Biggest BC PNP Draw of 2026
British Columbia Invites 569 Skilled Workers in Biggest PNP Draw of 2026
British Columbia has conducted its largest provincial immigration selection of the year, issuing 569 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The latest draw reflects the province’s continued focus on attracting highly skilled professionals who can contribute to key sectors of its economy.
The selection round, held on July 16, 2026, targeted candidates under the Skills Immigration (SI) stream using two different selection methods. The draw is part of British Columbia’s broader strategy to address labour shortages and strengthen economic growth by attracting experienced international talent.
Highlights of the Latest BC PNP Draw
July 16, 2026 BC PNP Draw Results
| Selection Method | Eligibility Requirement | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Score | Minimum score of 132 | 346 |
| Wage-Based Selection | TEER 0–3 job offer paying at least CAD 58 per hour (approximately CAD 115,000 annually) | 223 |
| Total Invitations | — | 569 |
This marks the largest Skills Immigration invitation round held by British Columbia in 2026, with registration score-based invitations making up the majority of selections.
British Columbia Continues to Prioritize High-Impact Talent
The latest invitations were issued under the province’s Innovate initiative, a strategy designed to identify highly qualified workers capable of making a strong economic contribution across multiple industries.
Unlike some previous rounds, British Columbia did not disclose specific occupations or industry categories selected in this draw. Instead, the province focused on candidates who demonstrated strong economic potential through either competitive registration scores or high-paying skilled employment offers. The initiative allows the province to remain flexible while responding to changing labour market demands.
Skills Immigration Draws Remain a Key Immigration Pathway
The July 16 selection represents the 16th BC PNP draw conducted this year. Out of these, nine invitation rounds have focused on the Skills Immigration stream, demonstrating the province’s continued reliance on skilled foreign workers to address workforce shortages.
Since the beginning of 2026, British Columbia has:
- Conducted six general Skills Immigration draws using registration score and wage-based selection.
- Held three targeted draws for occupations facing significant labour shortages.
- Issued at least 3,676 invitations through the Skills Immigration category as of July 16.
The steady pace of invitations highlights British Columbia’s ongoing efforts to attract professionals who can support long-term economic development.
How Candidates Are Selected Under the Skills Immigration Stream
Once registered, candidates receive a score based on multiple factors. They are then placed into a selection pool, where the province periodically invites the highest-ranking profiles.
These may include:
- Educational qualifications and field of study
- Level of professional experience
- Occupation and skill classification
- Language proficiency
- Wage offered by the employer
- Professional licences or certifications recognized in British Columbia
- Preferred settlement region within the province
- Provincial labour market priorities and strategic initiatives
This flexible approach allows British Columbia to respond to evolving employer needs while ensuring newcomers have strong employment prospects.
One of the Largest Draws Conducted This Year
The May 14 draw became the third-largest Skills Immigration invitation round conducted by British Columbia in 2026.
Earlier large-scale draws included:
| Draw Date | Invitations Issued | Main Selection Focus |
|---|---|---|
| April 22, 2026 | 484 | Wage/Salary + TEER 0–3 job offer |
| February 11, 2026 | 460 | Wage/Salary + TEER 0–3 job offer |
| May 14, 2026 | 437 | Wage/Salary and registration score |
| February 4, 2026 | 429 | Wage/Salary + TEER 0–3 job offer |
| May 6, 2026 | 333 | Occupation-targeted selection |
| June 2, 2026 | 357 | Occupation-targeted selection |
The June 2 draw differed from the others because it specifically invited workers in priority occupations connected to healthcare, veterinary services, education, and construction trades.
Thousands of Candidates Remain in the BC PNP Pool
The province has also released updated figures showing the current composition of the Skills Immigration registration pool. As of July 7, 2026, there were 8,683 active candidate profiles awaiting selection.
BC PNP Skills Immigration Registration Pool
| Registration Score | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Total | 8,683 |
The data indicates that the largest number of candidates currently have scores between 100 and 119, while only a small percentage of applicants hold scores above 140.
Entrepreneur Immigration invitations 2026
BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration invitations issued to date:
| Date | Stream | Minimum Score | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2026 | Base | 118 | 14 |
| Regional | 113 | <5 | |
| June 2, 2026 | Base | 117 | 15 |
| Regional | 117 | <5 | |
| May 5, 2026 | Base | 115 | 8 |
| Regional | 115 | <5 | |
| April 14, 2026 | Base Stream | 115 | 14 |
| March 10, 2026 | Base Stream | 117 | 7 |
| March 10, 2026 | Regional Stream | 129 | Fewer than 5 |
| February 10, 2026 | Base | 121 | 13 |
| Regional | 105 | Fewer than 5 | |
| January 13, 2026 | Base | 115 | 7 |
If your EOI is selected, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for nomination from British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.
What This Means for Immigration Candidates
The latest draw demonstrates that British Columbia continues to actively select skilled workers who meet the province’s economic objectives. While candidates with higher registration scores remain competitive, individuals with well-paid skilled job offers also have strong opportunities to receive invitations.
As the province adjusts future invitation rounds based on labour shortages and regional priorities, applicants with in-demand skills, competitive profiles, and qualified employment offers may continue to benefit from upcoming BC PNP selections.
With thousands of candidates still in the registration pool, future draws are expected to play an important role in helping British Columbia meet its workforce demands while providing international professionals with a pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
Source: welcomebc.ca
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