Hot on the heels of its first 2026 draw, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held another Skills-Immigration round on February 11, inviting 460 candidates and trimming the wage threshold for its “high economic impact” selection from C$70 to C$62 per hour. The points-based cut-off also dropped to 135 from 138, widening access for mid-senior professionals.
The draw—detailed in a February 13 analysis by Immigration News Canada—reflects BC’s decision to calibrate its new high-wage pathway after feedback that the initial C$145,000 salary bar set on February 4 was too steep for many employers outside the tech sector. Lowering the wage floor to roughly C$125,000 keeps the focus on well-paid roles while recognising regional pay scales.
Prospective applicants who need help securing the correct Canadian visa or work authorization—whether for PNP-linked work permits, visitor visas to attend interviews, or documentation for accompanying family members—can streamline the process through VisaHQ’s digital platform. The service keeps requirements up to date, offers step-by-step guidance, and submits applications on your behalf; learn more at https://www.visahq.com/canada/
![BC lowers wage threshold in second Skills-Immigration draw, issues 460 ITAs]()
Sector watchers note that BC’s Skills-Immigration pool remains top-heavy: fewer than 20 candidates score above 140, while more than 6,000 sit between 90 and 120 points. The province may therefore continue lowering cut-offs gradually to meet its nomination target without compromising on labour-market fit.
For multinational HR teams, the message is nuanced. A six-figure salary paired with a TEER 0-3 job offer now stands a realistic chance of selection, but competition will intensify as more employers adjust compensation to the new threshold. Companies are advised to file Labour Market Impact Assessment-exempt offers early and to ensure foreign workers have up-to-date language scores and credential assessments.
Candidates who missed the latest invitation should watch for the next pool snapshot scheduled around February 22, which will reveal whether BC continues its incremental easing or re-tightens thresholds once the backlog shrinks.
The draw—detailed in a February 13 analysis by Immigration News Canada—reflects BC’s decision to calibrate its new high-wage pathway after feedback that the initial C$145,000 salary bar set on February 4 was too steep for many employers outside the tech sector. Lowering the wage floor to roughly C$125,000 keeps the focus on well-paid roles while recognising regional pay scales.
Prospective applicants who need help securing the correct Canadian visa or work authorization—whether for PNP-linked work permits, visitor visas to attend interviews, or documentation for accompanying family members—can streamline the process through VisaHQ’s digital platform. The service keeps requirements up to date, offers step-by-step guidance, and submits applications on your behalf; learn more at https://www.visahq.com/canada/
Sector watchers note that BC’s Skills-Immigration pool remains top-heavy: fewer than 20 candidates score above 140, while more than 6,000 sit between 90 and 120 points. The province may therefore continue lowering cut-offs gradually to meet its nomination target without compromising on labour-market fit.
For multinational HR teams, the message is nuanced. A six-figure salary paired with a TEER 0-3 job offer now stands a realistic chance of selection, but competition will intensify as more employers adjust compensation to the new threshold. Companies are advised to file Labour Market Impact Assessment-exempt offers early and to ensure foreign workers have up-to-date language scores and credential assessments.
Candidates who missed the latest invitation should watch for the next pool snapshot scheduled around February 22, which will reveal whether BC continues its incremental easing or re-tightens thresholds once the backlog shrinks.
