The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is now prioritizing skilled workers in 25 new construction occupations, effective November 16, 2023.
If you’re an electrician, plumber, carpenter, or any of the many tradespeople essential to building and construction, British Columbia might just be your next big move.
On November 16, BC PNP held its first targeted draw for these 25 new construction occupations for permanent residency, sending out only 12 PR invitations.
These invitations were sent across various provincial Skills Immigration categories, including their corresponding Express Entry streams.
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Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for this program, applicants must have a valid B.C. trades qualification. This includes:
- A SkilledTradesBC trades certificate
- An apprenticeship recognized by SkilledTradesBC
These qualifications ensure that the workers are well-prepared to contribute to the B.C. employment market immediately.
‘Homes for People’ Action Plan
This new focus of the BC PNP aligns seamlessly with the province’s ‘Homes for People’ action plan. This plan is a five-year initiative aimed at addressing the urgent need for residential housing and infrastructure development in British Columbia.
Previous Focus Areas
Prior to this expansion, BC PNP targeted early childhood educators, tech, healthcare occupations, veterinarians, animal health technologists, and veterinary technicians.
New List of 25 Construction Occupations Eligible For BC PNP
Below is the list of 25 new construction occupations eligible for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP):
- 22114 Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
- 72102 Sheet metal workers
- 72103 Boilermakers
- 72104 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- 72105 Ironworkers
- 72106 Welders and related machine operators
- 72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 72201 Industrial electricians
- 72300 Plumbers
- 72301 Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
- 72302 Gas fitters
- 72310 Carpenters
- 72311 Cabinetmakers
- 72320 Bricklayers
- 72400 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- 72401 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- 72402 Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- 72500 Crane operators
- 73100 Concrete finishers
- 73101 Tilesetters
- 73102 Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
- 73110 Roofers and shinglers
- 73111 Glaziers
- 73112 Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
- 73113 Floor covering installers