Recent Prioritization of 25 New Construction Occupations in the BC Provincial Nominee Program

Effective November 16, 2023, the BC PNP has announced a strategic move to prioritize 25 new construction occupations. By prioritizing these occupations, the BC PNP aims to address the pressing need for skilled labor in the construction industry.

“BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Skills Immigration is a way for workers and recent graduates with the skills, experience and qualifications needed by BC employers to permanently settle in BC.”

Aligning with the Homes for People Action Plan

This prioritization aligns with the province’s comprehensive Homes for People action plan, which outlines a strategic approach to tackle the demand for residential housing and infrastructure over the next five years. BC PNP aims to contribute significantly to the successful implementation of this action plan.

Targeting Workers with Valid BC Trades Qualifications

BC PNP is specifically targeting workers with a valid BC trades qualification. This includes individuals with a SkilledTradesBC trades certificate or those who have registered for an apprenticeship program recognized by SkilledTradesBC. If you have employees who fall under these categories, they may be eligible for prioritized immigration processing.

BC PNP Requirements for Workers

Workers in the construction sector must meet the following requirements to benefit from targeted invitations to apply:

• They must have a job offer from an eligible BC employer for an indeterminate, full-time position in one of the priority construction occupations;
• The workers must have a valid trade certificate issued by, or an apprenticeship registered with SkilledTradesBC
  • The trade certificate must correspond with the job offer

Priority construction occupations:

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

Occupations listed here are not the only ones eligible for the BC PNP.  Priority occupations may receive a targeted invitation once a registration is submitted.

Apprentice Registration Requirements from SkilledTradesBC

• There currently are no specific requirements someone must follow in order to sign up as an apprentice. So long as they wish to, and have a willing sponsor (employer), they can register into the Apprenticeship Pathway.
• In order to “progress” through the apprenticeship, the candidates will need to be legally allowed to work in BC. A Study Permit may be required if they’re looking to attend schooling.
  • Schools in BC often only have “International” education for the first (entry) level of an apprenticeship.
  • Subsequent levels will require “Permanent Residency” or “Citizenship” status

Employer Requirements from SkilledTradesBC

• There are no specific requirements an employer must meet in order to sponsor/take on an apprentice.
• SkilledTradesBC suggests that the employers are, at the very least, sponsoring apprentices in a field that is relevant to the types of work/field the employer is in.
• SkilledTradesBC suggests that the employer has certified individuals within the same trades as the apprentices they’re sponsoring.

How This Affects Your Organization

As an employer in Canada, especially if you operate in the construction industry, this announcement could be of significant benefit to your organization. The prioritization of these construction occupations may streamline the immigration process for your skilled workers or potential hires, ensuring a more efficient and timely arrival of talent and promoting employee retention.

Next Steps for Employers

If you have employees who may qualify under these new prioritizations or if you are considering hiring skilled workers in these construction occupations, you can find detailed information on the official BC PNP website or book a consultation with one of our immigration consultants for personalized guidance.

Written on December 13, 2023 by Marie Malkrabova