BRITISH COLUMBIA – The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot will become a permanent feature of the BC PNP, providing BC-based tech companies and offices with the continued ability to recruit international talent and support government’s work to build a strong, sustainable recovery.
The Tech Pilot was introduced in 2017 to help address the labour gap in BC’s technology industry. It lets BC tech employers continue to attract skilled workers from around the world, while allowing people in 29 tech occupations to be prioritized for permanent residency. Occupations include those in highest demand, such as computer programmers, interactive media developers and software engineers. This news will give businesses and people the certainty to plan for this year and the years ahead now that the program is permanent.
Despite the impact of COVID-19, use of the Tech Pilot has continued to steadily increase, with 1,855 tech workers nominated in 2020 – an increase of 23 per cent over the 1,509 nominated the previous year and a 63 per cent increase over the 1,135 nominated in 2018. Since inception, the Tech Pilot has supported more than 6,000 tech workers to be nominated for permanent residency in BC.
As the most comprehensive and service oriented provincial immigration initiative of its kind in Canada, the Tech Pilot also gives BC a competitive advantage over other Canadian jurisdictions when it comes to creating economic opportunities and growth in the province.
The pilot has been extended three times. When the current extension expires on June 30, 2021, the pilot will continue and be known as BC PNP Tech.
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.
For more information: www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/B-C-Provincial-Nominee-Program/BC-PNP-Tech-Pilot
