On March 10, 2022, many changes to the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) were announced. All changes can be found in the new version of the BC PNP Skills Immigration Program Guide that is now available.
Key changes, effective March 10, 2022, include:
- Targeted invitations to apply will give priority access to select occupations in the care economy, specifically registrants whose occupation is on a pre-determined list of in-demand health occupations as well as early childhood educators.
- Healthcare assistants and dental assistants have been added to the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category as eligible occupations.
- Targeted invitations to apply (priority access) replaces the registration points awarded for high demand occupations in the Labour Market Outlook.
- Periodic general draws will be conducted for other skilled and semi-skilled workers who meet program criteria.
- Invitations to apply can be based on various factors that support B.C. government priorities.
- The Healthcare Professional category has been replaced with the Health Authority category and is open to all occupations employed by a health authority.
- An overview of Strategic Priorities & Initiatives has been added to the website. There are no changes to BC PNP Tech.
- Workers in management occupations (grouped under Skill Type 0 in the NOC) may only register/apply under Skilled Worker categories; management occupations are not eligible under the International Graduates categories.
- The requirement of two years directly related experience under the Skilled Worker category is replaced with two years of skilled experience. NOTE: Points are rewarded for directly related work experience.
- Employer requirements are updated with new or clarified conditions.
- Other changes to the Skills Immigration categories include clarifying or adjusting criteria, and updating definitions.
