News
Last updated: September 10, 2025
September 10, 2025
Announcing a new and improved WelcomeBC.caWe’re excited to announce the launch of the new and improved WelcomeBC.ca. Guided by user feedback, the redesigned site provides a better experience for users by offering enhanced functionality, improved navigation, new features, and more. This includes, among others:
- A modern design that personalizes the website’s layout and structure based on the needs of user groups
- Updated and streamlined content that is tailored to users’ journey, guiding them to the information they need, when they need it
- An intuitive navigation system that helps users find information across the site quickly and more efficiently
See for yourself and explore the new website.
September 10, 2025
Now available: The B.C. Newcomers’ Guide 2025 editionWe’re excited to announce the launch of the B.C. Newcomers’ Guide 2025 edition. Guided by user feedback, the new and improved Guide offers updated information and enhanced features which include:
- Pre- and post-arrival checklists for newcomers
- Scannable QR codes for quick access to websites and links
- Improved navigation with dedicated end-of-chapter resources
- A complete A - Z resources directory that is tailored to user needs
July 24, 2025
Public consultations on Canada’s next Immigration Levels Plan now open
Each year, the federal department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is required to consult broadly as part of its development of the annual Immigration Levels Plan which outlines Canada’s immigration targets for the coming three years. The Levels Plan sets targets for new permanent residents (including provincial nominees), temporary workers and international students.
The 2025 consultations on immigration levels are currently open until August 17, 2025. To participate in the consultations, visit 2025 consultations on immigration levels - Canada.ca.
June 23, 2025
BC PNP Statistical Report and Year in Review 2024 released
The BC PNP has released its Statistical Report and Year in Review for 2024.
The Report presents statistical information about the program, including the number of nominations issued, occupations, salaries, countries of origin, and regional distribution of nominees throughout the province. The Report also highlights strategic priorities set by the Province and performance measures used to monitor results.
This year’s report continues the ‘Year in Review’ section, first introduced in 2022, providing an overview of the BC PNP’s key accomplishments in 2024, especially in areas identified as program priorities.
The Report and previous reports from 2016 to 2023 are available on the Archived Documents page.
April 14, 2025
BC PNP to focus on healthcare, entrepreneurs and high economic impact candidates in 2025
B.C. is committed to using the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to meet the most critical labour market and economic needs in the province, despite the 50% reduction in B.C.’s allocation for 2025.
The BC PNP started the calendar year with an inventory of approximately 5,200 applications before getting confirmation of the 4,000 nominations allocated by the federal government.
With more applications received than nominations available, the BC PNP will use some of the 4,000 nominations to accept approximately 1,100 new applications from eligible health authority employees, entrepreneurs and skilled workers creating high economic impact in the province. The remaining 2,900 spaces will be used to nominate some of the applications already received.
Program updates:
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International Post-Graduate (IPG) applications received between September 1, 2024 and January 7, 2025 will be waitlisted until more nominations become available. All other applications received in 2024 and early 2025 will be processed in 2025.
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The BC PNP does not expect to resume general or priority occupation targeted invitations to apply (ITAs) in 2025. Instead, the program will issue a limited number of ITAs to Skills Immigration registrants who are likely to create high economic impact in B.C.; the program anticipates nominating approximately 100 such individuals from the registration pool, which currently has more than 10,000 candidates. Invitations may also be issued to support the Province’s strategic goals. These factors – which may vary for each draw – will be published at the time of each invitation to apply. The program expects to issue the first ITA for high economic impact candidates in early May.
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Invitations to apply will continue to be issued to Entrepreneur Immigration registrants throughout 2025.
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Effective immediately, eligibility for the Health Authority stream will be restricted to positions that contribute directly to the provision of healthcare services, such as doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. The complete list of eligible healthcare occupations can be found at this link.
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Based on consultations with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, future targeted invitations to apply (ITAs) will focus on Early Childhood Educator positions. Early Childhood Educator Assistants will no longer be part of the targeted draws.
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In consultation with the Ministry of Health, enhanced guidelines will be developed for social workers and community service workers.
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The BC PNP is committed to returning to a 3-month service standard for new applications submitted in 2025.
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The BC PNP is pausing plans to launch three new student streams until B.C.’s allocation levels are restored.
B.C. is committed to working with the federal government to support eligible nominee candidates to extend their work permits.
B.C. will continue to strongly advocate to the federal government for increased allocation to help the province attract and retain critical workers needed to grow the economy.
Complete information about program changes can be found in the updated Skills Immigration Program Guide.
March 3, 2025
March is Fraud Prevention MonthFraud Prevention Month is an annual campaign to raise public awareness of fraud. This March, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is focusing on "protecting yourself against immigration fraud" as part of the campaign.
The BC PNP's key message highlights what potential immigrants and employers should know to identify and avoid scams.
Learn more about immigration fraud and take a fraud awareness quiz.
January 31, 2025
BC PNP allocation reduced for 2025
The federal government has confirmed B.C.’s allocation of provincial nominees for 2025 is 4,000. This is a 50% reduction from 2024.
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is planning how to use the program in 2025 due to the reduced allocation. This will determine operational matters such as invitations to apply (ITAs) and the opening of the student streams.
The Health Authority and Entrepreneur streams will remain open.
BC PNP processing times are expected to increase for the rest of the year due to significantly reduced nominations allotted to B.C. by the federal government.
January 17, 2025
New edition of Skills Immigration Program Guide in effect
The BC PNP has published a new edition of the Skills Immigration Program Guide. This new Guide is effective as of January 17, 2025.
BC PNP applications are assessed against the criteria and policies in place at the time an application is submitted. Please ensure you are using the correct edition of the Guide.
Current and previous editions of all Guides can be found on our Guides, forms, reports and documents page.
January 7, 2025
New edition of Skills Immigration Program Guide in effect
The BC PNP has published a new edition of the Skills Immigration Program Guide. This new Guide is effective as of January 7, 2025.
BC PNP applications are assessed against the criteria and policies in place at the time an application is submitted. Please ensure you are using the correct edition of the Guide.
Current and previous editions of all Guides can be found on our Guides, forms, reports and documents page.