On September 29, 2020, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 450 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Skills Immigration (SIBC) and Express Entry (EEBC) categories to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. These streams are intended for workers or international graduates with the skills, education and/or experience required for high-demand occupations in B.C.

The excluded occupations predominantly related to tourism, hospitality, and retail due to the challenges posed as a result of the pandemic.

The minimum scores requirements for these categories have been explained in the table below:

To apply for the EEBC or SIBC candidates must first create a profile through the BC PNP’s online portal and register under its Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Registration is free.

Applicants are evaluated and issued a score based on factors such as level of education, work experience, proficiency in English and location of employment.

Express Entry candidates who receive a nomination from British Columbia will be given an additional 600 points toward their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and are effectively guaranteed an ITA in a future federal Express Entry draw.

Donoso & Partners, a leading immigration law firm based in Washington, D.C., will continue to report on developments regarding the immigration law and policy through our news section of donosolaw.com.