British Columbia PNP changed the point system on November 16, 2022, for applicant allocations. Additionally, BC PNP reflected the modifications in its points system according to the recent update of the NOC system. The points system is similar to the programs under Express Entry as it assesses a candidate’s eligibility.
British Columbia PNP- points system new changes
However, the BC PNP points system reflects the changes in the following ways:
- There are currently no points allocated to NOC skill levels. Usually, Canada categorizes jobs based on the NOC, but according to the recent changes in NOC, the job classification falls under the TEER system.
- Consequently, increased points have been distributed across human capital and economic factors. The human capital factors include skills, educational experience, and an individual’s accomplishments. On the other hand, economic factors include employment offer, income, and employment district.
- Additionally, extra points are dedicated to professional designations and language proficiency in French and English.
- Further points will add to prior work or study experience gained outside Vancouver.
Refer to the table below for the new changes.
| Scoring Selections | Max Points | |
|---|---|---|
| Human Capital Factors | Work Experience (directly related) | 40 |
| Highest Education Level | 40 | |
| Language Proficiency in English or French | 40 | |
| Economic Factors | Hourly Wage (B.C. Job Offer) | 55 |
| The area within British Columbia | 25 | |
| Total Points Available | 200 | |
Details of the new modifications
BC PNP implemented the following changes in its point allocation system after the NOC update. The changes are as follows:
Zero point allocation under NOC skill levels
The most prominent change in British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program is the removal of points based on the applicant’s job offer under NOC skills levels. Earlier, the points system distributed at least 60 points based on the NOC skill levels. However, the allocations are at present based on factors including human capital and economic factors.
Re-distributing the points
With the recent removal of points for NOC job offers, other factors in human capital or economic factor are going to receive more value.
These factors include the following:
- The weightage for directly related work experience has increased from 40 to 60 points.
- More importance will be given to the highest education level with an increase of points from 25 to 40.
- Earlier language abilities in French and language received 30 points; however, now it will receive 40 points.
- Hourly wages of employment offer will receive more points, from 50 to 55.
- A total of 25 points will be allotted to areas within British Columbia. This is an increase from 10 points.
Professional designations- change in British Columbia PNP point system
The primary change in the distribution of points under economic factors includes 5 extra points given to applicants for holding any professional designations. Moreover, these designations even include valid trade certificates from either Skilled Trades BC or Industry Training Authority British Columbia. There are specific references provided on page 56 of the program guide under BCPNP.
CLB 9 provides a full score for language proficiency
The previous CLB score required for language proficiency in French or English language was 10 and now the CLB must be 9. The Canadian Language Benchmark is given for official language tests. Currently, the CLB score of 9 will equal the full 30 points. Additionally, there’s another slight change as an applicant qualifying for both English and French skills will get additional 10 points.
Change in weightage for locations within British Columbia
Previously, the points system for locations outside Vancouver receive points based on a tier system. However, the scoring system includes the following:
- No points are distributed for employment in Vancouver districts.
- The Squamish, Chilliwack, Mission, Agassiz, and Abbotsford districts will receive 5 points for employment.
- Areas in British Columbia will receive 15 points.
Applicants with regional work experience or education will receive 10 additional points. Initially, the points were allotted based on one year of experience in Canada.
Higher wage
The wage benchmark witnessed the last significant change in the criteria so that the maximum number of points can be allotted to income. This means an allocation of 5 additional points from 50 to 55.
Initially, the annual salary required by the province to attain maximum points was $100,000. However, the benchmark has shifted to an annual salary of $145,000. Only 33 points will be given to those earning $100,000 annually. Conversely, earlier candidates received 50 points for the same annual salary.
