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    British Columbia Reveals 2026 PNP Nomination Quota Ahead of Other Provinces

    British Columbia has become the first Canadian province to publicly confirm its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination allocation for 2026, offering an early glimpse into how immigration numbers may shape provincial workforce planning next year.

    The update was published on the official BC PNP updates page on December 18, 2025, signaling the beginning of what is expected to be a series of similar announcements from provinces across Canada in the coming months.

    Federal Government Approves 5,254 Nomination Spaces for 2026

    For 2026, the federal government has approved 5,254 provincial nomination slots for British Columbia. While this represents a noticeable increase from the 4,000 nominations initially allocated to the province at the start of 2025, it still falls short of what BC had anticipated for the coming year.

    British Columbia had formally requested 9,000 nomination spaces for 2026 to address persistent labour shortages and support economic growth. The approved figure is approximately 41.6% lower than the province’s original request.

    Why the 2026 Allocation Appears Lower Than Expected

    Although the 2026 allocation exceeds BC’s original 2025 allotment, it is lower than the final number of nominations the province ultimately used in 2025. During 2025, British Columbia received two mid-year increases from the federal government:

    These additions brought BC’s total 2025 nomination capacity to 6,214, which is nearly 1,000 more than its confirmed 2026 allocation.

    BC to Continue Discussions With IRCC

    Provincial officials have indicated that discussions with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are ongoing. The BC PNP has emphasized that it will continue advocating for a higher allocation, leaving open the possibility of receiving additional nomination spaces later in 2026, similar to what occurred in 2025.

    What BC’s Announcement Signals for Other Provinces

    British Columbia’s early disclosure may offer clues about what other provinces can expect. Under Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the national target for permanent resident admissions through the Provincial Nominee Program will rise sharply:

    This represents a 66% year-over-year increase, suggesting that many provinces could see higher baseline allocations in 2026 compared to their original 2025 figures. However, since several provinces received top-ups throughout 2025, final comparisons will depend on whether additional allocations are issued again next year.

    BC PNP Priorities for 2026 Still Undecided

    At this stage, British Columbia has not confirmed which occupations or applicant categories will be prioritized in 2026. In 2025, the province focused heavily on:

    Provincial authorities have stated that they are still determining how to strategically use the 2026 allocation and expect to announce updated priority sectors in early 2026.

    Total Invitations Issued

    In this draw, the BC PNP issued 410 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across two distinct selection pathways:
    Date Selection Category Minimum Requirement Invitations Issued
    December 10, 2025 High-wage, skilled job offer Hourly wage of at least $87 (approx. $170,000 annually) with a job offer in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 96
    December 10, 2025 Points-based selection Minimum score of 138 314

    Most invitations were extended to candidates with strong competitive scores within the province’s Skills Immigration pool.

    Size and Composition of the BC PNP Candidate Pool

    As of December 2, 2025, the BC PNP Skills Immigration pool contained 11,083 registered candidates. Notably, approximately half of all candidates hold scores of 100 points or lower, highlighting the increasing competitiveness at higher score ranges.

    Score Range Number of Candidates Percentile Range
    150 and above 41 99.63 – 100.00
    140 – 149 179 98.01 – 99.63
    130 – 139 804 90.76 – 98.01
    120 – 129 1,161 80.29 – 90.76
    110 – 119 1,573 66.09 – 80.29
    100 – 109 2,085 47.28 – 66.09
    90 – 99 2,029 28.97 – 47.28
    80 – 89 1,479 15.63 – 28.97
    70 – 79 984 6.75 – 15.63
    60 – 69 465 2.55 – 6.75
    Below 60 283 0.00 – 2.55
    Total 11,083

    This distribution shows that only a small fraction of candidates occupy the top-scoring tiers, where invitations are more likely.

    2. Regional Stream: Supporting Rural and Small Community Growth

    The Regional stream is designed to stimulate entrepreneurship in B.C.’s smaller communities. Unique features of this pathway include:
    This program helps rural communities address demographic gaps, preserve essential services, and stimulate local job creation.

    Snapshot: BC PNP Invitations Issued in 2025

    BC’s invitation activity in 2025 remained limited due to allocation constraints:

    Skills Immigration stream:

    Entrepreneur Immigration stream:

    In total, British Columbia is expected to have issued no more than 1,110 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination in 2025, unless additional draws occur before year-end.

    What This Means for Candidates

    The resumption of Skills Immigration signals that British Columbia continues to prioritise high-quality, economically valuable profiles rather than frequent, large-scale selections. Candidates with strong wages, competitive scores, and in-demand skills are likely to remain the focus in upcoming rounds.
    Registrations submitted after the draw date were not considered, reinforcing the importance of maintaining an active and up-to-date profile within the BC PNP system.

    2025 Entrepreneur Immigration invitations Draw List

    The Government of British Columbia has officially resumed skilled immigration invitations under the BC PNP, after starting the year with entrepreneur-only draws. On May 8, 2025, the province held its first skilled worker draw, targeting applicants deemed to have the potential for significant economic contribution to the province.

    A total of 94 candidates were invited to apply for provincial nomination in this highly selective round. This draw marks a pivotal shift in strategy, aligning with newly introduced limitations on British Columbia’s overall nomination capacity for 2025.

    Date Stream Minimum Score Number of invitations
    December 16, 2025 Base 115 17
    Regional 107 Fewer than 5
    November 18, 2025 Base 121 19
    Regional 115 Fewer than 5
    October 2, 2025 Base 123 11
    August 19, 2025 Base 124 11
    Regional 115 Fewer than 5
    July 8, 2025 Base 121 12
    Regional 115 Fewer than 5
    May 28, 2025 Base 115 9
    Regional 123 Fewer than 5
    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

    How the BC PNP Helps the Province’s Economy

    The BC PNP remains a strategic resource for meeting labour demands and boosting economic activity. By focusing on both highly trained workers and entrepreneurs, this program makes competitive internationally. 

    The drawn candidates tend to fill positions in technology, health care, engineering, administration, and entrepreneurship, completing the economic ecosystem of the province even further.

    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

    What this means for candidates

    Candidates have more information and, perhaps, more opportunity than earlier in the year, with new transparency tools, evolving selection strategies, and expanded 2025 nomination capacity. Those headed to British Columbia should:
    British Columbia’s shifting immigration landscape for 2025-2026 ushers in a more data-driven, competitive, and opportunity-rich environment in the pursuit of Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers through the province.

    What This Means for Prospective Immigrants

    With a tighter allocation confirmed for 2026 and priorities still under review, prospective BC PNP applicants may face greater competition, particularly in non-priority occupations. Candidates aligned with high-demand sectors or strong economic impact profiles are likely to have better chances once the province finalizes its strategy.

    More clarity is expected once BC releases its 2026 priority framework and draws plans in the new year.

    To see previous draws, view the 2024 Skills Immigration draws.

    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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