British Columbia’s newest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw took place on October 16, 2024, as part of the province’s ongoing efforts to lure in businesses and talented individuals. By attracting foreign workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who can boost the province’s economy, the BC PNP is a crucial immigration route intended to assist British Columbia in meeting its labour market demands.
In the October 16 draw, a total of 189 invitations were issued across different streams. The draw targeted various categories under the BC PNP Skills Immigration program, which aims to address labour shortages in high-demand occupations across the province.
Draw Summary
In the most recent BC PNP general draw, 102 invitations were extended to candidates in both the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, including those in the Express Entry categories. Notably, the minimum cutoff score decreased by one point compared to the previous draw.
Additionally, 38 invitations were issued to applicants with experience as early childhood educators or assistants (NOC 42202). Another 28 invitations were given to candidates with backgrounds in 39 healthcare-related occupations.
In British Columbia’s newest category-based draw, which was introduced in late 2023, 21 invitations went to individuals with experience in 25 construction-related jobs.
Full Details of Latest BC PNP Draw: October 16
Date | Draw type | Stream | Minimum Score | Number of invitations |
October 16, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 127 | 102 |
Skilled Worker – EEBC option | 127 | |||
International Graduate | 127 | |||
International Graduate – EEBC option | 127 | |||
Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) | Skilled Worker, International Graduate(includes EEBC option) | 83 | 38 | |
Targeting 25 Construction occupations | 89 | 21 | ||
Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations | 99 | 28 | ||
Veterinary care | 80 | <5 |
Comparison Between October 16 and October 8
The BC PNP draws held on October 16 and October 8, 2024, show several key differences and similarities. In the October 16 draw, a total of 102 invitations were issued in the general draw for Skilled Workers and International Graduates, both for the regular and Express Entry streams, with a minimum score of 127.
In comparison, the October 8 draw issued 44 invitations for early childhood educators at the same minimum score of 83 as of October 16. The construction category received 25 invitations, with a score of 89, while healthcare-related profiles saw 21 invitations, also maintaining the minimum score of 99. A major difference in the October 8 draw was the inclusion of a tech-specific category, which saw 83 invitations at a score of 116, whereas the October 16 draw did not feature a tech-targeted draw. Both draws issued less than five invitations for veterinary care occupations, with a consistent minimum score of 80.
Healthcare Occupation
- 30010 Managers in health care
- 31100 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- 31101 Specialists in surgery
- 31102 General practitioners and family physicians
- 31110 Dentists
- 31112 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
- 31120 Pharmacists
- 31121 Dietitians and nutritionists
- 31200 Psychologists
- 31201 Chiropractors
- 31202 Physiotherapists
- 31203 Occupational therapists
- 31204 Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
- 31209 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
- 31300 Nursing coordinators and supervisors
- 31301 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- 31302 Nurse practitioners
- 31303 Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals
- 32101 Licensed practical nurses
- 32102 Paramedical occupations
- 32103 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
- 32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
- 32110 Denturists
- 32111 Dental hygienists and dental therapists
- 32112 Dental technologists and technicians
- 32120 Medical laboratory technologists
- 32121 Medical radiation technologists
- 32122 Medical sonographers
- 32123 Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
- 32124 Pharmacy technicians
- 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians
- 32200 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
- 33100 Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
- 33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
- 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- 33103 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
- 41300 Social workers
- 41301 Therapists in counselling and related specialised therapist
- 42201 Social and community service workers
Construction Occupations
- 22114 Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
- 72102 Sheet metal workers
- 72103 Boilermakers
- 72104 Structural metal and plate work fabricators and fitters
- 72105 Ironworkers
- 72106 Welders and related machine operators
- 72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 72201 Industrial electricians
- 72300 Plumbers
- 72301 Steamfitters, pipefitters, and sprinkler system installers
- 72302 Gas fitters
- 72310 Carpenters
- 72311 Cabinetmakers
- 72320 Bricklayers
- 72400 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- 72401 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- 72402 Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
- 72500 Crane operators
- 73100 Concrete finishers
- 73101 Tilesetters
- 73102 Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers
- 73110 Roofers and Shinglers
- 73111 Glaziers
- 73112 Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
- 73113 Floor covering installers
What to Expect Next?
British Columbia continues to conduct regular draws under its PNP program, with a focus on high-demand occupations and priority sectors. The BC PNP has evolved to meet the province’s changing needs, offering targeted draws to address specific labour market gaps.
Candidates who receive an invitation to apply (ITA) through the BC PNP can then apply for Canadian permanent residency, helping them secure a future in one of Canada’s most attractive provinces for skilled immigrants.
Maintaining an active Expression of Interest (EOI) profile and raising your score through experience or language learning can greatly increase the likelihood that you will be invited to subsequent draws.
When is the next Draw
The draw occurs once every week, targeting key occupations that have labour shortages. You can expect another BC PNP draw on 23rd October, 2024.
Subscribe to stay tuned for further updates on BC PNP draws and changes to the program with TheCanadaTime.