If you’re planning to immigrate to British Columbia through the Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), there are some important updates you should know about for 2025.
Fewer Applications Accepted for 2025
BC is dramatically cutting the number of new applications it will accept. In 2025, only about 1,100 new applications will be taken in, with a primary focus on front-line healthcare staff, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers who have a major economic impact.
At the same time, BC announced a pause on general and priority occupation draws. Instead of regular draws, the province plans to nominate only around 100 high-impact candidates from an existing pool of over 10,000 people.
Changes to Student and Graduate Applications
If you’re an International Post-Graduate (IPG) applicant, applications received between September 1, 2024, and January 7, 2025, will be waitlisted and processed later. Applications submitted earlier in 2024 will still be reviewed during 2025.
BC also planned to launch three new streams for students, but those are now delayed until the province’s immigration allocations are restored.
Updates for Entrepreneurs
There’s good news for entrepreneurs: BC will continue issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the entrepreneur stream. If you’re planning to launch a business in BC, opportunities are still available despite the overall cutbacks.
Healthcare and Education Stream Changes
The Health Authority Stream is now limited only to front-line healthcare workers. Previously, it was open to a wider range of Health Authority employees, but eligibility has tightened.
In the education sector, Early Childhood Educator Assistants are no longer being included in targeted draws. From now on, draws will focus exclusively on Early Childhood Educators.