British Columbia invited 158 candidates in the weekly PNP draw

On August 27th, 2024, British Columbia held its latest Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP draw), inviting skilled workers and international graduates to apply for provincial nomination. 

This PNP draw continued to reflect BC’s focus on addressing labor market needs in key sectors, such as technology, healthcare, and childcare, which are essential to the province’s economic growth.

Key Highlights of the August 27th, 2024 BC PNP Draw

1. Total Invitations Issued:
   • In this draw, BC PNP issued invitations to 158 candidates across various categories. This is a consistent number compared to previous draws, highlighting the province’s commitment to attracting skilled talent.
2. Targeted Occupations:
   • Tech: A significant portion of the invitations was directed toward tech occupations. This is in line with BC’s ongoing focus on supporting its thriving technology sector.- 69 invitations have been sent in a targeted PNP draw for 35 tech occupations under the Skilled Worker and International Graduate stream as well as their express entry variants.
   • Childcare: In addition to tech professionals, the PNP draws targeted childcare workers, reflecting BC’s efforts to strengthen essential services. This includes roles such as early childhood educators.40 invitations have been sent to profiles that have experience as early childhood educators’ assistants or instructors (NOC 42202).
   • Healthcare: This includes roles such as registered nurses, and healthcare assistants.18 profiles created with experience in 39 healthcare-related occupations received invitations to apply for permanent residency.
   • Construction-related occupations: 31 applicants with experience in 25 construction-related occupations were invited for British Columbia’s newest category-based draw, introduced in late 2023.

3. Minimum Scores: The minimum score required to receive an invitation in this PNP draw varied by category, with tech professionals needing a score of 118 or higher. Healthcare 99 CRS  and childcare workers required slightly lower scores 83, reflecting the province’s prioritization of these critical sectors.

Breakdown of August 27, 2024 PNP Draw

Implications for Prospective Applicants

The August 27th PNP draw emphasizes to potential applicants how important it is to focus on high-demand industries like technology, healthcare, and child care. Given that British Columbia is actively working to alleviate labor shortages and promote important businesses, candidates possessing these kinds of talents are more likely to be invited. Additionally, the BC PNP may offer better chances to people who are ready to relocate to rural areas.

Steps for Successful Application

1. Ensure Eligibility:
   • Review the specific requirements for the BC PNP categories and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the stream you are applying to.
2. Optimize Your Profile:
   • Aim to maximize your points in the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) by improving factors such as language proficiency, education, and work experience.
3. Stay Informed:
   • Keep up to date with the latest BC PNP draws and updates. Monitoring trends can help you understand which occupations are in demand and what minimum scores are required.
4. Consider Regional Opportunities:
   • If you are open to settling in smaller communities, explore the opportunities available through BC PNP’s regional focus. These areas may offer more accessible pathways to nomination.

35 Tech Occupations

1. 10030 Telecommunication carriers managers
2. 20012 Computer and information systems managers
3. 21100 Physicists and astronomers
4. 21210 Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
5. 21211 Data scientists
6. 21220 Cybersecurity specialists
7. 21221 Business systems specialists
8. 21222 Information systems specialists
9. 21223 Database analysts and data administrators
10. 21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
11. 21231 Software engineers and designers
12. 21232 Software developers and programmers
13. 21233 Web designers
14. 21234 Web developers and programmers
15. 21300 Civil engineers
16. 21301 Mechanical engineers
17. 21310 Electrical and electronics engineers
18. 21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
19. 21320 Chemical engineers
20. 21399 Other professional engineers
21. 22110 Biological technologists and technicians
22. 22220 Computer network and web technicians
23. 22221 User support technicians
24. 22222 Information systems testing technicians
25. 22310 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
26. 22312 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
27. 50011 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting, and performing arts
28. 51111 Authors and writers (except technical)
29. 51112 Technical writers
30. 51120 Producers, directors, choreographers, and related occupations
31. 52119 Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, and the performing arts
32. 52112 Broadcast technicians
33. 52113 Audio and video recording technicians
34. 52120 Graphic designers and illustrators
35. 53111 Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography, and performing arts assistants and operators

Healthcare Occupation 

1. 30010 Managers in health care
2. 31100 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
3. 31101 Specialists in surgery
4. 31102 General practitioners and family physicians
5. 31110 Dentists
6. 31112 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
7. 31120 Pharmacists
8. 31121 Dietitians and nutritionists
9. 31200 Psychologists
10. 31201 Chiropractors
11. 31202 Physiotherapists
12. 31203 Occupational therapists
13. 31204 Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
14. 31209 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
15. 31300 Nursing coordinators and supervisors
16. 31301 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
17. 31302 Nurse practitioners
18. 31303 Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals
19. 32101 Licensed practical nurses
20. 32102 Paramedical occupations
21. 32103 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
22. 32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
23. 32110 Denturists
24. 32111 Dental hygienists and dental therapists
25. 32112 Dental technologists and technicians
26. 32120 Medical laboratory technologists
27. 32121 Medical radiation technologists
28. 32122 Medical sonographers
29. 32123 Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
30. 32124 Pharmacy technicians
31. 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians
32. 32200 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
33. 33100 Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
34. 33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
35. 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
36. 33103 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
37. 41300 Social workers
38. 41301 Therapists in counseling and related specialized therapies
39. 42201 Social and community service workers

Construction Occupations

1. 22114 Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists 
2. 72102 Sheet metal workers
3. 72103 Boilermakers
4. 72104 Structural metal and plate work fabricators and fitters
5. 72105 Ironworkers
6. 72106 Welders and related machine operators
7. 72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
8. 72201 Industrial electricians
9. 72300 Plumbers
10. 72301 Steamfitters, pipefitters, and sprinkler system installers
11. 72302 Gas fitters
12. 72310 Carpenters
13. 72311 Cabinetmakers
14. 72320 Bricklayers
15. 72400 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
16. 72401 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
17. 72402 Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
18. 72500 Crane operators
19. 73100 Concrete finishers
20. 73101 Tilesetters
21. 73102 Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers
22. 73110 Roofers and Shinglers
23. 73111 Glaziers
24. 73112 Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
25. 73113 Floor covering installers

When is the next BC PNP Draw in 2024?

The next BC PNP draw for 2024 is expected to be announced on September 3 and is anticipated to be general and targeted rounds of invitations for early childhood educators, 35 tech occupations, 25 Construction occupations, and 39 Healthcare occupations. BC usually holds PNP draws on Tuesdays or Wednesdays of each week. The draws are divided into general draws and specialized draws that are specific to technology or healthcare.