TECH PILOT BC PNP Visa Program
The BC PNP introduced the Tech Pilot in 2017 to help B.C. tech employers address their talent needs. In May 2021, the BC PNP indefinitely extended the Tech Pilot under a new name: BC PNP Tech. BC tech employers continue to be able to recruit and retain international skilled talent with a path to permanent residence.
BC PNP Tech key features are based on service, timeliness, prioritization, and engagement in response to the needs of the industry:
- Service:Â A dedicated BC PNP concierge for tech employers provides tailored information and navigation assistance for immigration programs and processes.
- Timeliness:Â Weekly invitations to apply are issued to qualified skilled tech workers, minimizing the wait for employers and their prospective employees.
- Prioritization: Tech applications are prioritized during processing to meet the sector’s fast-paced demands.
- Engagement:Â Continuous support is provided to tech sector employers through proactive engagement activities and participation at key industry events.
There are 29 occupations that are eligible for BC PNP Tech
| NOC | Occupation |
| 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 engineering technologists and technicians |
| 2242 | Electronic service technicians (household 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 |
Weekly invitationsÂ
Your employee must first register to be considered for BC PNP Tech. The free registration process includes providing information about your company as the supporting B.C. employer.
Invitations are issued weekly to qualified registrants who have valid job offers in the 29 key technology occupations.
In order to be issued an invitation to apply, both you and your employee must meet all program requirements at the time of registration. Meeting program requirements does not guarantee that your employee will be invited to apply.
Priority processing
Priority is given to applications in the 29 key technology occupations. Once your employee submits a complete application, their file will be assigned within one business day to a dedicated processing team.
Processing times for 80% of BC PNP applications is 2-3 months from receipt. BC PNP Tech applications are typically processed in shorter timeframes.
Regional District of Employment | Points |
| Stikine, Central Coast, Northern Rockies, Mount Waddington, Skeena-Queen Charlotte, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Kootenay-Boundary, Alberni- Clayoquot | 10 |
| Kitimat-Stikine, Bulkley-Nechako, Squamish-Lillooet, Strathcona, Columbia- Shuswap, East Kootenay | 8 |
| Peace River, Comox Valley, Cariboo, Central Kootenay | 6 |
| Okanagan-Similkameen, Cowichan Valley, North Okanagan, Fraser-Fort George | 4 |
| Thompson-Nicola, Nanaimo, Central Okanagan | 2 |
| Capital, Fraser Valley | 2 |
| Greater Vancouver | 0 |
| Maximum Score Available | 10 |
Directly Related Work Experience in the Occupation of B.C. Job Offer | Points |
| 60+ months | 15 |
| 48 to 59 months | 12 |
| 36 to 47 months | 9 |
| 24 to 35 months | 6 |
| 12 months to 23 months | 3 |
| Less than 12 months | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Â | Â |
| Additional points: | Â |
| At least 1 year of directly related experience in Canada | 10 |
| Maximum Score Available | 25 |
Education | Points |
| Master’s or Doctorate/PhD | 17 |
| Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma* | 11 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 11 |
| Post-secondary Diploma/Certificate (Trades)** | 11 |
| Associate Degree | 4 |
| Post-secondary Diploma/Certificate (Non-trades) | 2 |
| Secondary School (High School) or Less | 0 |
| Â | Â |
| Additional points: | Â |
| Post-secondary education completed in B.C. | 8 |
| Post-secondary education completed in Canada (outside of B.C.) | 6 |
| Educational Credential Assessment from a qualified supplier | 4 |
| Successfully completed the Industry Training Authority British Columbia (ITABC’s) challenge certification process | 4 |
| Maximum Score Available | 25 |
Canadian Language Benchmark Level | Points |
| 10+ | 30 |
| 9 | 26 |
| 8 | 22 |
| 7 | 18 |
| 6 | 14 |
| 5 | 10 |
| 4 | 6 |
| Below 4 | 0 |
| No test | 0 |
| Maximum Score Available | 30 |
