British Columbia has introduced updated pricing for candidates applying through its provincial worker immigration pathways, marking a shift in the cost of securing a provincial nomination in 2026. The revised fees affect select employment-based streams and apply only to new submissions moving forward.
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Higher Nomination Charges Now in Force
The provincial government has increased the nomination application fee for worker applicants under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. Effective January 22, 2026, candidates applying through eligible Skills Immigration streams are now required to pay $1,750 at the nomination stage, replacing the earlier fee of $1,475.
Applications submitted before the implementation date are not impacted, and no retroactive payments are required.
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Worker Pathways Included in the Update
The revised application cost applies exclusively to worker-focused pathways under the Skills Immigration umbrella. These include:
- Occupation-specific streams for skilled professionals
- Pathways designed for entry-level and semi-skilled roles
- Immigration options for healthcare professionals supported by public health authorities
Candidates invited through Express Entry-linked versions of these pathways must also pay the updated amount when submitting their nomination application.
All other provincial immigration fees remain unchanged, including those related to entrepreneurial immigration and administrative reviews.
When and How Candidates Pay the Fee
The nomination fee is collected only after a candidate receives an official invitation from British Columbia to submit a full application. Payments must be completed through the province’s digital application system.
Refunds are permitted only if an applicant withdraws their file before it enters the assessment stage. Once processing begins, the fee becomes non-recoverable. Charges related to appeals or reconsideration requests are never refunded.
Applicants should note that this provincial fee is independent of federal charges required later by IRCC when applying for permanent residence.
How British Columbia Selects Skilled Workers
British Columbia uses a competitive selection system to identify foreign workers who can meet regional labour market needs. Interested candidates must first confirm eligibility for a specific worker stream and create a profile in the provincial selection system.
Each profile is ranked using a scoring model that weighs professional experience, education, language ability, compensation level, and employment location within the province. Eligible profiles remain in the selection pool for up to one year.
Those with competitive scores may be invited to submit a full nomination application. Invited candidates have 30 days to complete their submission and provide supporting documents.
Decision Timelines and Nomination Validity
Once submitted, applications are typically reviewed within three months, though processing times may vary depending on application volumes.
Approved candidates receive a provincial nomination confirmation, which must remain valid until permanent residence is granted. Failure to maintain employment conditions or eligibility requirements may result in the nomination being cancelled.
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Work Authorisation Support for Approved Nominees
Provincial nominees who need continued work authorisation can access a special support mechanism from British Columbia. Eligible nominees may receive documentation allowing them to apply for a federal work permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
This support is often issued automatically with the nomination, particularly for candidates whose work permits are expiring. Others may request it through the province’s online system, provided they apply within three months of receiving their nomination.
What Applicants Should Keep in Mind
The fee increase highlights the importance of budgeting accurately when planning a provincial immigration application. While costs have risen, British Columbia continues to actively invite skilled workers, particularly in essential and high-demand sectors.
Prospective applicants are advised to prepare documentation early, monitor draw trends, and ensure compliance with all program requirements to avoid missed deadlines or expired invitations.
