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Posted on January 18 2021

First BC PNP Tech Pilot draw of 2021

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By  Editor
Updated January 13 2024

In the latest draw held by British Columbia on January 12, 2021, as many as 80 Canada immigration hopefuls have received invitations to apply for a provincial nomination for Canada PR. As this was a Tech Pilot draw, invitations went out to candidates with a job offer in any of the 29 key tech occupations.

Providing BC tech employers with “the continued ability to recruit and retain international talent”, the BC PNP Tech Pilot has been extended until June 2021.

A fast-tracked Canada immigration pathway, the BC PNP Tech Pilot is aimed at individuals with tech skills applying for Canadian permanent residence that will be able to contribute to the “shared prosperity” of British Columbia.

British Columbia is a part of the Provincial Nominee Program [PNP] of Canada. British Columbia issues provincial nominations through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program [BC PNP].

The previous BC PNP draw – the first provincial draw by BC in 2021 – was held on January 5, 2021.

In 2020, British Columbia invited 9,000+ candidates through the Skills Immigration [SI] and Express Entry BC [EEBC] categories.

While the SI is for those with the “skills, experience and qualifications” required by the employers in BC, the EEBC category [aligned with the federal Express Entry system] is for those with the skills required to fill a high-demand occupation in BC.

600 CRS points are allotted to provincial nominees, thereby ensuring that they are issued an invitation to apply for Canada PR in the subsequent Express Entry draw to be held. ‘CRS’ here stands for the Comprehensive Ranking System [CRS] that determines as to which Express Entry candidates are invited. To be able to apply for Canada PR, the individual must first have received an invitation to apply [ITA] from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] for the same. A record-breaking 107,350 ITAs were issued by IRCC in 2020.

In the latest BC PNP draw, invitations to apply went out to candidates under 4 different BC PNP streams. The minimum score required was 80 across all the categories. By the minimum score here is implied the score allotted following successful registration under the BC PNP’s Skills Immigration Registration System [SIRS].

Overview of the January 12, 2021 BC PNP Tech Pilot draw

Total 80 invitations to apply issued across 4 streams

Invitations issued through the categories of Skills Immigration [SI] and Express Entry BC [EEBC].

Category Minimum Score
EEBC – Skilled Worker 80
EEBC – International Graduate 80
SI – Skilled Worker 80
SI – International Graduate 80

 In provincial draws that are held on a regular basis, the BC PNP invites the “highest scoring candidates in each category” to apply for a PNP nomination through British Columbia. Successful applicants can then proceed to applying to IRCC for Canada PR.

Those invited have up to 30 calendar days [from the date of invitation] for submitting a complete application through BC PNP Online.

BC PNP draws in 2021  ·       Skills Immigration [SI] ·       Express Entry [EEBC] ·       Entrepreneur Immigration [EI] 
Date Invitations issued Categories Details
January 5, 2021 168 SI and EEBC Certain occupations excluded.
January 12, 2021 80 SI and EEBC Tech Pilot draw

If you are looking to Work, Study, Invest, Visit, or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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*Looking to work in Finland? Get in touch with experts at Y-Axis to guide you with the process.
 

Finland Removes Language Barrier with English High School Curriculum

In a major step to welcome skilled foreign professionals, Finland will begin offering upper secondary education in English from August 2026. The reform, backed by legislation passed in December 2024, aims to make relocation easier for international workers with school-aged children. In addition, matriculation exams will be available in English from autumn 2028, expanding beyond Finnish and Swedish. Unlike the existing IB curriculum, this will cover the full range of upper secondary subjects. The initiative is designed to reduce language barriers and promote smoother integration for globally mobile families.

*Want to study in Finland? Let Y-Axis assist you with the procedure.  
 

What Finland’s English-Language Schooling Policy Means for International Families

Finland’s decision to expand its national education system to include English-language instruction is part of a broader strategy to attract skilled foreign professionals. The following are key points of the reform:

  • English-medium upper secondary education will begin from August 2026, following curriculum approval by the Ministry of Education.
  • Matriculation exams in English will be introduced from autumn 2028, offering the full range of national subjects.
  • The new option extends beyond the current International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes offered in select schools.
  • The policy is designed to assist international families, particularly those without proficiency in Finnish or Swedish.
  • The measure is part of Finland’s efforts to create a more accessible and globally competitive environment for skilled migrants.
     

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy!

For recent Schengen updates, check out Y-Axis Schengen news page!

 

Posted on August 04 2025
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Live in Europe

Is it possible to live in Europe with $2,000 per month?

Is it possible to live in Europe with $2,000 per month?

Highlights: Comfortable Living in Europe Possible on $2,000/Month, Says Report

  • Living in Europe on a monthly budget of $2,000 (₹1.74 lakh) is realistic in many regions beyond major cities.
  • Countries like Hungary, Greece, and Cyprus offer a balanced lifestyle with lower costs and essential amenities.
  • Budapest stands out for its affordability and quality urban living, with monthly costs between $1,200 and $1,800.
  • In Greece, sea-view homes can be rented for as low as $400/month, especially outside tourist areas.
  • Cyprus offers coastal living, low taxes, and English-speaking communities—all within a budget of $1,800/month.
     

*Want to migrate abroad? Sign up with Y-Axis to help you with the process.
 

From Hungary to Cyprus: Affordable European Destinations for Indians

If you have ever dreamed of open-air cafés, seaside sunsets, or strolls through historic European towns but worried about the cost, there’s good news. According to Forbes, a monthly budget of $2,000 (around ₹1.74 lakh) can go a long way in destinations like Hungary, Greece, and Cyprus. In Budapest, you can enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle with excellent healthcare, culture, and transport while keeping expenses between $1,200 and $1,800/month.
 

Greece offers seaside living for as low as $400/month outside the tourist hubs, and Cyprus delivers a relaxed, sun-soaked lifestyle with modern infrastructure and low taxes, all within a modest budget. These countries don’t just offer affordability, they promise community, quality of life, and accessible visa pathways, making the European dream possible for more Indians than ever before.
 

Also, read…

Top 10 countries with best work life balance in 2025
 

Top Three Budget-Friendly European Countries for Indian Citizens in 2025

For Indians seeking a slower pace of life, scenic surroundings, and affordability abroad, a handful of European countries make it possible to live comfortably on a modest monthly income. With the right location, you can enjoy a quality lifestyle, healthcare access, and community warmth, all for around ₹1.74 lakh per month.
 

The top 3 countries that are budget-friendly for Indians is as follows:
 

Hungary

  • City Highlight: Budapest
  • Monthly Cost: $1,200–$1,800
  • Why It Stands Out: Budget-friendly city life, efficient public transport, accessible healthcare, and rich cultural heritage.
     

Greece

  • City Highlight: Coastal towns beyond tourist hubs
  • Monthly Cost: $1,000–$1,700 (rent as low as $400)
  • Why It Stands Out: Warm climate, affordable coastal living, tax perks for expats, and a strong sense of community.
     

Cyprus

  • City Highlight: Beachside towns across the island
  • Monthly Cost: $1,200–$1,800 (rents between $500–$800)
  • Why It Stands Out: Low taxes, English-speaking population, modern infrastructure, and a relaxed, sunny lifestyle.
     

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No.1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!
 

For recent Schengen updates, check out Y-Axis Schengen News page!

 

Posted on August 02 2025
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