Three pillars driving BC’s 5,254 nominations in 2026
On April 23, 2026, BC restructured the program around three priority pillars. If your occupation aligns, your odds of nomination increase significantly.
British Columbia Program guide
Is the BC Provincial Nominee Program right for you?
A complete guide to eligibility, priority sectors, and the path to permanent residence in British Columbia.
What is the BC Provincial Nominee Program?
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is the province’s economic immigration program. It selects skilled workers and entrepreneurs who can fill labour shortages and support BC’s economic priorities. Operated under the 2021 Canada-British Columbia Immigration Agreement, BC nominates candidates and the federal government issues permanent residence.
For Express Entry-aligned applications, a BC nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply in the next federal draw. Provincial processing typically takes 2 to 3 months. Federal processing takes approximately 7 months for Express Entry-aligned applications, or 13 months for base PNP.
Important update: on April 26, 2026, BC announced a significant overhaul of the program. All 2026 nominations will now be channelled exclusively into three priority pillars: Care, Build, and Innovate. Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled, and the dedicated Tech draws have been permanently cancelled. The first draws under the new rules begin in mid-May 2026, with no grandfathering for candidates already in the pool.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility depends on the specific stream and pillar you apply under. Across most BC PNP streams, candidates must meet these baseline requirements.
01
Job offer in British Columbia
A full-time, indeterminate job offer from an eligible BC employer in an occupation aligned with one of the three priority pillars. Healthcare Professionals can apply directly without going through the registration system if their employer is a BC public health authority.
02
Work experience
Work experience requirements vary by stream and pillar. Most streams require at least 2 years of full-time experience directly related to the offered occupation, accumulated within the last 5 to 10 years.
03
Language proficiency
Minimum language requirements depend on the NOC TEER level of your occupation. TEER 0 and 1 occupations typically require CLB 7; TEER 2 and 3 require CLB 5; TEER 4 and 5 require CLB 4. Proven with approved tests: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF.
04
Education and settlement funds
A diploma or degree relevant to the offered occupation, validated through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials. Proof of funds to support yourself and accompanying family upon arrival.
Applicants must also intend to live and work in British Columbia, be admissible to Canada, and pass medical and security checks.
The 3 BC PNP priority pillars
Starting May 2026, all BC PNP nominations are channelled into three sector-based pillars. Each pillar targets specific occupations facing critical shortages in the province.
Care
For workers in healthcare, childcare, and veterinary care. Includes physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, allied health professionals, early childhood educators, and veterinary professionals. Healthcare workers employed by a BC health authority can apply directly without SIRS registration.
Build
For 9 priority construction trades supporting BC’s housing and infrastructure needs. Includes carpenters, electricians, plumbers, ironworkers, and other certified trades essential to addressing the province’s housing supply shortage.
Innovate
For select high-impact roles that drive economic growth in BC. Targets specialized professionals in technology, science, engineering, and other strategic sectors with demonstrated economic contribution to the province.
The application process
Most BC PNP applications follow a four-stage process through the BCPNP Online system.
01
Registration and SIRS score
Submit a free registration through BCPNP Online. The Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) scores your profile out of 200 points based on hourly wage, regional location, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Healthcare Professionals with eligible job offers may apply directly without registration.
02
Invitation to Apply
BC runs periodic targeted draws under each pillar. Highest-ranking registrants in each draw receive an Invitation to Apply. You then have 30 calendar days to submit a complete application through BCPNP Online and pay the $1,750 application fee.
03
Provincial nomination
The BC PNP reviews your application against the eligibility criteria. Provincial processing typically takes 2 to 3 months. If approved, you receive a Confirmation of Nomination, which authorizes you to apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
04
Federal permanent residence
With the nomination, apply to IRCC for permanent residence. Express Entry-aligned applications process in approximately 7 months thanks to the +600 CRS boost. Base PNP applications take approximately 13 months and cover medical, security, and admissibility checks.
Why hire an RCIC?
Under Canadian law, only Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), lawyers, and Québec notaries are authorized to represent applicants before IRCC and provincial immigration authorities. Any other paid representation is unauthorized and puts the application at risk.
A licensed RCIC is accountable to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), bound by a strict code of professional conduct, and trained in current immigration law. For BC applications specifically, this means accurate SIRS scoring, correct pillar selection, employer eligibility verification, and timely filing within BC’s 30-day application window.
Megrez Immigration Consultants has operated as a licensed RCIC firm in Vancouver since 1996. Every BC immigration file at the firm is structured, reviewed, and submitted under direct RCIC supervision.
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Book a free consultation with Jose Godoy, RCIC. 30+ years of experience helping skilled workers immigrate to Canada.