of the 29 tech occupations.
- Weekly invitations for tech candidates: Timely access is given to individuals who qualified in the 29 occupations.
- Focused outreach and engagement: The pathway also holds sessions and tailored events for the tech sector, including one-on-one employer support.
Mana immigration can also help tech workers land their perfect job in British Columbia. Click here to fill out one of our assessment forms and one of our trusted advisors will give you a free consultation. Don’t miss the chance to work in British Columbia’s tech industry.
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