July 21, 2026

Dear future neighbour,

If you’ve been watching for your chance to land a British Columbia provincial nomination, this is worth paying attention to. On July 16, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) issued invitations to 569 candidates in what has turned out to be the province’s largest selection round so far this year.

This single draw pulled in more hopeful applicants than any other round British Columbia has run in 2026, and it says a lot about how the province is currently choosing its newest permanent residents.


How the invitations were split

BC didn’t invite everyone the same way. Candidates were selected through one of two routes, and the numbers tell an interesting story:

Selection criteria Details Invitations issued
Registration score Minimum of 132 points 346
Wage/salary + job offer TEER 0–3 job offer, with a wage of at least $58/hour (about $115,000/year) 223

What stands out here is that registration score-based invitations made up the biggest share of any Skills Immigration round BC has held all year. In other words, having a strong profile score mattered more in this draw than it has in previous ones.

These invitations were issued under BC’s Innovate initiative, a strategy the province uses to bring in high-impact talent across a wide range of sectors, not just the usual tech and healthcare names we tend to hear about. Interestingly, BC didn’t publish which occupations or industries the successful candidates came from this time around.


The bigger picture for 2026

This wasn’t a one-off. British Columbia has now run 16 selection rounds so far this year, with Skills Immigration candidates targeted in nine of them. Of those, six were based on the same registration score and wage criteria used in this latest draw, while three focused on candidates working in specific high-demand occupations.

Altogether, the province has sent out at least 3,676 invitations to apply through its Skills Immigration category since the year began.

BC has also been clear that future rounds won’t necessarily follow the same pattern. Selection could shift based on a candidate’s education, work experience, language ability, occupation, job offer wage, intention to settle in a specific region, or broader labour market needs. If you’re planning your move, this is exactly why staying informed (and prepared) matters.


What the registration pool looks like right now

Every candidate hoping to be invited first has to submit a registration profile, which gets scored and placed into a pool. This is how that pool looked as of July 7, the latest available snapshot:

Score range Number of registrations
0 – 59 209
60 – 69 381
70 – 79 729
80 – 89 1,227
90 – 99 1,496
100 – 109 1,728
110 – 119 1,369
120 – 129 1,058
130 – 139 440
140 – 149 34
150+ 12

With over 8,600 people in the pool and only the top scorers getting picked in each round, competition is real. A score in the 130+ range clearly gives you a much stronger shot, which is why understanding where you stand — and how to improve your profile — can make all the difference.


Ready to Make Your Move to British Columbia?

British Columbia is clearly not slowing down, and rounds like this one show just how many pathways exist for skilled workers, professionals, and job-offer holders to earn a nomination. But with scoring thresholds shifting and criteria changing from draw to draw, going in without a clear strategy can cost you time you don’t have to lose.

Whether you’re exploring provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, or school admissions, we’re here to help you figure out the smartest route forward. Book a one-on-one consultation with us today at https://euiacademy.selar.com/60minutes and let’s map out a plan built around your goals.

July 13, 2026

Dear future neighbour,

British Columbia just opened another door for skilled workers, and this time the spotlight is firmly on two groups:

  • people who care for others, and
  • people who build things.

On July 9, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) ran another targeted Skills Immigration draw, sending out 343 invitations to candidates working in care-based roles and construction trades. It’s the eighth Skills Immigration round the province has held this year, and the 15th selection overall, and it confirms something worth paying attention to: BC’s immigration priorities have genuinely shifted, and they’re not shifting back anytime soon.

Back in April, the province restructured its nomination priorities to focus squarely on healthcare and skilled trades, moving away from broader tech and entry-level pathways. This latest draw is a clear continuation of that plan, built around two of BC’s three core selection goals: care and build.

This is how the invitations broke down across occupational categories:

Core objective Occupational category Number of NOCs targeted Invitations issued Minimum score
Care Childcare 1 91 108
Care Healthcare 31 116 96
Care Veterinary care 2 <5 88
Build Construction trades 9 136 97

Construction trades came out on top in terms of sheer numbers, with 136 invitations going to workers in occupations like welding, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC. But healthcare wasn’t far behind, with 116 invitations spread across a long list of roles.


Who exactly qualified?

For childcare, only early childhood educators made the cut this round, and only those holding a valid one-year or five-year ECE Certificate from the ECE registry.

Healthcare was the broadest category by far, covering everyone from physicians, dentists, and pharmacists to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, medical lab technologists, social workers, and more. If you work in a health-related occupation in BC, there’s a good chance your role was on this list.

Veterinary care candidates needed a valid professional designation to qualify, covering veterinarians and veterinary technicians and technologists.

And for construction trades, workers needed a valid trade certificate from SkilledTradesBC, or registration in a matching SkilledTradesBC apprenticeship, to be considered.

This is BC’s third occupation-specific draw of the year. Its other rounds this year have leaned on different criteria altogether, things like registration score, salary, or job offer skill level, so the province is clearly keeping its options open on how future draws will be shaped. Going forward, BC says invitations could be influenced by education, professional designation, language ability, occupation, wage, regional intentions, or broader labour market strategy.

As of July 9, British Columbia has issued at least 3,107 invitations through its Skills Immigration category so far.


A quick look at the pool

As of July 7, there were 8,683 people sitting in the BCPNP registration pool, and here’s how their scores were spread out:

Score range Number of registrations
0 – 59 209
60 – 69 381
70 – 79 729
80 – 89 1,227
90 – 99 1,496
100 – 109 1,728
110 – 119 1,369
120 – 129 1,058
130 – 139 440
140 – 149 34
150+ 12

Most candidates sit in the 100 to 109 range, making up close to 20% of the whole pool. After this round’s 343 invitations went out, that pool has likely shrunk a bit, though the exact number will depend on expired profiles and new registrations coming in.


What this means if you’re in a care or trades occupation

If you work in healthcare, childcare, veterinary services, or the trades, this draw is a strong signal that BC still wants you. But qualifying on paper and actually building a competitive profile are two different things. Score thresholds, certification requirements, and shifting draw criteria can trip up even well-qualified applicants, and BC has shown this year that it isn’t afraid to change the rules of the game from one draw to the next.


Let’s help you turn this opportunity into a real plan

A draw like this only matters if you’re positioned to take advantage of it. Whether you’re weighing your options for Express Entry, provincial nomination, a work permit, a postgraduate work permit, spousal sponsorship, a visitor visa, a super visa, citizenship, or school admissions, getting the right guidance early can save you months of guesswork and costly mistakes. Book a one-on-one consultation with us at https://euiacademy.selar.com/60minutes and let’s discuss the path that actually fits your situation.

July 6, 2026

Dear future neighbour,

Got a business idea and dreaming of building it in Canada? British Columbia just gave entrepreneurs another reason to pay attention. On June 30, the province ran a fresh selection round through its Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) category, reaching out to business owners who want to either start something new in BC or take over and grow an existing business there.

This wasn’t a one-off. It’s actually the seventh time this year that BC has specifically targeted entrepreneurs through this program, and it’s already the second EI draw this month alone, a noticeably faster pace than the roughly one-a-month rhythm the province had been keeping through most of 2026.


See below draw details

BC’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) invited candidates from both of its EI streams, though not equally. The province leaned harder into its Base Stream this time:

Stream Minimum score Invitations issued
Base Stream 118 14
Regional Stream 113 Fewer than 5

Worth noting: aside from the February 10 round, this draw produced the highest Base Stream cutoff score and the lowest Regional Stream cutoff score of the year so far.

BC has now held 12 EI draws in 2026, seven Base Stream and five Regional Stream – issuing at least 78 invitations to apply for provincial nomination in total.


Base Stream or Regional Stream – which one fits you?

Both pathways lead to the same destination (permanent residence), but they ask different things of you along the way.

Criteria Base Stream Regional Stream
Business type Launch new or take over and grow existing Launch new business outside Metro Vancouver
Business experience 3 years as owner-manager in the last 10 years 3 years as owner-manager in the last 5 years
Education Post-secondary credential* Post-secondary credential*
Minimum language level CLB 4 CLB 4
Minimum net worth $600,000 $300,000
Minimum investment $200,000 $100,000
Minimum ownership stake 31.33% 51%
Community referral needed? No Yes
Exploratory visit needed? No Yes
Minimum registration score 115/200 105/200
Co-applicant on registration? Yes No

If you don’t have a post-secondary credential, you’ll need at least three of the past five years as an active, fully-owning business owner-manager instead.

The Regional Stream asks for a lower net worth and investment, but it comes with two extra steps:

  • finding a participating community that fits your business, and
  • completing an exploratory visit to secure a referral

The Base Stream skips those, but demands deeper pockets and a bigger investment.

From there, the path looks similar either way:

  • Develop your business proposal
  • Register and get scored on your human capital and economic factors
  • Wait for an invitation
  • Submit your nomination application within four months of getting that ITA
  • Apply for a work permit once approved
  • Get your business up and running in BC, and finally
  • Receive your nomination for permanent residence once you’ve met the program’s conditions. After that, you apply directly to IRCC for PR.

Let’s Map Your Path to Business Immigration in Canada

Numbers like these tell a bigger story, BC is actively looking for entrepreneurs, and the door is open right now. But getting from “I have a business idea” to “I have my PR” involves a lot of moving parts: choosing the right stream, building a proposal that actually scores well, and staying on top of tight deadlines once your ITA lands. A single misstep can cost you months, or the opportunity altogether.

At Ese Umoh Immigration, we help entrepreneurs, workers, families, and students find their best route into Canada whether that’s provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, or school admissions. If BC’s entrepreneur streams sound like your kind of opportunity, let’s talk it through together. Book your consultation here and let’s get your business and your future moving in the right direction.

June 22, 2026

Dear future neighbour,

British Columbia is still making moves. On June 18, 2026, the province’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) wrapped up its 13th selection round of the year, and this one was specifically targeted at what the province calls “high economic impact” candidates. A total of 279 people received invitations to apply for provincial nomination through the Skills Immigration (SI) category, making it the seventh SI draw British Columbia has conducted so far in 2026.

So who exactly got invited, and what does this draw mean for you?

Two types of candidates qualified for invitations in this round. The first group had a job offer in a TEER 0 to 3 occupation with an offered wage of at least $62 per hour (roughly $125,000 per year). The second group was selected based on their registration score, with a minimum score of 136 required to receive an invitation.

See below breakdown of draw details:

Selection Criteria Invitations Issued Minimum Score
Wage/salary + job offer TEER 0–3 job offer with an offered wage of at least $62/hour (≈ $125,000/year) N/A
Registration score Minimum point total 136

The majority of invitations which was about 53.4%, went to candidates selected by registration score rather than wage. Both categories fall under British Columbia’s “Innovate” initiative, which is the province’s way of targeting top talent across all sectors to fuel long-term economic growth. Interestingly, BC did not disclose the specific occupations or sectors of those invited in this particular draw.

One thing worth noting: this was actually the smallest SI draw the province has run all year. For context, the largest draw of 2026 took place back on April 22, when 484 candidates were invited under the same selection criteria. As of June 18, British Columbia had issued a total of 2,764 SI invitations in 2026.

It’s also good to know that high economic impact invitations aren’t always tied only to wage or registration score. Future draws could factor in things like your education level and field of study, professional designations in the province, work experience, language ability, your specific occupation, where in BC you plan to live, or broader strategic priorities tied to the province’s labour market needs.

Now let’s talk about the registration pool, because this is where it gets really useful if you’re planning ahead. As of June 2, 2026 (the most recently available data), there were 9,902 active registrations in the BCPNP Skills Immigration pool. Here’s how scores were distributed:

Score Range Number of Registrations
0 – 59 221
60 – 69 427
70 – 79 858
80 – 89 1,388
90 – 99 1,829
100 – 109 2,039
110 – 119 1,532
120 – 129 1,128
130 – 139 430
140 – 149 44
150+ 6

The biggest cluster of candidates sits in the 100–109 score range, accounting for about 20.6% of the entire pool. If your score is currently in that range, you can see just how competitive things are and why working to push your score higher could make a real difference in when you get noticed.

Beyond Skills Immigration, British Columbia has also been active on the entrepreneurship side, running six Entrepreneur Immigration selection rounds this year and inviting at least 54 entrepreneurs so far.

 

Your Path to British Columbia Starts With the Right Guidance

Whether your score is sitting comfortably above 136 or you’re still working toward that threshold, understanding exactly where you stand and what can be done to improve your chances, is the kind of clarity that changes everything. We help clients navigate provincial nomination, Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, school admissions, and more.

Book a consultation today with your preferred link below and let’s talk about what British Columbia or any other province could look like for you.

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August 26, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

British Columbia held its most recent Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) draw on August 19, 2025, focusing exclusively on the Entrepreneur Immigration Stream. The draw reflects the province’s continued prioritization of business-minded applicants who can contribute directly to BC’s economy, while general Skills Immigration draws remain on pause.

Draw Highlights – August 19, 2025

  • Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category

    • Invitations Issued: 11

    • Minimum Score Required: 124

  • Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot

    • Invitations Issued: Fewer than 5

    • Minimum Score Required: 115

With this round, British Columbia has now issued approximately 169 invitations through the Entrepreneur Stream in 2025.

Immigration Pathways Narrow in 2025

Unlike in previous years, Skills Immigration draws have been largely paused. The last round took place on May 8, 2025, when the province invited 94 candidates who were either:

  • High-wage earners in BC (at least $105 per hour, working in TEER 0 or TEER 1 roles), or

  • High-scoring candidates with at least 150 points in the Skills Immigration Registration System.

The pause in regular Skills Immigration rounds follows a sharp cut in BC’s annual nomination allocation — down from 8,000 in 2024 to just 4,000 in 2025. As a result, BC has shifted its strategy toward high-impact candidates and business investors who can generate immediate economic benefits.

Entrepreneur Immigration (EI)

BC PNP’s Entrepreneur Immigration stream allows foreign nationals to start a new business or buy and manage an existing one in British Columbia.

  • EI Base: For entrepreneurs who plan to open or purchase a business anywhere in BC.

  • EI Regional: For those who want to set up a new business in smaller, participating communities across the province.

Each option has its own rules on minimum net worth, investment, and ownership share.

Development region Participating communities
Cariboo -Mackenzie

-Quesnel

Kootenay -Castlegar and Central Kootenay (Areas I & J)

-Columbia Valley and East Kootenay

-Kimberley

-Nelson & Central Kootenay (Areas E & F)

-Rossland

-Trail

Nechako -Bulkley-Nechako
Northeast -Fort St. John
Thompson-Okanagan -Penticton

-Salmon Arm

-Vernon

Vancouver Island/Coast -Cambell River

-Comox

-Mount Waddington

-Powell River

Implications for Applicants

  • Entrepreneur Immigration Remains Active
    For prospective business owners and investors, the Entrepreneur Stream is one of the few active immigration channels in BC right now. However, cutoff scores remain high, meaning applicants must present competitive business proposals, strong experience, and sufficient investment capital.

  • Skills Immigration Uncertainty
    Skilled workers hoping for BC PNP invitations face uncertainty, as the program has limited draws to select groups. For now, the general and targeted occupation draws remain paused. Candidates in this pool may need to explore federal programs such as Express Entry or alternative provincial nominee streams.

Next Steps

British Columbia’s immigration program in 2025 highlights the province’s need to balance federal nomination limits with its economic priorities. While skilled worker opportunities are currently restricted, the Entrepreneur Stream continues to offer a pathway for applicants who can contribute jobs and investment.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

July 14, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

British Columbia extended more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to immigrant entrepreneurs in the just concluded week.

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) selected less than 17 candidates through two Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) streams: the EI Base and EI Regional streams.

See below details of BC PNP Draw:

Stream Number of invitations issued Cut-off score
EI Base stream 12 121
EI Regional stream <5 115

This was the fifth entrepreneur-focused draw in 2025.

So far this year, nearly all draws have targeted entrepreneurs, except for one skilled worker draw on May 8.

Up to 39 invitations have gone through the EI Base stream and no more than 20 through the EI Regional stream. No draws have happened under the EI Strategic Projects stream yet.

Entrepreneur Pathways to B.C.

Foreign entrepreneurs can apply to start or buy a business in B.C. through either the EI Base or Regional stream. Each stream has different eligibility rules, including personal net worth and investment amount.

The EI Regional stream is for starting a new business in a rural community. Applicants must first visit and get a referral from that community.

The EI Base stream allows entrepreneurs to start or buy a business anywhere in B.C. and does not require a referral.

To qualify, Regional stream candidates need a score of at least 105/200, and Base stream candidates need at least 115/200. Both require the creation of one full-time job for a Canadian or permanent resident.

Most applications receive a decision within four months.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

June 3, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

On May 28, 2025, the province of British Columbia held its newest immigration draw for entrepreneurs who want to start or invest in businesses in the province. A total of 13 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued under the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) streams, which are part of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).

See below key details of the Draw:

  • Draw Date: May 28, 2025

  • Streams: Entrepreneur Immigration – Base and Regional

  • Total Invitations: 13

    • Base Category: 9 invitations

    • Regional Category: Fewer than 5 invitations

  • Minimum Scores Required:

    • Base Category: 115

    • Regional Category: 123

The Base Category is for entrepreneurs who plan to invest in or launch a business in larger cities in B.C., while the Regional Category is aimed at encouraging businesses in smaller towns and rural communities.

Changes in 2025: Fewer Nomination Spaces

In 2025, British Columbia received a lower number of nomination spaces from the federal government — only 4,000 spots for all immigration streams. This is half of what was available in previous years. Because of this, the province is being more selective about who they invite, choosing applicants who can make a real and immediate economic impact.

That’s why entrepreneurs with strong business plans and the ability to support the local economy are being prioritized.

Requirements to Qualify

Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Category:

  • Minimum net worth of CAD $600,000

  • Investment of at least CAD $200,000

  • Must actively manage the business in B.C.

  • Must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian or permanent resident

  • Minimum points score of 115

Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Category:

  • Minimum net worth of CAD $300,000

  • Investment of at least CAD $100,000

  • Must actively manage the business

  • Must create at least one full-time job

  • Minimum points score of 123

  • Must be referred by a participating small community in B.C.

What This Means for Entrepreneurs

This latest draw highlights B.C.’s focus on inviting experienced entrepreneurs who are ready to build or grow businesses in the province. The high minimum scores and limited invitations show that competition is strong, and only top candidates are being selected.

If you’re an entrepreneur considering moving to Canada through the BC PNP, it’s important to:

  • Make sure your business idea fits the province’s goals,

  • Build connections with regional communities (especially for the Regional stream), and

  • Prepare all documents and financial proof in advance.

Require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

May 12, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

On May 8, 2025, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held its first Skills Immigration draw of the year, issuing a total of 94 invitations to candidates expected to bring high economic impact to the province.

The invitations were equally divided between two groups:

  • 47 candidates who are currently employed full-time in British Columbia, earning a minimum of $105 per hour, and who hold a job offer classified under NOC TEER 0 or 1.
  • 47 candidates who achieved a minimum score of 150 points according to the BC PNP’s points-based assessment system.

To be considered, candidates needed to have submitted a registration before the draw date.

See below details of BC PNP latest draw

Total Number of invitations issued Selection Criteria
94 Minimum wage of $105/hr, currently working full-time in BC for the supporting employer, and the job offer is NOC TEER 0 or 1 (47 candidates), or
A minimum score of 150 points (47 candidates)

This draw marks the BC PNP’s first under the Skills Immigration stream in 2025, following earlier draws this year that focused solely on the entrepreneur categories. The province has stated that, due to significantly reduced nomination allocations from the federal government, only around 100 candidates will be nominated through the high-economic impact pathway this year.

BC PNP notes that future draws under this stream may evaluate candidates based on a broader range of criteria, including:

  • Level, field, and location of completed education;
  • Professional designations earned in British Columbia;
  • Language proficiency;
  • Relevant occupation and work experience;
  • Wage and skill level associated with the job offer;
  • Candidate’s intent to live and work in a specific B.C. region;
  • Alignment with strategic priorities addressing labor market needs or supporting pilot programs.
Require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

 

 

May 6, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

In a strategic move to manage a reduced immigration quota, the province of British Columbia (B.C.) has prioritized healthcare professionals for the majority of its 2025 immigration nominations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Announced on April 14, the BC PNP introduced sweeping updates, including a significant cut in the number of new applications it will accept — just 1,100 for the entire year. While a limited portion of these will go to entrepreneurs and individuals contributing substantially to the province’s economy, most nominations are being directed towards healthcare-related roles.

To qualify under the Health Authority stream, candidates are now required to be employed in one of the following professions:

Occupation NOC Code
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians 32104
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists 31112
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists 32123
Chiropractors 31201
Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants 33100
Dental hygienists and dental therapists 32111
Dental technologists and technicians 32112
Dentists 31110
Denturists 32110
Dietitians and nutritionists 31121
General practitioners and family physicians 31102
Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment 31204
Licensed practical nurses 32101
Managers in health care 30010
Massage therapists 32201
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations 33101
Medical laboratory technologists 32120
Medical radiation technologists 32121
Medical sonographers 32122
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates 33102
Nurse practitioners 31302
Nursing coordinators and supervisors 31300
Occupational therapists 31203
Opticians 32100
Optometrists 31111
Other assisting occupations in support of health services 33109
Other medical technologists and technicians 32129
Other practitioners of natural healing 32209
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating 31209
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment 32109
Paramedical occupations 32102
Pharmacists 31120
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants 33103
Pharmacy technicians 32124
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals 31303
Physiotherapists 31202
Psychologists 31200
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 31301
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists 32103
Social and community service workers 42201
Social workers 41300
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine 31100
Specialists in surgery 31101
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies 41301
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists 32200
Veterinarians 31103

Key Requirements for Healthcare Applicants

To be eligible through the updated Health Authority stream, applicants must hold a permanent, full-time job offer from one of the province’s recognized public health authorities. Additionally, the eligibility standards for this pathway have been revised to focus strictly on roles that directly support healthcare delivery.

Eligible health employers now include:

  • Provincial Health Services Authority

  • First Nations Health Authority

  • Fraser Health

  • Interior Health

  • Island Health

  • Northern Health

  • Vancouver Coastal Health

  • Providence Health Care

Each of these organizations follows its own internal procedure to approve and support BC PNP applications.

Can Independent Healthcare Providers Qualify?

Yes — healthcare practitioners such as doctors, nurse practitioners, and midwives who operate independently may still be eligible. To qualify, they must receive formal support from either a B.C. public health authority or a licensed midwifery practice and demonstrate intent to practice in the province.

These applicants are expected to submit:

  • A recommendation letter

  • Proof of their credentials

  • Confirmation of current or future employment

  • A statement of support from the associated health authority or midwifery practice

Foreign healthcare professionals who meet all criteria can apply directly to the BC PNP under this stream.

Who Else Is Being Considered in 2025?

Beyond healthcare workers, B.C. plans to allocate a portion of its limited nominations to entrepreneurs and other applicants deemed to have a high economic impact. While specific criteria for this group have not been fully defined, it is expected to include individuals with high-demand skills, competitive salaries, and significant contributions to the provincial economy. Around 100 spots have been set aside for this category.

Since April 14, only those actively involved in healthcare provision — not administrative or support staff — are eligible under the Health Authority stream. This marks a clear shift from previous criteria, which were more inclusive of a broader range of roles within public health institutions.

Entrepreneurial candidates will continue to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) throughout the year, although the province has not disclosed the number of ITAs designated for this group.

Why the Change?

The B.C. government’s decision to narrow its focus comes in response to a sharp reduction in federal nomination allocations. The province received only 4,000 spots for 2025 — a dramatic 50% decrease from the prior year — while facing a backlog of over 5,000 applications at the start of the year.

To navigate these constraints, the province has paused intake for certain streams and is now concentrating on processing existing applications while limiting new ones to 1,100 in 2025.

Require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

April 22, 2025

Dear future neighbour,

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) conducted its most recent draw on April 15, 2025, issuing invitations to 5 entrepreneurs under the Entrepreneur Immigration Base stream. Applicants required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 115 to be considered.​

See below details of latest BC PNP draw:

  • Draw Date: April 15, 2025

  • Category: Entrepreneur Immigration – Base

  • Number of Invitations: 5

  • Minimum CRS Score: 115​

This draw is part of BC’s strategic focus on attracting skilled individuals who can deliver both immediate value and long-term economic impact to the province. The province is managing over 5,200 pending applications and more than 10,000 individuals registered in the system, making each nomination highly competitive.

Changes in BC PNP for 2025:

  • Reduced Nomination Quota: The federal nomination cap has been reduced to 4,000 spots, down from 8,000 in 2024. This means only top-tier candidates aligned with provincial needs will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

  • Temporary Closure of International Post-Graduate (IPG) Stream: Applications submitted before September 1, 2024, will be processed in 2025. Applications between September 1, 2024, and January 7, 2025, are waitlisted. New IPG applications are currently paused due to overwhelming demand.

Priority Immigration Streams for 2025:

  • Healthcare Immigration Stream: Focused on attracting doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to address critical labor shortages in the healthcare sector.

  • Entrepreneur Stream: Encourages entrepreneurs who can launch or scale businesses, create jobs, and promote regional innovation.

  • Selective High-Impact Draws for Skilled Workers: Targeted draws for skilled workers in critical sectors to meet labor market demands

Require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

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