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    British Columbia Restructures Immigration Program to Prioritize Frontline Healthcare Workers

    Drastic cuts to provincial immigration nominations spark a targeted shift toward high-demand healthcare occupations in B.C.

    Overview: Major Reforms to BC PNP in 2025

    British Columbia has introduced sweeping reforms to its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) for 2025, drastically reducing the number of new applications it will accept and refocusing its immigration priorities. The provincial government has announced that only 1,100 new applications will be accepted through the BC PNP this year — a sharp cut from previous years. Most of these limited nomination spots have been reserved for healthcare professionals working in critical, hands-on roles within the province’s public health system.
    The decision comes amid a tightening immigration landscape and increasing pressure on the province’s healthcare infrastructure.
    Date Stream Minimum Score Number of invitations
    April 15, 2025 Base 115 5
    March 18, 2025 Base 115 8
    Regional 123 Fewer than 5
    January 28, 2025 Base 123 Less-than 5
    Regional 123 Fewer than 5

    Healthcare Sector Receives Top Priority

    Under the updated guidelines effective from April 14, 2025, B.C. has committed most of its new immigration spots to healthcare professionals who are directly involved in providing medical services. The Health Authority stream, one of the main pathways under the BC PNP, has undergone significant tightening. Previously, the stream included a wider range of employees working for public health authorities — including administrative and support staff. However, eligibility has now been limited exclusively to professionals involved in direct patient care or clinical services.
    These include physicians, nurses, lab technologists, therapists, dentists, pharmacists, and several other regulated medical occupations. Even veterinarians and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have been included under the updated National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes.

    To be eligible, applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer from one of the recognized B.C. public health authorities.

    Eligible Health Employers: Who Can Sponsor Applications?

    Applications to the Health Authority stream must be backed by one of B.C.’s eight designated public health employers:
    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 332124
    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

    Each health authority maintains its own internal procedures for nominating eligible applicants under the BC PNP. It is mandatory for the employer to actively support and submit the nomination application.

    Pathways for Self-Employed Medical Professionals

    Certain self-employed healthcare workers — such as physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners — may still qualify for nomination even without a direct employment contract with a health authority. These professionals must, however, present a letter of recommendation from a public health authority or an authorized midwifery practice in B.C. This documentation must confirm:

    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:

    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:

    This pilot is intended to boost economic activity outside major urban centers, ensuring even remote regions benefit from international investment and innovation.

    Limited Spaces for Entrepreneurs and Economic Drivers

    While healthcare has taken center stage, B.C. has allocated a small portion of the limited nomination quota to other groups. This includes entrepreneurs and “high economic impact” candidates — individuals deemed to offer significant value to B.C.’s economy through their skills, experience, or industry contributions.
    Although exact figures have not been disclosed, the province has stated it will continue to issue invitations to apply (ITAs) for entrepreneurs throughout 2025. Additionally, around 100 nominations will be reserved for candidates identified as having a particularly strong economic impact, such as those with high earnings, specialized skills, or experience in high-demand sectors.

    Understanding the Drastic Reduction in Nominations

    The new strategy stems from the federal government’s decision to slash British Columbia’s nomination allotment by 50%. B.C. has received just 4,000 nomination spots for 2025 — a notable drop from previous years.
    This reduction is especially challenging as the province entered 2025 with an existing backlog of 5,200 applications, already exceeding its total yearly nomination limit. In response, the province has taken the extraordinary step of pausing many program streams, choosing instead to manage its backlog and limit fresh intake to only the most urgently needed professionals.

    A Strategic but Difficult Trade-Off

    British Columbia’s revised immigration strategy underscores the province’s urgent need to bolster its healthcare workforce in the face of population growth and escalating demand for medical services. However, it also means fewer opportunities for skilled workers in other sectors and a more competitive environment for permanent residency hopefuls.
    For now, B.C.’s message is clear: those who can fill critical healthcare roles will have the clearest path to permanent residency.

    Key Takeaway

    If you are a qualified healthcare professional with a job offer in B.C.’s public health system, 2025 presents a rare window of opportunity to secure Canadian permanent residency.

    For others, staying informed about future policy changes and alternate pathways remains crucial in an increasingly selective immigration environment.

    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
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