British Columbia kicked off its 2026 immigration calendar on 4 February with a high-impact Skills Immigration draw that sent 429 invitations to apply for provincial nomination. Results were published late on 5 February. Two streams dominated: 206 invitations went to candidates holding high-wage job offers (at least CA$70 per hour) in TEER 0–3 occupations, while 223 invitations were issued through a score-based selection requiring a minimum registration score of 138.
The province signalled it will continue to favour applicants who either command top-tier wages or rank highly on its points grid, a methodology designed to tie provincial nominations to demonstrable economic benefit. BC’s tech, life-sciences and clean-energy sectors—already grappling with talent shortages—stand to gain most as employers leverage the provincial nominee program (PNP) to convert temporary foreign workers into permanent residents.
Prospective immigrants who need help piecing together the right paperwork—whether it’s securing a work permit, extending status while awaiting nomination, or navigating IRCC forms—can streamline the process through VisaHQ. The platform (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) keeps applicants current on Canadian visa requirements, supplies tailored document checklists, and offers concierge support, making it a practical ally for anyone eyeing B.C.’s PNP opportunities.
![British Columbia Issues 429 Skilled-Worker Invitations in First PNP Draw of 2026]()
B.C. holds a 2026 allocation of roughly 10,000 nominations, but officials hinted that subsequent draws may shift criteria to address regional shortages outside Metro Vancouver. Employers sponsoring foreign workers should therefore monitor occupation-specific or regional streams that could open with little notice.
For candidates, the message is clear: competitive wages, employer support, and strategic timing are now as important as total points. Job-seekers should secure written offers early and ensure credential assessments and language tests are valid at the moment of invitation.
Companies with remote or hybrid policies must also remember that PNP nominees are expected to live and work in B.C.; non-compliance can jeopardise final permanent-residence approval.
The province signalled it will continue to favour applicants who either command top-tier wages or rank highly on its points grid, a methodology designed to tie provincial nominations to demonstrable economic benefit. BC’s tech, life-sciences and clean-energy sectors—already grappling with talent shortages—stand to gain most as employers leverage the provincial nominee program (PNP) to convert temporary foreign workers into permanent residents.
Prospective immigrants who need help piecing together the right paperwork—whether it’s securing a work permit, extending status while awaiting nomination, or navigating IRCC forms—can streamline the process through VisaHQ. The platform (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) keeps applicants current on Canadian visa requirements, supplies tailored document checklists, and offers concierge support, making it a practical ally for anyone eyeing B.C.’s PNP opportunities.
B.C. holds a 2026 allocation of roughly 10,000 nominations, but officials hinted that subsequent draws may shift criteria to address regional shortages outside Metro Vancouver. Employers sponsoring foreign workers should therefore monitor occupation-specific or regional streams that could open with little notice.
For candidates, the message is clear: competitive wages, employer support, and strategic timing are now as important as total points. Job-seekers should secure written offers early and ensure credential assessments and language tests are valid at the moment of invitation.
Companies with remote or hybrid policies must also remember that PNP nominees are expected to live and work in B.C.; non-compliance can jeopardise final permanent-residence approval.
