British Columbia changed the candidate evaluation system
Points will now be awarded differently.
After Canada switched to a new National Occupational Classification (NOC), British Columbia not only changed the occupational requirements in its immigration program, but also the candidate evaluation system, and expanded one immigration stream.
Redistribution of points
The maximum number of points is now 200 instead of 190, and these have been redistributed. No more points are awarded for the candidate's occupation, for which up to 60 points could previously be awarded. Economic factors now get up to 80 points instead of 110, and human capital factors get up to 120 points instead of 70.
The evaluation factors are now as follows:
- human capital factors:
- work experience — a maximum of 40 points (instead of 25);
- education — a maximum of 40 points (instead of 25);
- language skills — a maximum of 40 points (instead of 30).
- economic factors:
- the wage offered — a maximum of 55 points (instead of 50);
- the employer's location in the province — a maximum of 25 points (instead of 10).
Points accrual applies to skilled immigration streams:
Maximum and additional points
Previously, you had to show level 10 on the Canadian CLB scale to get the maximum number of points for language skills. Now level 9 is sufficient. 10 extra points will be awarded to candidates who know both English and French.
The location of the employer who gave the candidate the job offer now also plays a role. If the company is in Vancouver, there will be 0 points for that. For other areas, you can get from 5 to 25 points. Even more points will be given to those who have graduated or already have work experience outside of Vancouver.
Additional points will also be awarded to applicants who have received a license or certificate from a provincial regulatory body. For example, it could be a childhood educator's license, a nurse's license, a trade certificate, or the like.
There has also been a change in the scoring for the wage listed on the job offer. The maximum number of points will be awarded to those who were offered a wage of $70 CAD per hour, or $145,000 CAD per year instead of $100,000 CAD as it was before.
Other changes
B.C. has expanded the Post-Graduate stream. Previously, only those educated in certain fields could participate. Now the restriction is only for masters, and PhDs can apply to the stream regardless of their field of study.
Another small change occurred in the Skilled Worker stream. It is now open to professors and university lecturers who have been given a time-limited work contract. Other professionals have to get a permanent job offer.
If you need help with immigration to British Columbia or other Canadian provinces, contact us for assistance.
