The British Columbia government has launched a new Provincial Nominee Programme Tech Pilot to expedite the processing of immigration candidates in key in-demand technology occupations.
Weekly invitations will be issued to candidates in one of 32 identified occupations that are in-demand in the province’s technology sector.
The BC PNP will issue invitations on a weekly basis to qualified registrants in the BC PNP registration system, while also continuing to invite non-tech candidates through its other immigration initiatives. Candidates invited under the Tech Pilot will benefit from expedited processing under the BC PNP.
A soft launch of the Tech Pilot has already taken place, with technology-only draws being made since May 2017. The initiative was formally launched on 28th August.
“The B.C. technology sector is a major driver of economic growth in the province with tech employment at its highest level ever recorded,” a statement said. “The demand for talent in BC’s tech sector is increasing faster than the supply.”
Applicants require a full-time, indeterminate job offer from an eligible employer in BC. The BC PNP offers different categories for individuals under its registration System, depending on their job, work experience, and level of education.
Once a candidate has determined his or her category, he or she may register online for free and receive a registration score. Every week (subject to processing capacity), the BC PNP will conduct a tech draw to invite the highest-scoring technology sector registrants to apply. Invited candidates then have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete online application. The government application fee is CDN$700.
Eligible occupations for the BC PNP Tech Pilot
– Purchasing managers
– Telecommunication carriers managers
– Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
– Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
– Civil engineers
– Mechanical engineers
– Electrical and electronics engineers
– Chemical engineers
– Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
– Information systems analysts and consultants
– Database analysts and data administrators
– Software engineers and designers
– Computer programmers and interactive media developers
– Web designers and developers
– Biological technologists and technicians
– Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
– Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
– Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
– Computer network technicians
– User support technicians
– Information systems testing technicians
– Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants
– Authors and writers
– Editors
– Translators, terminologists and interpreters
– Broadcast technicians
– Audio and video recording technicians
– Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
– Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts
– Graphic designers and illustrators
– Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade
Article published 1st September 2017