Last Updated On 5 February 2026, 9:56 AM EST (Toronto Time)
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has officially kicked off 2026 with excellent news for skilled workers and immigration hopefuls.
On February 4, 2026, the BC PNP issued 429 invitations to apply (ITAs) in its first Skills Immigration draw of the year, marking a significant and encouraging start to what promises to be a pivotal year for provincial immigration in British Columbia.
This is good news for prospective immigrants to British Columbia, especially considering the challenging landscape that defined BC PNP draws throughout 2025.
The first draw of 2026 represents a large round under the Skills Immigration stream, bringing renewed optimism to thousands of candidates waiting in the BC PNP registration pool.
With Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) having increased the overall Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) quota for 2026, this inaugural draw signals that British Columbia is positioning itself to maximize opportunities for skilled workers seeking Canadian permanent residence.
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Key Details of the February 4, 2026 BC PNP Draw
The February 4, 2026, BC PNP draw targeted candidates who demonstrate high economic impact potential for British Columbia.
According to the official BC PNP website, invitations were issued based on two distinct criteria designed to attract top-tier talent to the province.
The first category invited 206 candidates who met the high-wage threshold requirements.
These successful applicants possessed a minimum wage offer of $70 per hour (equivalent to $145,000 annually) combined with a job offer in NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
This wage-based selection ensures that British Columbia attracts highly compensated professionals who can contribute significantly to the provincial economy and tax base.
The second category invited 223 candidates based on their scores in the BC PNP Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).
The minimum score required for this points-based category was 138 points, representing candidates with strong combinations of education, work experience, language proficiency, and job offers that align with BC’s labour market needs.
The decreased wage threshold of $70 per hour (down from $105 per hour in early 2025) and the lower points cutoff of 138 (versus 150 points previously) signal improving conditions for candidates.
Comparing the February 2026 Draw to Previous BC PNP Rounds
The February 4, 2026, draw’s 429 invitations represent a substantial round when compared to BC PNP’s constrained activity throughout 2025.
The combination of 206 wage-based invitations and 223 points-based invitations demonstrates the province’s dual approach to selecting high-impact candidates.
The wage threshold of $70 per hour ($145,000 annually) continues the trend of gradually decreasing requirements from the peak of $105 per hour seen in May 2025.
Similarly, the 138-point cutoff represents a decrease from the 150 points required in May 2025 and the 140 points required in October 2025.
Both of these adjustments suggest improving conditions for candidates and the BC PNP’s ability to invite larger pools of qualified applicants.
For historical comparison, before the 2025 allocation cuts, BC PNP regularly conducted weekly draws inviting hundreds of candidates across general and targeted categories.
The return to regular, substantial skills immigration draws would represent a welcome normalization for the thousands of candidates who have been waiting in the registration pool.
Understanding the BC PNP Skills Immigration Registration Pool
The BC PNP Skills Immigration registration pool provides valuable insight into the competitive landscape facing prospective nominees.
As of January 6, 2026, the pool contained 11,210 registered candidates awaiting invitations, distributed across various score ranges that reveal the challenges and opportunities ahead.
At the highest end, only 9 candidates have achieved scores of 150 points or above, while 67 candidates fall in the 140-149 range.
The bulk of the pool sits in the middle ranges, with 791 candidates scoring 130-139 points, 1,170 candidates in the 120-129 range, and 1,635 candidates between 110-119 points.
The largest concentration appears in the 100-109 point range with 2,161 candidates, followed by 2,048 candidates scoring 90-99 points.
Lower-scoring candidates face significant challenges, with 1,530 registrants in the 80-89 range, 996 in the 70-79 range, 480 scoring 60-69 points, and 323 candidates with scores below 60 points.
These statistics underscore the importance of maximizing one’s score through strategic improvements to language proficiency, education credentials, work experience, and job offer characteristics.
Candidates looking to improve their profiles should consider strategies outlined in resources about boosting Express Entry CRS scores, many of which apply equally to BC PNP scoring.
IRCC Increases 2026 PNP Quota Nationwide
The first BC PNP draw of 2026 arrives against a dramatically improved backdrop for provincial immigration across Canada.
In November 2025, IRCC announced its Immigration Levels Plan for 2026-2028, which included a substantial 66 percent increase in Provincial Nominee Program admission targets.
The national PNP admission target jumped from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 for 2026, with further increases planned for subsequent years.
This represents a significant reversal from the previous year’s restrictive approach and signals the federal government’s renewed confidence in provincial nominee programs as engines of regional economic growth.
For British Columbia specifically, IRCC granted a 2026 nomination allocation of 5,254 spaces.
While this falls short of the 9,000 nominations BC had requested to meet its labour market needs, it represents a 31 percent increase over the initial 2025 allocation of 4,000.
BC has indicated it will continue discussions with IRCC regarding additional nominations, and we believe IRCC will increase the quota.
Information about the new immigration levels can be found in the Canada PNP 2026 New Immigration Plan.
BC PNP Skills Immigration Fee Increase in 2026
Prospective BC PNP applicants should note a significant change that took effect earlier this year.
On January 22, 2026, the BC PNP increased its Skills Immigration application fee from $1,475 to $1,750, representing an increase of $275 or approximately 18.6 percent.
This fee adjustment reflects the program’s ongoing operational costs and the resources required to process applications efficiently.
Candidates who receive invitations to apply should factor this higher fee into their immigration budget alongside other costs such as federal permanent residence application fees, language testing, educational credential assessments, and settlement funds.
The fee increase applies to all Skills Immigration streams, including the Skilled Worker stream, International Graduate stream, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream.
It also affects candidates applying through the Express Entry BC pathway.
For current fee information and application requirements, visit the official WelcomeBC website.
What Happens After Receiving a BC PNP Invitation
Candidates who received invitations in the February 4, 2026, draw have a limited window to submit complete applications to the BC PNP.
Understanding the timeline and requirements helps ensure successful completion of the nomination process.
Upon receiving an invitation to apply, candidates typically have 30 days to submit their complete application package to BC PNP through the online portal.
This package must include supporting documents such as proof of job offer, language test results, educational credentials, work experience verification, and the application fee of $1,750.
BC PNP processing times for Skills Immigration applications have historically ranged from 3 to 4 months for 80 percent of cases, though times can vary based on application volume and complexity.
During processing, BC PNP may request additional documentation or clarification, so maintaining organized records and being responsive to requests helps avoid delays.
Once nominated by British Columbia, candidates receive a provincial nomination certificate and can proceed to apply for permanent residence through either the Express Entry system (if using an Express Entry-aligned stream) or the non-Express Entry base paper process.
The BC PNP British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program offers multiple pathways for candidates with varying qualification levels.
The current IRCC processing times indicate what to expect for federal permanent residence applications.
How to Position Yourself for Future BC PNP Draws
Success in the BC PNP requires strategic preparation and attention to multiple factors that contribute to your registration score and overall eligibility.
Several key areas deserve focus as you position yourself for future draws in 2026.
Language proficiency remains one of the most impactful factors in BC PNP scoring.
Strong English language scores (CLB 8 or higher across all bands) significantly boost your points and signal to employers and immigration officers that you can integrate successfully into British Columbia’s workforce.
Consider retaking IELTS or CELPIP if your current scores have room for improvement, as even small gains can make meaningful differences in competitive draws.
Securing a strong job offer from a BC employer is crucial for most BC PNP streams.
The wage level of your offer directly impacts your score, with higher wages earning more points.
Additionally, job offers outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District may qualify for additional regional points, making positions in smaller communities particularly valuable for immigration purposes.
Educational credentials should be assessed and recognized before applying. If you completed education outside Canada, obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) ensures your qualifications receive appropriate credit in the BC PNP scoring system.
Higher levels of education generally earn more points, and credentials in fields aligned with BC’s labour market priorities may receive additional consideration.
Work experience, particularly Canadian work experience, strengthens your profile substantially.
The BC PNP values candidates who have demonstrated their ability to work successfully in Canada, and experience directly related to your job offer in British Columbia carries particular weight.
Candidates can track opportunities through various resources covering work permits in Canada.
As British Columbia continues refining its 2026 priorities and potentially securing additional nomination spaces through ongoing IRCC discussions, the province remains committed to attracting talent that drives economic growth and addresses critical labour shortages.
For thousands of candidates in the BC PNP registration pool and those considering creating profiles, this first draw of 2026 brings renewed hope and tangible evidence that opportunity awaits those prepared to seize it.
Frequently Asked Questions About BC PNP in 2026
What is the difference between BC PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC streams?
BC PNP offers two main pathways: the Skills Immigration (SI) stream and the Express Entry BC (EEBC) stream. The primary difference lies in how your application connects to the federal immigration system. The Skills Immigration stream operates as a base provincial nomination program where, after receiving BC nomination, you submit a traditional paper-based permanent residence application to IRCC. Processing typically takes 12-18 months. The Express Entry BC stream is designed for candidates who also have profiles in the federal Express Entry system. When you receive a BC nomination through EEBC, you gain 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence, and your federal application is processed within approximately 6 months. Both streams use the same registration system and scoring criteria, but EEBC requires you to be eligible for Express Entry (through FSW, CEC, or FSTP) in addition to meeting BC PNP requirements.
Can I apply to BC PNP without a job offer from a BC employer?
For most BC PNP Skills Immigration streams, a job offer from a BC employer is mandatory. The Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled streams all require candidates to have accepted a permanent, full-time job offer in an eligible occupation from a BC employer before registering in the BC PNP system. The only exception within Skills Immigration was the International Post-Graduate stream, which allowed recent master’s and doctoral graduates from eligible BC institutions to apply without a job offer. However, this stream closed to new applications in January 2025 due to overcapacity and reduced nomination allocations.
How long does my BC PNP registration remain valid in the pool?
BC PNP registrations remain valid for 12 months from the date of submission. During this period, your profile remains active in the registration pool and eligible for invitation in applicable draws. If your registration expires without receiving an invitation, you may submit a new registration with updated information. Importantly, any changes to your circumstances during the validity period should be updated in your BC PNP profile.
What happens if my BC PNP nomination expires before I can use it?
BC PNP nominations have specific validity periods that vary depending on the stream. For Express Entry BC nominees, the nomination letter typically indicates a deadline by which you must submit your federal permanent residence application through Express Entry. This is usually around 60 days from nomination. For base Skills Immigration nominees (non-Express Entry), the nomination certificate is typically valid for approximately 6 months for federal PR application submission.
Are there specific occupations that receive priority in BC PNP draws?
Yes, BC PNP historically has prioritized certain occupations through targeted draws and program design. Healthcare occupations including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse aides, physicians, and various allied health professionals have received dedicated draws and priority processing. Technology occupations covered under BC PNP Tech, including software engineers, web developers, computer programmers, and IT specialists in 35 designated tech occupations, have also received accelerated processing and targeted invitations. Early childhood educators have been highlighted as a priority given British Columbia’s childcare expansion goals. Construction trades including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators have featured in targeted draws addressing housing and infrastructure needs. For 2026, BC has indicated it will announce specific priorities in the coming weeks.
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