British Columbia has set out how many provincial nominations it plans to reserve in 2026 for two high-need groups: health-care workers and early childhood educators. The new figures offer a clearer picture of where the province is focusing its immigration efforts, how the BC PNP is being used to address labour shortages, and what foreign workers need to know if they hope to build a future in B.C.
British Columbia sets 2026 nomination targets for key workers
British Columbia has shared new details about its 2026 immigration planning under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The province says it expects to issue between 1,620 and 2,015 nominations to workers in priority health-care occupations this year. It also plans to nominate between 360 and 440 early childhood educators under NOC 42202.
These numbers matter because they show where the province is putting a large share of its limited nomination spaces. In 2026, B.C. received 6,254 nomination spots in total. Based on that allocation, health-care workers alone could receive roughly one quarter to nearly one third of all BC PNP nominations. Early childhood educators would account for a smaller but still meaningful share.
Together, these two groups could represent about 31.7% to 39.3% of all provincial nominations available to B.C. this year. For many foreign nationals already working in the province, this is an important signal. It suggests that B.C. is continuing to use Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada to respond directly to labour shortages in essential public-service sectors.
The province released this information in its latest statistical review of the BC PNP. While B.C. has said it is prioritizing five sectors in 2026—health care, child care, education, veterinary care, and construction—it only published specific nomination target ranges for health care and child care.
For people hoping to explore Canadian immigration options, this kind of provincial data can be very useful. It helps applicants understand not just whether a pathway exists, but where demand is strongest and where a nomination may be more realistic.
What the new targets tell us about B.C.’s immigration priorities
Health care remains the province’s biggest focus
B.C. has identified 31 health-care occupations for priority treatment under its updated programme. These include physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, medical technologists, and several other regulated and technical occupations.
One occupation comes with a special condition: nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates under NOC 33102 must be registered with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry in order to qualify for nomination.
This focus reflects a broader reality across Canada. Provinces are competing for trained workers who can support hospitals, clinics, long-term care homes, and community health services. In many cases, applicants may also need licensing or registration from a provincial regulator before they can fully work in their field, even if they qualify under immigration rules. That is why immigration planning should always be matched with credential recognition planning.
Child care is also being treated as essential
Under B.C.’s child-care priority stream, the key targeted occupation is early childhood educator. To qualify, candidates must hold either a one-year or five-year ECE certificate issued by the provincial registry. This requirement highlights an important point for applicants: being in an in-demand occupation is not always enough on its own. Provincial certification, licensing, or sector-specific approval may also be required.
For families across British Columbia, access to child care affects work, settlement, and community growth. By directing nomination spaces to this field, the province is trying to support both economic and social needs at the same time.
How 2026 compares with last year
In 2025, B.C. nominated 1,435 workers in priority health-care occupations and 409 early childhood educators. Combined, those two groups received 1,844 nominations out of the province’s 6,214 total spaces, or 29.7% of the annual allocation.
The 2026 plan therefore points to a stronger concentration of nominations in these sectors, especially if the province reaches the upper end of its target range. This is useful information for candidates considering whether to pursue a provincial route instead of relying only on Express Entry immigration pathways.
How many invitations has B.C. already issued in 2026?
As of August 25, British Columbia had invited 474 priority health-care workers and 451 early childhood educators to apply for provincial nomination. That is a combined 925 invitations across the two priority groups.
Across all BC PNP worker streams, the province had issued at least 4,838 invitations by that date. However, B.C. has not yet published how many of this year’s processed applications have already turned into approved nominations.
The province did provide a helpful point of reference from last year. In 2025, 6,195 of 6,553 worker-stream nomination applications were approved, which works out to a 94.5% approval rate. Applicants should be careful not to treat that as a guarantee for 2026, but it does suggest that well-prepared files in eligible categories can perform strongly when they meet programme requirements.
B.C. also repeated that at least 35% of skilled worker nominations will go to people working outside Metro Vancouver. In 2025, the province exceeded that goal and reached 38%. This is especially important for candidates living or working in smaller communities, where employers may face deeper labour shortages and where regional settlement can support a stronger nomination strategy.
If you are comparing provincial and federal pathways, it may help to review both British Columbia PNP options and the federal latest Express Entry draws. Some candidates benefit more from a provincial nomination, while others may be competitive through the federal pool based on age, education, language scores, and work experience.
What applicants need to qualify through the BC PNP
The basic process
For most BC PNP worker streams, the process begins with a full-time job offer from an employer in British Columbia. After that, an eligible foreign national can create a registration in the BC PNP online system. The province then assigns points based on factors such as work history, wages, language ability, and job details.
Candidates with stronger profiles may receive an invitation to apply when B.C. holds a draw. If invited, they must submit a complete application within 30 days. Those who are approved receive a provincial nomination, which can then support an application for Canadian permanent residence.
- Secure an eligible full-time job offer in British Columbia.
- Confirm that your occupation and credentials meet BC PNP requirements.
- Submit a registration or expression of interest through the BC PNP portal.
- Wait for an invitation in a qualifying draw.
- File a complete application within the deadline if invited.
- Use the nomination to continue your permanent residence process with IRCC.
Practical issues many applicants overlook
Many people focus only on the immigration form itself, but success often depends on preparation outside the application. Language test results such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF and TCF for French, may still play an important role depending on the stream. Education documents may need an ECA in some federal pathways. Regulated occupations may require licensing before or after nomination. Employers must also be genuine and meet provincial standards.
For some workers, the BC PNP may be a better route than federal selection alone. For others, a provincial nomination can be used to strengthen a federal profile, especially where CRS scores are not high enough. If you are unsure where you stand, you can learn how the CRS system works or check your current CRS score before deciding on your next step.
It is also worth remembering that Canada offers more than one route to settle permanently. Depending on your background, options may include the Canadian Experience Class, family sponsorship, regional programmes, and other economic streams. A provincial nomination is powerful, but it is only one part of the wider immigration to Canada process.
If you are working in health care or child care in B.C. and want to know where you fit, it may be wise to determine your eligibility through a free immigration assessment. A professional review can help you understand whether the BC PNP, Express Entry, or another pathway gives you the best chance of moving forward.
Immigration rules, occupation lists, and programme requirements can change quickly, so readers should always confirm current information with IRCC and the province, or speak with a licensed immigration consultant before making decisions. EverNorth Immigration is here to help with experienced, compassionate support at every stage of your journey toward a new life in Canada—if you are ready, you can book your free immigration assessment and get a professional evaluation of your options.
