In response to a sharp cut in federal immigration allocations, British Columbia has radically reshaped its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) for 2025. With only 1,100 new applications set to be accepted, the province is concentrating its limited resources on one priority: reinforcing its overburdened healthcare system.
The province revealed that the majority of new nominations will go to healthcare professionals, especially those actively delivering medical services. The decision reflects B.C.’s urgent need to address healthcare staffing shortages while managing a constrained immigration quota.
Also Read British Columbia Restructures Immigration Program to Prioritize Frontline Healthcare Workers
Eligibility Now Focused on Direct Care Providers
Effective April 14, the Health Authority stream of the BC PNP has tightened eligibility rules, now limited exclusively to individuals directly engaged in patient care or clinical services. This replaces the broader criteria that previously included administrative and support roles.
Eligible professions include:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
| Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians | 32104 |
| Audiologists and speech-language pathologists | 31112 |
| Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32123 |
| Chiropractors | 31201 |
| Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants | 33100 |
| Dental hygienists and dental therapists | 32111 |
| Dental technologists and technicians | 32112 |
| Dentists | 31110 |
| Denturists | 32110 |
| Dietitians and nutritionists | 31121 |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 |
| Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment | 31204 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 32101 |
| Managers in health care | 30010 |
| Massage therapists | 32201 |
| Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations | 33101 |
| Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 |
| Medical radiation technologists | 32121 |
| Medical sonographers | 32122 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates | 33102 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31302 |
| Nursing coordinators and supervisors | 31300 |
| Occupational therapists | 31203 |
| Opticians | 32100 |
| Optometrists | 31111 |
| Other assisting occupations in support of health services | 33109 |
| Other medical technologists and technicians | 32129 |
| Other practitioners of natural healing | 32209 |
| Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating | 31209 |
| Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment | 32109 |
| Paramedical occupations | 32102 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 |
| Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants | 33103 |
| Pharmacy technicians | 32124 |
| Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals | 31303 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 |
| Psychologists | 31200 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 |
| Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists | 32103 |
| Social and community service workers | 42201 |
| Social workers | 41300 |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 |
| Specialists in surgery | 31101 |
| Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies | 41301 |
| Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists | 32200 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 |
All applicants must hold a permanent, full-time job offer from a public health authority in B.C.
Approved Public Health Employers
Nomination support must come from one of the following health authorities:
- Fraser Health
- Island Health
- Interior Health
- Northern Health
- Vancouver Coastal Health
- Providence Health Care
- First Nations Health Authority
- Provincial Health Services Authority
Each has internal nomination processes and must formally endorse the applicant for submission under the BC PNP.
Pathway Still Open for Self-Employed Medical Experts
Self-employed physicians, nurse practitioners, and midwives are still eligible — provided they have formal backing from a public health authority or midwifery practice in B.C. These applicants must submit a letter of support confirming their qualifications, location of practice, and commitment to serving in the province.
Entrepreneurs and Economic Contributors Get a Modest Share
While the focus is clearly healthcare, B.C. is setting aside a portion of its 2025 nominations for entrepreneurs and candidates with significant economic potential. Though the criteria for this “high economic impact” group remain vague, it likely includes individuals with strong credentials, high earnings, or in-demand expertise.
About 100 nominations are expected to go to such candidates this year.
Why This Shift Was Necessary
The federal government reduced B.C.’s 2025 nomination allotment to 4,000 spots, slashing it by half. However, the province began the year with 5,200 applications in backlog, already exceeding that cap.
To stay within limits, B.C. has paused multiple immigration streams and will only allow a small, focused intake this year — mainly prioritizing essential healthcare workers.
Bottom Line: Fewer Applications, Higher Stakes
B.C.’s revamped immigration strategy means fewer opportunities across most industries, but an enhanced pathway for those working on the frontlines of healthcare. With a reduced intake and rising demand for services, professionals in medical and therapeutic roles now stand the best chance at permanent residency through the BC PNP in 2025.
