British Columbia has officially begun its 2026 provincial immigration selection cycle, issuing a new round of invitations under its Skills Immigration pathway. The first draw of the year reflects the province’s increasingly selective approach, focusing on candidates who demonstrate strong earning potential and alignment with British Columbia’s long-term economic goals.
As demand for provincial nominations continues to outpace available spots, the latest draw underscores how competitive the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has become.
Also Read British Columbia PNP Starts 2026 With 429 Skills Immigration Invitations
February Draw Brings 429 New Invitations
In an immigration round held on February 4, British Columbia invited 429 registered candidates to apply for provincial nomination. All invitations were issued under the Skills Immigration stream, targeting individuals already working or intending to work in skilled roles within the province.
Rather than selecting candidates purely by occupation or volume, the province prioritised profiles that showed a measurable economic contribution, either through high earnings or strong overall registration scores.
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Two Distinct Selection Approaches Used
The draw was divided into two separate selection groups, each designed to capture a different type of high-value applicant.
Candidates With Exceptional Salary Offers
A significant share of invitations went to individuals holding highly paid job offers in skilled occupations. To qualify, applicants needed employment offers for professional or technical roles classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, with hourly wages of $70 or more.
- Invitations issued: 206
High-Scoring Registrants
The remaining invitations were extended to candidates selected purely on the strength of their BC PNP registration scores. Only applicants with a score of 138 points or higher were invited in this category.
- Invitations issued: 223
Provincial authorities have also indicated that future draws focused on economic impact may use alternative benchmarks, depending on shifting workforce priorities.
Factors That May Shape Future BC PNP Selections
British Columbia has confirmed that upcoming invitation rounds may assess candidates using a wide range of attributes beyond wages and scores. These factors may include:
- Academic background and specialisation
- Location where education was completed
- Professional licensing or credentials recognised in BC
- Language proficiency
- Nature and relevance of occupation
- Length and seniority of work experience
- Strength and skill level of job offers
- Commitment to settling in priority regions
- Alignment with provincial labour initiatives or pilot programs
This flexible framework allows the province to respond quickly to labour shortages and regional workforce demands.
Skills Immigration Pool Continues to Grow
Data released by the BC PNP shows that the Skills Immigration registration pool has expanded significantly, with more than 11,000 active profiles recorded at the beginning of January 2026.
The majority of candidates are concentrated in score ranges between 100 and 129 points, while only a small fraction hold scores in the top tiers. This imbalance highlights how difficult it has become to secure an invitation without a standout profile.
The highest score ranges contain relatively few applicants, suggesting that even small improvements, such as higher wages or additional experience, can make a meaningful difference.
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Nomination Limits Create a Tight Selection Environment
For 2026, British Columbia has been allotted 5,254 nomination spaces. However, not all of these spots will be used for new invitations. A portion of the allocation is expected to be reserved for:
- Applicants carried forward from the 2025 intake
- Candidates placed on waitlists from previous draws
- Business and entrepreneur immigration categories
Given the size of the Skills Immigration pool compared to the number of available nominations, a large share of registered candidates are unlikely to receive invitations this year.
Outlook for BC PNP Candidates in 2026
The opening draw of 2026 makes one thing clear: British Columbia is tightening its selection strategy. Applicants with strong salaries, competitive scores, and profiles aligned with provincial priorities are far more likely to succeed.
For candidates with lower scores or modest job offers, improving registration profiles or exploring alternative provincial and federal immigration options may be essential in the months ahead.
As British Columbia continues to refine its Skills Immigration system, future draws are expected to remain limited, targeted, and highly competitive.
