If you’re planning to immigrate to British Columbia through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), there is an important update for the BC PNP 2025 that you should be aware of. The province has announced its priorities for the year, with a strong focus on critical labour market needs—especially in healthcare, entrepreneurship, and high economic impact occupations.
These changes come in response to a reduced federal nomination allocation for 2025. Despite this challenge, B.C. is working hard to keep the program aligned with the province’s economic growth and population needs.
What This Means for You
In 2025, B.C. has received 4,000 provincial nominations from the federal government—a 50% reduction compared to previous years. Because there were already more than 5,000 applications in the system at the start of the year, the BC PNP is prioritizing candidates who align with B.C.’s most urgent needs:
✅ 1,100 new applications will be accepted from:
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Healthcare workers employed by health authorities (doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals)
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Entrepreneurs looking to start or invest in businesses in B.C.
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Skilled workers whose occupations bring high economic impact to the province
✅ 2,900 nominations will go toward existing applications already submitted.
Changes to Invitations and Processing in 2025
Limited Invitations to Apply (ITAs):
General and occupation-specific ITAs will not resume this year. Instead, B.C. will invite a small number of candidates from the registration pool—about 100 individuals—based on their potential to contribute significantly to the province’s economy. The first of these ITAs is expected in early May.
Entrepreneur Immigration:
Invitations for entrepreneurs will continue to be issued throughout the year.
Healthcare Stream:
Only positions that directly deliver healthcare (like doctors, nurses, and certain allied health professionals) are now eligible under the Health Authority stream. A full list of eligible occupations is available on the BC PNP website.
Early Childhood Education (ECE):
Future targeted ITAs will focus only on certified Early Childhood Educators—ECE Assistants are no longer included.
Social and Community Service Workers:
New, clearer guidelines are being developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health to better support these applicants.
Additional Program Updates
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International Post-Graduate (IPG) applications submitted between Sept 1, 2024, and Jan 7, 2025 will be waitlisted until more nominations become available.
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The BC PNP is working to return to a 3-month processing time for new applications submitted in 2025.
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Plans to launch three new student-focused immigration streams are on hold until B.C.’s nomination levels increase.
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B.C. is collaborating with the federal government to help nominees extend their work permits if needed.
What You Can Do Now
If you’re interested in the BC PNP or you are looking for another way to immigrate to Canada please contact us here, and we can discuss your options with you!