Important Updates to BC’s Nominee Program Canada
Big Changes Ahead for BC Immigration in 2025
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is tightening its immigration process in 2025. Many application streams are now closed, some draws have been paused, and only 1,100 new applications will be accepted for the entire year.
Focus Shifts to Key Workers
Instead of accepting a wide range of applicants, BC will now focus only on:
- Front-line healthcare workers
- Entrepreneurs and skilled workers who can make a strong economic impact.
Draws for Most Jobs on Hold
Moreover, BC has stopped general and priority occupation draws for 2025. Despite having over 10,000 people registered, the province plans to nominate only around 100 top candidates from this pool.
Some Graduate Applications on Hold
BC will not process International Post-Graduate (IPG) applications received between Sept 1, 2024, and Jan 7, 2025. These will be put on a waitlist.
Meanwhile, IPG applications received before or after this period will be processed during 2025.
New Student Streams Delayed
The province also announced that its three new student immigration streams will not open until the federal government restores full nomination limits.
Business Applicants Still Welcome
On the plus side, BC will continue to invite entrepreneurs to apply under the entrepreneur stream, which remains active.
Health Stream Now More Strict
Before, anyone working for a Health Authority could apply. But now, this stream is only for front-line healthcare workers—others no longer qualify.
Educator Assistants Left Out
In addition, Early Childhood Educator Assistants will no longer be included in BC’s targeted draws. The focus will now be only on Early Childhood Educators.
Too Many Applications, Not Enough Spots
BC started 2025 with 5,200 applications already in line. However, it only received 4,000 nomination spots from the federal government. As a result, 2,900 of those spots will be given to applications already submitted.
Why All These Changes?
In October 2024, the federal government cut the number of PNP spots in half — from 110,000 in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025.
Then in January 2025, provinces were told to cut their own nominee numbers, leading many, including BC, to pause or adjust their immigration streams.
