Overview
BC PNP Tech is British Columbia's priority pathway for workers in in-demand technology occupations. It is not a separate stream: eligible candidates register through BC PNP Skills Immigration or the Express Entry BC option, and those with a qualifying tech job offer have historically been selected through tech-focused draws. Launched as the BC Tech Pilot in 2017 and made permanent in 2021, it helps BC employers retain international tech talent. BC has recently changed how tech candidates are selected, so we confirm the current approach first.
Who it’s for
- Software developers, engineers and IT professionals with a BC job offer
- International graduates launching tech careers in BC
- Tech workers in BC on a work permit who want permanent residence
Key requirements
- A job offer from an eligible BC employer in one of BC's designated technology occupations
- Meet all criteria of the BC stream you register under, such as Skilled Worker or International Graduate
- Relevant education and experience — for example, at least two years of skilled experience for the Skilled Worker stream
- A wage consistent with BC rates for the occupation
- Language test results that meet the minimum for your stream
- A valid federal Express Entry profile, if you apply under the Express Entry BC option
- Legal status in Canada, if you are currently living here
How it works
- 01
Confirm your occupation
We check whether your job and NOC 2021 code fall within BC's current tech priorities and which stream suits you best.
- 02
Register with BC
We complete your BC PNP registration and, if you qualify, your federal Express Entry profile.
- 03
Receive an invitation
BC invites registrants through its draws. Its approach to selecting tech candidates has changed over time, so we monitor every round for you.
- 04
Submit your BC application
Within 30 days of your invitation, we prepare and file your complete application with your employer's supporting documents.
- 05
Nomination & permanent residence
Once you are nominated, we file your PR application — through Express Entry with 600 additional CRS points, or as a base application.
Advantages
- Technology occupations have historically received priority in BC's selection draws
- Combine with Express Entry BC for 600 CRS points and faster federal processing
- No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required for the provincial nomination
- Nominees may be eligible for a work permit support letter while PR is processed
Good to know
- Program details have changed recently — BC has revised how tech candidates are selected, and the occupation list and draw approach may change again.
- BC has paused or limited some Skills Immigration streams, and its allocation changes yearly — we confirm the current status during your consultation.
- A tech job offer does not guarantee an invitation; selection depends on your registration score and BC's priorities.
FAQ
Is BC PNP Tech a separate stream?
No. You register under an existing Skills Immigration stream or the Express Entry BC option; a qualifying tech job offer may give you priority in BC's selection.
What happened to the BC Tech Pilot?
The pilot launched in 2017 and became the permanent BC PNP Tech program in 2021. The pilot name is no longer used.
Which occupations qualify?
BC maintains a list of eligible technology occupations by NOC 2021 code, covering roles such as software and computer engineers, programmers, web developers, IT specialists and some engineering and digital media jobs. The list is updated from time to time.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often — we confirm the latest requirements for your situation during your consultation.