October 29 BC PNP Draw
British Columbia Invites 722 Candidates in Its Biggest PNP Draw of 2026
British Columbia has issued 722 invitations to skilled workers in its latest Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) selection round, making it the province’s largest immigration draw of 2026 so far. Conducted on October 29, the round focused on candidates with high-paying job offers and those who achieved competitive registration scores.
October 29 BC PNP Draw: Invitation Breakdown
| Selection Criteria | Details | Invitations Issued/th> |
|---|---|---|
| Wage/Salary and Job Offer | TEER 0–3 job offer with a minimum wage of $49 per hour and annual salary of $99,000 | 524 |
| Registration Score | Minimum registration score of 131 points | 248 |
| Total | 722 |
An important development in this draw was the reduction in the wage requirements. For the first time in 2026, British Columbia selected candidates with an offered wage below $50 per hour and an annual salary below $100,000.
BC PNP Lowers Wage Requirements in Latest Selection
The October 29 selection indicates a change in the wage thresholds used for British Columbia’s high-economic-impact invitations. Earlier rounds generally required higher hourly wages and annual salaries. In comparison, the latest draw lowered the qualifying threshold to $49 per hour and $99,000 annually, provided candidates also held an eligible TEER 0–3 job offer.
How the October Draw Compares With Previous BC PNP Selections
| Date of Draw | Selection Criteria | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|---|
| October 29 | Wage of at least $49/hour and $99,000/year | 524 |
| Registration score of 131 points | 248 | |
| September 24 | Wage of at least $52/hour and $105,000/year | 426 |
| Registration score of 131 points | 288 | |
| August 20 | Wage of at least $55/hour and $110,000/year | 337 |
| Registration score of 132 points | 265 | |
| July 16 | Wage of at least $58/hour and $115,000/year | 223 |
| Registration score of 132 points | 346 | |
| June 18 | Wage of at least $62/hour and $125,000/year | 130 |
| Registration score of 136 points | 149 | |
| May 14 | Wage of at least $59/hour and $120,000/year | 225 |
| Registration score of 135 points | 212 | |
| April 22 | Wage of at least $62/hour and $125,000/year | 252 |
| Registration score of 138 points | 232 | |
| February 11 | Wage of at least $62/hour and $125,000/year | 195 |
| Registration score of 135 points | 265 | |
| February 4 | Wage of at least $70/hour and $145,000/year | 206 |
| Registration score of 138 points | 223 |
Note: All wage-based selections also required candidates to hold a TEER 0–3 job offer.
Across these nine rounds, British Columbia issued 4,746 invitations through wage-based and registration-score selections. Considering all immigration streams and selection categories, the province has issued at least 7,220 invitations for provincial nomination in 2026.
BC PNP Registration Pool: 7,695 Candidates Awaiting Selection
Foreign nationals interested in British Columbia’s Skills Immigration pathway must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. Their information is assessed through the provincial scoring system before they are placed in the relevant registration pool.
| Registration Score Range | Number of Registrations |
|---|---|
| 0–59 | 216 |
| 60–69 | 364 |
| 70–79 | 718 |
| 80–89 | 1,281 |
| 90–99 | 1,444 |
| 100–109 | 1,426 |
| 110–119 | 1,189 |
| 120–129 | 854 |
| 130–139 | 171 |
| 140–149 | 23 |
| 150+ | 9 |
| Total | 7,695 |
Entrepreneur Immigration
The two available options serve different business objectives:
- Base Stream: For entrepreneurs interested in starting or acquiring a business in British Columbia.
- Regional Stream: For entrepreneurs planning to establish a business in participating regional communities, subject to the applicable requirements.
Conclusion
Candidates invited in the October 29 draw have 30 days to submit their applications for provincial nomination. Once British Columbia approves an application and issues a provincial nomination, the successful candidate can proceed with a permanent residence application to the federal government.
Eligible applicants already living in Canada may also qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while waiting for their PR decision. Depending on their circumstances, this permit can allow them to continue working in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed. Applicants who submit their BOWP applications before their existing work permits expire may also benefit from maintained status, provided they remain in Canada and meet the applicable conditions.
Planning to apply for Canadian permanent residence through British Columbia? Understanding the BC PNP scoring system, employment requirements, and available immigration pathways can help you prepare a stronger application. Schedule a free consultation with Universal Adviser to explore your Canadian immigration options and take the next step towards permanent residence.
Source: welcomebc.ca
