British Columbia has held another major provincial immigration draw, inviting 714 skilled workers through the BC Provincial Nominee Program. The round focused on candidates with strong wages, competitive scores, and likely high economic impact. For workers already in Canada or planning a move to B.C., the draw offers useful insight into how the province is choosing talent in 2026.
British Columbia invites 714 skilled workers through its provincial nominee programme
British Columbia has invited 714 candidates to apply for provincial nomination for permanent residence in a new round under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). The selection took place on September 24 and targeted workers who either had high-paying job offers or strong registration scores in the province’s system.
This latest round shows that B.C. is continuing to focus on candidates who can make a strong economic contribution to the province. For many foreign nationals, a provincial nomination can become an important step in the broader immigration to Canada process, especially for those who want to settle outside the federal-only pathways.
According to the draw details, 426 invitations went to skilled workers with eligible job offers paying at least $105,000 per year, which works out to at least $52 per hour. Another 288 invitations were issued to candidates who had a minimum registration score of 131 points.
These invitations were issued under B.C.’s “innovate” objective, one of the province’s current high-economic-impact selection priorities. While the province did not list the occupations chosen in this round, the message is clear: B.C. is using its nominee programme to attract experienced workers who meet pressing labour market and economic needs.
For people comparing Canadian immigration pathways through Provincial Nominee Programs, this draw is another reminder that provinces can set very specific selection priorities based on wages, skills, and regional demand.
What this BCPNP draw means for candidates
Two main selection streams in this round
The September 24 selection used two different ways to identify strong candidates. One group was chosen based on wage level tied to a qualifying job offer in a TEER 0 to TEER 3 occupation. The other group was selected based on score.
| Selection basis | Minimum requirement | Invitations issued |
|---|---|---|
| Wage plus job offer | TEER 0–3 job offer with at least $52 per hour and $105,000 per year | 426 |
| Registration score | At least 131 points | 288 |
In practical terms, this means B.C. is rewarding both strong earnings and strong overall profiles. A high salary can signal immediate economic value, while a high registration score may reflect a mix of education, language ability, work experience, and other human capital factors.
What happens after an invitation
Candidates who receive an invitation have 30 days to submit a complete application for provincial nomination. If the province approves the application, the nominee can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent residence.
For many applicants already working in Canada, this is especially important because a nomination can support longer-term plans to remain in the country legally while permanent residence is being processed. Depending on the stream and timing, some nominees may also benefit from work permit options while waiting.
Faster access to a bridging open work permit for some nominees
The article also points to an important federal measure introduced earlier in 2026. Since June 9, some base PNP nominees applying for permanent residence may be able to apply for a bridging open work permit sooner than before, without first waiting for an Acknowledgement of Receipt from IRCC.
That change may reduce uncertainty for workers whose current status is time-sensitive. Anyone affected should still review the latest IRCC instructions carefully, because work permit eligibility depends on the exact stream, application stage, and supporting documents. If you are unsure how provincial nomination connects to your status in Canada, it may help to review your work permit options in Canada and seek professional guidance.
How British Columbia is choosing high-economic-impact immigrants in 2026
The province is not selecting by score alone
One of the most important takeaways from this draw is that British Columbia is not relying on one single factor. The province has stated that future high-economic-impact invitations may be based on one or more selection factors, depending on current priorities.
- Education level and field of study
- Where the education was completed
- Professional designation in British Columbia
- Length and skill level of work experience
- Language ability
- Occupation
- Wage level or skill level of the job offer
- Intent to live and work in a specific region of the province
- Strategic priorities linked to labour market needs or provincial projects
This broader approach matters for applicants because it shows that a strong case is not built on salary alone. Language test results such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF and TCF for French, may still play an important role. Education can also matter, especially if an applicant needs an Educational Credential Assessment to support their profile in other Express Entry and provincial nominee pathways.
B.C. is nearing its annual nomination limit
British Columbia’s 2026 nomination allocation is 6,254 spaces. As of September 24, the BCPNP had already issued 3,974 invitations under the wage/job-offer and registration-score categories alone. Across all worker and entrepreneur streams, the province had issued at least 6,128 invitations during the year.
It is important to remember that invitations are not the same as nominations. Still, these numbers suggest that B.C. has been very active and highly selective. Candidates hoping to apply through British Columbia provincial nominee programmes should pay close attention to changing thresholds and policy direction.
What the Skills Immigration pool tells us about competition in B.C.
The pool remains large
Before being invited under the Skills Immigration category, foreign nationals must first register a profile. The province then assigns points and places each person in the appropriate pool. Periodic draws are held to invite candidates with competitive profiles that match the criteria for that round.
As of September 1, the Skills Immigration registration pool contained 8,013 profiles. That number alone shows how competitive B.C. immigration can be, particularly for workers targeting one of Canada’s most popular provinces.
| Score range | Number of registrations |
|---|---|
| 0–99 | 4,018 |
| 100–119 | 2,832 |
| 120–129 | 940 |
| 130 and above | 223 |
The numbers are especially revealing at the top end. Only a small share of candidates had scores of 130 or higher, which helps explain why a 131-point threshold was enough to identify a narrow group of stronger profiles.
Why this matters for future applicants
If you are thinking about moving to B.C., this draw suggests that improving your profile before registering can make a real difference. A better language score, a stronger job offer, more relevant work experience, or a more strategic occupation can all affect your competitiveness. In some cases, candidates may also want to compare provincial options with federal routes such as the Canadian Experience Class or use tools to improve their CRS score.
For workers who are still deciding where to settle, B.C. remains attractive because of its economy, major urban centres like Vancouver and Victoria, and strong demand in many skilled occupations. At the same time, the competition is real. That is why many applicants benefit from taking time to determine their eligibility through a free immigration assessment before choosing a pathway.
More broadly, this draw fits into a larger Canadian immigration landscape in which provinces and the federal government continue to use targeted selection. Alongside PNPs, applicants may also consider programmes such as Family Sponsorship, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and other regional streams depending on their background, job prospects, and settlement goals. If you want to explore your Canadian immigration options, it is wise to compare both provincial and federal routes rather than relying on one plan only.
Immigration rules, draw criteria, and work permit policies can change quickly, so readers should always confirm current requirements with IRCC or the relevant provincial authority, or speak with a licensed immigration professional before making decisions. EverNorth Immigration is here to help with experienced, compassionate support at every stage of your move to Canada, and you are welcome to book your free immigration assessment for a professional evaluation of your options.
