BC PNP Tech key features are based on service, timeliness, prioritization and engagement in response to the needs of the industry.

The program enables the province to select and nominate foreign workers, international students and entrepreneurs to help meet B.C.’s labour market needs, support government priorities, and help grow B.C.’s economy. If you are nominated, you and your family can apply to IRCC to become a permanent resident of Canada.

We offer an employer concierge service for companies wishing to support an applicant under BC PNP Tech. If you are a tech employer in B.C. and want to know more about the program or this initiative, please contact our office by emailing PNPConcierge@gov.bc.ca.

We conduct targeted tech-only draws to ensure that skilled tech applicants have priority access to the program. We also assign files to a dedicated team, resulting in more timely processing of tech applications.

We continue to proactively engage technology employers and industry stakeholders through targeted outreach and other activities, to keep up to date with the issues facing the tech sector in B.C.

Benefits to applicants: 

• an immigration pathway that does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• work permit support letters for nominees so they can apply for a new work permit or renew their current work permit and continue to work throughout the federal permanent residence process
• client support services through email and phone until permanent residence

IRCC’s role

IRCC will continue intake of EMPP applications under economic immigration pathways. IRCC is also responsible for operational oversight and policy direction of the EMPP.

The BC PNP’s role

Our role is to process registrations and applications from EMPP candidates who have the skills and experience to qualify.

As of Nov. 16, 2022, eligibility for EMPP has expanded to include permanent full-time job offers in a skilled occupation outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD).

The Province will initially target up to 50 EMPP skilled refugees who meet the program criteria and who are referred to the BC PNP by a designated NGO partner.

We are accepting registrations and applications from candidates with the skills and experience to qualify under:

• BC PNP Tech’s key technology occupations – if the job offer is within the MVRD
• All eligible Skilled Worker occupations – if the job offer is outside the MVRD