BC PNP 2024 Report Unveiled: Immigration Trends, Salaries, and Policy Overhaul
Inside the 2024 BC PNP Report: Salaries, Trends, and Reforms
British Columbia has released its 2024 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) report, providing a comprehensive overview of how the province leveraged immigration to meet workforce needs and support regional growth. The report outlines key trends in nominee selection, shifting priorities across occupations, and significant changes made to program streams during the year.
Full Utilization of Federal Nomination Quota
In 2024, the province utilized its complete annual allocation of 8,000 nominations under the BC PNP. A vast portion—7,972 nominations—was allocated to the Skills Immigration (SI) category, designed for foreign professionals with in-demand skills. Meanwhile, 28 nominations were directed toward foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish or purchase businesses in the province.
Breakdown of Skills Immigration Streams:
| Stream | Share of Total SI Nominations |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 35% |
| Health Authority | 23% |
| Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled | 3% |
| International Graduate | 20% |
| International Post-Graduate | 19% |
The majority of nominees—81%—were selected from streams that required a valid job offer or current employment in British Columbia, reflecting a demand-driven approach.
Occupation Trends Shift Toward Public Services
This year’s nominee data shows a sharp increase in candidates from social services, education, and law-related professions. The province’s initiative to recruit early childhood educators heavily influenced this trend. Technical occupations, especially in natural and applied sciences, remained a high priority, forming the second-largest group of newcomers.
Sector-Wise Distribution of SI Nominees:
| Occupational Category | Percentage of Total SI Nominees |
|---|---|
| Education, Social and Government Services | 23.5% |
| Unspecified (IPG stream candidates) | 18.7% |
| Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math (STEM) | 16.3% |
| Healthcare Fields | 12.1% |
| Sales and Customer Service | 12% |
| Administrative and Financial Services | 8% |
| Skilled Trades and Transport | 7.4% |
| Arts, Culture, and Recreation | 1.2% |
| Senior Leadership Roles | 0.4% |
| Manufacturing and Utilities | 0.3% |
| Agriculture and Natural Resource Occupations | 0.1% |
Salary Data Reflects Economic Impact of Skilled Migrants
British Columbia also detailed the earnings of individuals admitted through each SI stream. These figures highlight the economic integration and value brought by immigrants in various sectors.
| SI Stream | Median Salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | $72,800 |
| International Graduate | $51,501 |
| Entry-Level & Semi-Skilled | $39,520 |
| Health Authority | $56,992 |
International Representation and Regional Outreach
In terms of origin countries, the BC PNP continued to attract a diverse pool of applicants. The top five countries for 2024 were:
- India
- China
- Philippines
- Iran
- Nigeria
To ensure equitable growth, the province encouraged migration to lesser-populated regions. 42% of all nominations were granted to individuals settling outside Metro Vancouver, promoting economic development beyond urban centres.
Program Reforms and Strategic Shifts
Several critical adjustments were made to the BC PNP in 2024:
- Retirement of Graduate-Focused Streams :
The International Graduate and International Post-Graduate categories were officially closed in March 2024. Initially, these were to be replaced with new academic-based pathways—targeting Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree holders. However, these new pathways were placed on hold after the province learned it would receive fewer nominations in 2025.
- Entrepreneurial Pilot Stream Becomes Permanent :
The Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot, introduced to attract business owners to rural communities, was formally established as a permanent pathway in May 2024. The move aims to strengthen local economies and drive innovation in underrepresented areas.
Requirements to Qualify for BC's Entrepreneur Base Stream
Entrepreneurs aiming to secure a nomination under the Base Stream must meet a series of financial, professional, and personal criteria:
- Registration Score: A minimum of 115 points is mandatory to be considered.
- Net Worth: Applicants must possess a minimum of $600,000 in personal net worth.
- Investment Commitment: A personal investment of at least $200,000 into a new or existing business in B.C. is required.
- Ownership Stake: Candidates must own at least one-third (33%) of the business or invest $1 million in equity if they hold a smaller share.
- Work Experience: Applicants should either:
- Have three years of experience as a business owner-manager,
- Have four years in a senior management position
- Or demonstrate a mix of one year as an owner-manager and two years as a senior manager.
- Educational Background: A post-secondary credential equivalent to at least two years of study is needed.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 or higher.
- Job Creation: The proposed business must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in the province.
Alternative Pathway: Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot
Aside from the Base Stream, B.C. also runs the Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot, designed to attract entrepreneurs to smaller, participating communities across the province.
This alternative stream features:
- Lower net worth and investment thresholds compared to the Base Stream
- A requirement for applicants to visit a participating community before applying
- The need to secure a letter of community support as part of the application process
This pilot is intended to boost economic activity outside major urban centers, ensuring even remote regions benefit from international investment and innovation.
The Road Ahead
The BC PNP’s 2024 report reveals a carefully targeted and adaptable immigration system. By aligning nomination decisions with economic and demographic needs, British Columbia continues to strategically shape its workforce. The upcoming year, however, may pose new challenges with a smaller nomination quota on the horizon, making program prioritization more critical than ever.
British Columbia remains committed to using immigration as a tool for sustainable economic development while ensuring newcomers are supported in making meaningful contributions across the province.
BC PNP Skills Immigration Category Draw 2024
| Date | Draw type | Stream | Minimum Score | Number of invitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 10, 2024 | General | Skilled Workerr | 148 | 7 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 148 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 121 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker (includes EEBC option) | 101 | less than 5 | |
| Construction | 112 | less than 5 | ||
| Healthcare | 121 | less than 5 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| December 3 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 102 | Fewer than 5 |
| Construction | 108 | Fewer than 5 | ||
| Healthcare | 121 | Fewer than 5 | ||
| Tech | 141 | Fewer than 5 | ||
| November 26, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 146 | 7 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 146 | |||
| International Graduate | 146 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 146 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 125 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 102 | less than 5 | |
| Construction | 108 | less than 5 | ||
| Healthcare | 121 | less than 5 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| November 20, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 102 | 3 |
| Construction | 107 | 4 | ||
| Healthcare | 116 | 4 | ||
| Tech | 141 | 4 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| November 13, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 143 | 10 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 143 | |||
| International Graduate | 143 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 143 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 121 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 102 | 5 | |
| Construction | 105 | 4 | ||
| Healthcare | 113 | 5 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| November 6, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 96 | 7 |
| Construction | 97 | 5 | ||
| Healthcare | 111 | 8 | ||
| Tech | 128 | 31 | ||
| October 22, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 41 |
| Construction | 89 | 31 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 11 | ||
| Tech | 117 | 60 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| October 16, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 127 | 102 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 127 | |||
| International Graduate | 127 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 127 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 38 | |
| Construction | 89 | 21 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 28 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| October 8, 2024 | Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 44 |
| Targeting 25 Construction occupations | 89 | 25 | ||
| Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations | 99 | 21 | ||
| Targeting 35 tech occupations | 116 | 83 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| October 2, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 128 | 81 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| International Graduate | 128 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 35 | |
| Targeting 25 Construction occupations | 89 | 23 | ||
| Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations | 99 | 28 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| September 24, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 42 |
| Construction | 89 | 22 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 24 | ||
| Tech | 117 | 57 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| September 17, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 128 | 65 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| International Graduate | 128 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 43 | |
| Construction | 89 | 29 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 26 | ||
| September 4, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 128 | 75 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| International Graduate | 128 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 128 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 31 | |
| Construction | 89 | 33 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 19 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| August 27, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 83 | 40 |
| Construction | 88 | 31 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 18 | ||
| Tech | 118 | 69 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| August 20, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 130 | 83 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 130 | |||
| International Graduate | 130 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 130 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 85 | 38 | |
| Construction | 89 | 20 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 15 | ||
| August 13, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 87 | 35 |
| Construction | 89 | 27 | ||
| Healthcare | 99 | 27 | ||
| Tech | 120 | 45 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| August 7, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 132 | 59 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 132 | |||
| International Graduate | 132 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 132 | |||
| Entry Level & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 88 | 32 | |
| Construction | 90 | 29 | ||
| Healthcare | 101 | 24 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| July 30, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 89 | 33 |
| Construction | 90 | 27 | ||
| Healthcare | 101 | 22 | ||
| Tech | 120 | 64 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| 23rd July 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 134 | 35 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| International Graduate | 134 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 91 | 37 | |
| Construction | 92 | 17 | ||
| Healthcare | 104 | 19 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| July 9, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 134 | 35 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| International Graduate | 134 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 94 | 10 | |
| Construction | 95 | 9 | ||
| Healthcare | 104 | 12 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| July 3, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 95 | 10 |
| Construction | 98 | 13 | ||
| Healthcare | 106 | 9 | ||
| Tech | 122 | 36 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| June 25, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 134 | 35 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| International Graduate | 134 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 134 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 97 | 6 | |
| Construction | 97 | 11 | ||
| Healthcare | 106 | 11 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| June 18, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 93 | 10 |
| Construction | 93 | 11 | ||
| Healthcare | 102 | 14 | ||
| Tech | 122 | 35 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| June 11, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 131 | 39 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| International Graduate | 131 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 93 | 8 | |
| Construction | 93 | 9 | ||
| Healthcare | 102 | 12 | ||
| June 4, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 93 | 8 |
| Construction | 93 | 14 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 13 | ||
| Tech | 122 | 33 | ||
| May 28, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 131 | 35 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| International Graduate | 131 | |||
| International Graduate - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| Express Entry & Semi-Skilled | 110 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 93 | 11 | |
| Construction | 93 | 11 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 9 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| May 22, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 93 | 5 |
| Construction | 93 | 9 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 10 | ||
| Tech | 122 | 50 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| 14th May 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 131 | 37 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| International Graduate | 131 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 131 | |||
| Express Entry & Semi-Skilled | 107 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 90 | 9 | |
| Construction | 93 | 9 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 17 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| May 7, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 90 | 11 |
| Construction | 93 | 12 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 12 | ||
| Tech | 120 | 41 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| April 30, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 131 | 47 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 131 | |||
| International Graduate | 131 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 131 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 107 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 91 | 9 | |
| Construction | 93 | 9 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 9 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| April 23, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 92 | 11 |
| Construction | 95 | 11 | ||
| Healthcare | 100 | 19 | ||
| Tech | 120 | 45 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| April 16, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 132 | 39 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 132 | |||
| International Graduate | 132 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 132 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 107 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 92 | 12 | |
| Construction | 97 | 10 | ||
| Healthcare | 97 | 18 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| April 9, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 90 | 9 |
| Construction | 95 | 13 | ||
| Healthcare | 95 | 19 | ||
| Tech | 116 | 46 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| April 3, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 130 | 30 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 130 | |||
| International Graduate | 130 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 125 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 107 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 90 | 18 | |
| Construction | 95 | 10 | ||
| Healthcare | 90 | 25 | ||
| March 26, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 85 | 28 |
| Construction | 90 | 21 | ||
| Healthcare | 85 | 30 | ||
| Tech | 114 | 47 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| March 19, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 125 | 88 |
| Skilled Worker-EEBC option | 125 | |||
| International Graduate | 125 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 125 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 98 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 80 | 27 | |
| Construction | 85 | 21 | ||
| Healthcare | 80 | 30 | ||
| Veterinary care | 80 | less than 5 | ||
| March 12, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 75 | 54 |
| Construction | 80 | 30 | ||
| Healthcare | 75 | 38 | ||
| Tech | 113 | 65 | ||
| Veterinary care | 75 | less than 5 | ||
| March 5, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 126 | 54 |
| Skilled Worker-EEBC option | 126 | |||
| International Graduate | 126 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 126 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 99 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 70 | 32 | |
| Construction | 80 | 30 | ||
| Healthcare | 70 | 39 | ||
| Veterinary care | 70 | less than 5 | ||
| February 21, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 126 | 69 |
| Skilled Worker-EEBC option | 126 | |||
| International Graduate | 126 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 126 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 99 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 70 | |
| Construction | 75 | 32 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 41 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| February 13, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 64 |
| Construction | 75 | 27 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 41 | ||
| Tech | 108 | 77 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| Febrary 6, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 122 | 102 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 122 | |||
| International Graduate | 122 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 122 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 97 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 46 | |
| Construction | 75 | 26 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 39 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| January 30, 2024 | Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 49 |
| Construction | 75 | 29 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 27 | ||
| Tech | 103 | 89 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| January 23, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 120 | 79 |
| Skilled Worker -EEBC option | 120 | |||
| International Graduate | 120 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 120 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 98 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 66 | |
| Construction | 75 | 34 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 36 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| January 10, 2024 | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | Skilled Worker | 60 | 53 |
| Construction | 75 | 20 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 29 | ||
| Tech | 103 | 91 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 | ||
| January 10, 2024 | General | Skilled Worker | 120 | 110 |
| Skilled Worker - EEBC option | 120 | |||
| International Graduate | 120 | |||
| International Graduate – EEBC option | 120 | |||
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 100 | |||
| Childcare | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | 113 | |
| Construction | 75 | 74 | ||
| Healthcare | 60 | 75 | ||
| Veterinary care | 60 | less than 5 |
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Category 2024
| Date | Stream | Minimum Score | Number of Invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 5, 2024 | Base | 115 | 10 |
| Regional | 130 | less than 5 | |
| September 24, 2024 | Base | 122 | 6 |
| August 13, 2024 | Regional | 122 | less than 5 |
| Base | 117 | 10 | |
| June 25, 2024 | Regional | 141 | less than 5 |
| Base | 116 | 5 | |
| May 14, 2024 | Regional Pilot | 113 | less than 5 |
| Base | 116 | 5 | |
| April 16, 2024 | Regional Pilot | 119 | less than 5 |
| Base | 118 | 6 | |
| February 27, 2024 | Regional Pilot | 106 | less than 5 |
| Base | 115 | 5 | |
| January 16, 2024 | Regional Pilot | 135 | less than 5 |
| Base | 116 | less than 5 |
