Immigrants looking to enter B.C.’s workforce through a popular program that fast-tracks people through the federal immigration process will have to wait 90 days before they can send in applications once again.
B.C. Jobs Minister Shirley Bond announced Tuesday (March 31) the government is hitting the pause button on the provincial nominee program (PNP), effective immediately.
The PNP allowed Victoria to nominate 5,500 applicants seeking entry into the country.
But Bond said the program is “over-subscribed” and a three-month freeze is needed to redesign the program.
The moratorium goes into effect at the same time thousands of temporary foreign worker (TFW) visas are set to expire April 1 in the wake of changes to the federal government’s TFW program.
The only workers who will be able to submit PNP applications are those who fall under the health care professional and Northeast Pilot Project categories. Both categories face notable labour shortages.
The province said the PNP will resume in full force once again beginning July 1 with an improved application process and updated program criteria.
