The British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program (BC PNP) operates the BC PNP Tech, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for candidates in in-demand tech occupations. The BC PNP Tech program offers expedited processing for eligible candidates, granting them a work permit support letter to apply for a temporary work permit and an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence. The BC PNP Tech is not an immigration program, but registered candidates who meet the requirements of the BC Tech program may benefit from accelerated processing and other advantages through the BC PNP Skills Immigration programs.
BC PNP Tech Eligible Occupations
To be eligible for the BC PNP Tech program, the job offer must meet specific criteria. The position must be one of the 29 in-demand tech occupations and must have a minimum duration of one year. If the candidate is already employed in the same position by the same employer, they must have at least 120 days of employment remaining at the time of their application submission.
NOC Code | Job Title |
0131 | Telecommunication carriers managers |
0213 | Computer and information systems managers |
0512 | Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts |
2131 | Civil engineers |
2132 | Mechanical engineers |
2133 | Electrical and electronics engineers |
2134 | Chemical engineers |
2147 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
2171 | Information systems analysts and consultants |
2172 | Database analysts and data administrators |
2173 | Software engineers and designers |
2174 | Computer programmers and interactive media developers |
2175 | Web designers and developers |
2221 | Biological technologists and technicians |
2241 | Electrical and electronics engineers technologists and technicians |
2242 | Electronic service technicians (households and business equipment) |
2243 | Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics |
2281 | Computer network technicians |
2282 | User support technicians |
2283 | Information systems testing technicians |
5121 | Authors and writers |
5122 | Editors |
5125 | Translators, terminologists and interpreters |
5224 | Broadcast technicians |
5225 | Audio and video recording technicians |
5226 | Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts |
5227 | Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting photography and the performing arts |
5241 | Graphic designers and illustrators |
6221 | Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade |
BC PNP Tech Application Procedure
The British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program (BC PNP) Tech is integrated with the BC Skills Immigration programs, specifically the BC Skilled Worker and BC International Graduate programs. To be eligible for the BC PNP Tech program, foreign nationals must confirm their suitability by checking if their National Occupation Classification (NOC) code aligns with one of the 29 in-demand tech occupations. Eligible candidates can initiate their application by registering a profile on BC PNP Online.
The BC PNP Tech application process follows the same procedure as the BC Skills Immigration program for which the candidate is eligible. Additionally, the BC PNP Tech program offers several benefits to applicants, including increased opportunities for the invitation to apply, expedited processing times, and access to “concierge services” for employers to facilitate the hiring process.
