British Columbia Announces Latest PNP Draw for 2024

On October 16, 2024, British Columbia held its latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, inviting around 189 candidates to apply for permanent residency (PR). These invitations were issued across both general and targeted categories, providing opportunities for skilled workers, international graduates, and specific occupations in demand across the province.

In the general draw, 102 invitations were extended to individuals under the skilled worker and international graduate streams, including those aligned with the Express Entry system. The cutoff score for this general round dropped slightly by one point compared to the previous draw, offering more candidates the chance to apply.

Apart from the general draw, targeted invitations were also issued in specific sectors. Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) were one of the main focus areas, with 38 invitations sent to individuals with experience in this profession. This targeted draw continues to recognize the demand for childcare professionals, reflecting the province’s commitment to addressing labor shortages in crucial sectors like education.

Another 28 invitations were extended to candidates with experience in 39 healthcare-related occupations. Healthcare workers remain a priority as British Columbia seeks to strengthen its healthcare system by inviting more qualified professionals to immigrate. This is particularly relevant in light of ongoing global health challenges, which have heightened the demand for medical expertise and support staff.

Additionally, 21 invitations went to applicants with experience in 25 construction-related occupations. This draw highlights the province’s emphasis on infrastructure development and the growing need for skilled tradespeople in the construction industry. These invitations were part of a new category-based draw introduced in late 2023, which seeks to directly target high-demand occupations.

These targeted invitations, along with the general draw, demonstrate British Columbia’s proactive approach to attracting skilled talent that aligns with the province’s labor market needs. The BC PNP continues to evolve its draw categories and score requirements to ensure a steady influx of workers in areas of critical importance.

The detailed breakdown of the October 16 draw is as follows: 

• Skilled workers and international graduates (including Express Entry BC options) needed a minimum score of 127.
• Entry-level and semi-skilled candidates required a minimum score of 110.
• Early childhood educators and assistants needed a score of 83 for an invitation.
• Healthcare professionals required a score of 99.
• Construction workers needed a minimum score of 89.

This draw follows a similar pattern to earlier draws in October. On October 8, 2024, another targeted round issued invitations to 44 early childhood educators and assistants, 25 construction workers, and 21 healthcare professionals. Additionally, the October 8 draw focused on 35 tech-related occupations, inviting 83 candidates with a minimum score of 116. The October 2 draw invited 81 candidates in a general draw, with a cutoff score of 128 for skilled workers and international graduates.

British Columbia's PNP draws continue to provide vital pathways for immigration, ensuring that the province can meet its evolving economic and social needs. With a focus on both general talent pools and specific in-demand occupations, these draws help secure the future growth of British Columbia's workforce.