British Columbia introduced its Tech Pilot for the Provincial Nominee Program in 2017 with the intention of assisting tech industry employers in B.C. in recruiting skilled talent. In May 2021, the Tech Pilot was extended indefinitely and given a new name: BC PNP Tech.
Skilled workers in the tech industry can now use the priority technology pathway of the BC PNP’s Skilled Worker Stream as a stepping stone towards permanent residence.
Who can apply for BC PNP Tech?
Because BC PNP Tech was designed to address the distinct requirements of British Columbia’s technology sector, individuals from certain priority occupations in the tech sector do not need a permanent job offer in order to apply for BC PNP.
Individuals who meet the following criteria may be eligible to receive targeted invitations to apply for the BC PNP:
- you must have a job offer in a priority technology occupation
- your job offer must be for at least one year
- your job offer must be valid for at least 120 days when you submit your application
Eligible BC PNP Tech Occupations
The following 35 tech occupations are currently eligible for a direct invitaiton to BC PNP through the BC PNP Tech program:
| NOC | Occupation |
| 10030 | Telecommunication carriers managers |
| 20012 | Computer and information systems managers |
| 21100 | Physicists and astronomers |
| 21210 | Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries |
| 21211 | Data scientists |
| 21220 | Cybersecurity specialists |
| 21221 | Business systems specialists |
| 21222 | Information systems specialists |
| 21223 | Database analysts and data administrators |
| 21230 | Computer systems developers and programmers |
| 21231 | Software engineers and designers |
| 21232 | Software developers and programmers |
| 21233 | Web designers |
| 21234 | Web developers and programmers |
| 21300 | Civil engineers |
| 21301 | Mechanical engineers |
| 21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers |
| 21311 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
| 21320 | Chemical engineers |
| 21399 | Other professional engineers |
| 22110 | Biological technologists and technicians |
| 22220 | Computer network and web technicians |
| 22221 | User support technicians |
| 22222 | Information systems testing technicians |
| 22310 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
| 22312 | Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics |
| 50011 | Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts |
| 51111 | Authors and writers (except technical) |
| 51112 | Technical writers |
| 51120 | Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations |
| 52119 | Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts |
| 52112 | Broadcast technicians |
| 52113 | Audio and video recording technicians |
| 52120 | Graphic designers and illustrators |
| 53111 | Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators |
How do I apply for BC PNP Tech?
Tech workers who are in any of the above roles can apply for the Skilled Worker Stream of British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). You may also wish to see if you might qualify for one of the following federal Express Entry programs, which may be processed more quickly and potentially lead to alternative options for nomination from other provinces and territories in Canada:
If you are unsure of your options or which program is right for your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult with one of our expert licensed advisors.