British Columbia PNP changes points allocations for applicants

The BCPNP has modified its points system to reflect NOC changes and importance of human capital factors. (Pexels Photo)

On November 16th 2021, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) changed its points system to modify point allocations for applicants.

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To summarize, the points system (which, like in Express Entry-managed programs is used to assess applicants’ eligibility for immigration under permanent residence) has changed in the following ways:

• Points have been removed for National Occupation Class (NOC) skill levels. The NOC system is Canada’s main way of classifying jobs, and has recently moved to a TEER classification.
• As a result, the number of points assigned to human capital (skills, experience education and competencies of the individual) and economic factors (job offer, income, district of employment) of applicants has increased;
• Additional points have been added for professional designations and language proficiency in both English and French;
• Points have been added for previous experience working or studying outside of metropolitan Vancouver.

These changes (still divided between human capital and economic factors) are reflected in the new table for points allocation:

Change #1: No points according to NOC of Job Offer

The first and arguably most notable change to the new points allocation system, is the removal of points based on the NOC skill level of the job offer of an applicant.

Previously assigned up to 60 points in value based on the NOC, these points have now been distributed across both human capital and economic factors of applicants.

Change #2: Re-allocation of points

Pursuant to the removal of points for NOC code of job offer, every other human capital or economic factor has been given an increased weightage:

• Directly related work experience now receives a maximum of 60 points (previously 40);
• Highest level of education now receives a maximum of 40 points (previously 25);
• Language proficiency in English or French now receives a maximum of 40 points (previously 30);
• Hourly wage of job offer now receives a maximum of 55 points (previously 50);
• Area within British Columbia (B.C.) now receives a maximum of 25 points (previously 10);

Change #3: Points for eligible professional designations

Another change in the points allocation for economic factors was the addition of 5 points that can be awarded to eligible professional designations held by an applicant. This includes any valid trade certificate held by SkilledTradesBC or Industry Training Authority British Columbia (ITABC); but also makes reference to specific professions on page 56 of the BCPNP program guide.

Change #4: CLB Language benchmark of 9 now receives a full score, ability in both French and English recognized

A maximum score for language ability (30 points) can now be achieved with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 9 as opposed to the previous 10. The CLB is Canada’s national standard for evaluating language ability, based on official language tests.

A further change here is that ability in both English and French is now recognized and receives an additional 10 points for applicants who have both.

Change #5: Readjusted weighting for location in British Columbia

Additional modifications have been made to the district of employment of applicants in B.C. Whereas previously select locations outside of Vancouver would receive a tiered number of points, the current scoring criteria allocates:

• 0 points for employment in the metro Vancouver district;
• 5 points for employment in the Squamish, Abbotsford, Agassiz, Mission, and Chilliwack districts; and
• 15 points, for any area in B.C. not already mentioned.

Additionally, the criteria allocate 10 additional points to individuals with specific regional education or work experience (as opposed to the previous allocation for one year of any Canadian experience).

Change #6: Higher wage ceiling

The final major change to the points criteria was a higher wage ceiling to receive the maximum number of points based on income. There are also 5 additional points available here for applicants (55, previously 50).

Whereas previously an annual salary of $100,000 would guarantee an applicant the maximum number of points in this category, B.C. has adjusted this ceiling to an annual income of $145,000; applicants who previously held a salary of $100,000 now only receive 33 points, as opposed to the old maximum of 50.

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