• Posted 04-Apr-2022

Healthcare workers, ECEs the focus of changes to BC PNP

On March 10, 2022, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs announced that British Columbia is responding to the crucial need for more healthcare workers and early childhood educators (ECEs) by implementing changes to the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Skills Immigration stream to prioritize these occupations and increase support for the care economy.

The Key changes to BC PNP include:
TheTargeted 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.  

The Healthcare assistants and dental assistants have been added to the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category as eligible occupations.

The Targeted invitations to apply (priority access) replaces the registration points awarded for high demand occupations in the Labour Market Outlook.

The Periodic general draws will be conducted for other skilled and semi-skilled workers who meet program criteria.

The Invitations to apply can be based on various factors that support B.C. government priorities.

The Health Care 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.

The Workers in the 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.

The Employer requirements are updated with new or clarified conditions.

Other changes to the Skills Immigration categories include clarifying or adjusting criteria and updating definitions.