British Columbia has officially begun its immigration draws for 2025 — but with strict limits. On May 8, the province held its first Skills Immigration draw of the year under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). Until now, the province had only conducted draws for entrepreneurs this year.
Only 94 candidates were invited in this draw, and British Columbia made it clear that these invitations are focused on candidates who bring high economic impact to the province.
Who received invitations in the May 8 draw?
The 94 candidates invited in this draw qualified through one of two criteria:
- They were already working for their supporting employer in a skilled job (classified under NOC TEER level 0) and earning at least $105 per hour,
OR - They had a minimum score of 150 points in the BC PNP points system.
These two groups each made up half of the total invitations issued.
This shows that British Columbia is looking for either top-level professionals with high wages or those with very strong profiles in the BC PNP system.
Why so few invitations this year?
The main reason is that the federal government has significantly reduced the number of nominations British Columbia can issue in 2025. In response, BC has said it will nominate only about 100 high-impact skilled workers through this particular immigration pathway.
This means the window of opportunity is much smaller than in previous years.
What else is British Columbia focusing on in 2025?
If British Columbia reaches its limit of high-impact nominations, the rest of the province’s limited nomination spots will go to:
- Front-line healthcare workers and healthcare managers
- Entrepreneurs
So, unless you fall into one of these priority areas, it may be much harder to receive a nomination from British Columbia this year.
What future draws may consider
Although this draw focused on wage and point score, future draws may invite candidates based on different factors, including:
- Level, field, and location of your education
- Any professional designations you hold in British Columbia
- English or French language skills
- Your occupation
- Work experience – especially its length and skill level
- Your job offer – including its wage and required skills
- Your intention to live and work in a specific BC region
- How your profile aligns with B.C.’s labour market needs or special pilot programs
British Columbia has also made major changes to its immigration system this year.
Here are the biggest updates to BC immigration in 2025:
- A pause on general and priority occupation draws
- Waitlisting of International Post-Graduate (IPG) Stream applications received from September 2024 to January 2025
- Delay of three new student immigration streams until more nomination spots become available
- Health Authority Stream is now limited to only front-line healthcare workers and managers
- Early Childhood Educator Assistants are no longer eligible in education-based draws. Instead, the focus is now only on fully qualified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs)
These changes are designed to help British Columbia make the most out of its limited allocation from the federal government, by focusing only on key priority areas.
1. What is the BC PNP?
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) allows British Columbia to nominate foreign workers and graduates for Canadian permanent residence based on the province’s economic needs.
2. What does “high economic impact” mean?
It refers to candidates who bring strong economic value to the province — for example, people with high-paying jobs, advanced skills, or those working in priority sectors like healthcare.
3. Can I still apply to the BC PNP this year?
Yes, but it will be much more competitive in 2025. British Columbia is only accepting a limited number of new applications and focusing on very specific candidate types.
4. What if I’m an international student in BC?
If you applied under the International Post-Graduate (IPG) Stream between September 2024 and January 2025, your application may be waitlisted. Additionally, new student immigration streams are delayed until the province receives more nomination spaces.
5. What if I’m an Early Childhood Educator Assistant?
Unfortunately, ECE Assistants are no longer included in education draws. Only fully certified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) are now being considered under those streams.
6. Is it easier to immigrate to another province?
It depends on your profile. Other provinces may have more nomination spots or more flexible criteria in 2025. It’s best to get a full eligibility assessment before deciding where to apply.
Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today!
📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services.
📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment”
📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services:
- (+𝟭) 𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟳𝟳𝟳-𝟯𝟳𝟳𝟳 (Canada)
- +971 45 26 4646 (Dubai)
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.