BC PNP Draw Issues: 187 Invitations
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP Draw) issued 187 new invitations across multiple streams in a draw held on March 12, 2024. This draw aimed to prioritize provincial labor needs in several key occupations through targeted scoring requirements.
The Tech Sector Receives Highest Number of Invitations,
The tech sector received the highest number of invitations, with 65 candidates with experience in 35 in-demand tech occupations invited. However, they also had to meet the highest score requirement of 113 points for both the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration/International Graduate categories.
This high score threshold underscores the intense competition for tech talent that British Columbia faces. By setting a higher bar, the province can ensure it attracts highly skilled workers in roles like software engineering, computer programming, data analysis, and cybersecurity.
Addressing Childcare Workforce Challenges
In a push to address childcare workforce challenges, BC invited 54 candidates with experience, as early childhood educators or assistants. The minimum score requirement of 75 for the Express Entry BC stream made this an accessible pathway.
Given the societal importance of affordable childcare, the province has prioritized this occupation to provide more quality child care spaces for BC families.
Construction Sector Invitations
Thirty invitations also went to candidates in 25 construction-related occupations like contractors, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. With a minimum score of 80 for the Skills Immigration and International Graduate streams, BC looked to award these invitations to more experienced tradespeople.
This new construction category aims to bolster BC’s residential and commercial construction workforce to better meet housing demands across the province.
Healthcare Sector Continues to be a Priority
Healthcare featured again, with 38 candidates from 39 different medical occupations like doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists invited through Express Entry BC with a minimum 75 score requirement.
Continued healthcare labor shortages mean BC is prioritizing the recruitment of healthcare professionals through all available economic immigration pathways.
Veterinary Care Invitations
A small number of candidates (under 5) also received invitations for veterinary care roles requiring a minimum 75 score, likely to supplement BC’s animal health workforce.
MARCH 12 LATEST BC PNP DRAW
| Date | Draw type | Stream | MinimumScore | Number of invitations |
| March 12, 2024 | Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 75 | 54 |
| Targeting 25 Construction occupations | 80 | 30 | ||
| Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations | 75 | 38 | ||
| Targeting 35 tech occupations | 113 | 65 | ||
| Veterinary care | 75 | <5 |
By issuing targeted invitations across multiple key occupations, the BC PNP Draw can strategically search for skilled workers that align with the province’s most pressing labor needs. Look for more strategic, categorized draws focused on domestic priorities in the months ahead.
