British Columbia Opens First BC PNP Skills Immigration Draw of 2025 – Invites 94 Candidates

British Columbia has conducted its first skills immigration draw of 2025, inviting 94 candidates through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The draw, held on May 8th, targeted individuals deemed to have a "high economic impact" on the province. This marks a significant step as the BC PNP had previously only held draws for its entrepreneur streams in the new year.

Latest BC PNP Draw Criteria

The 94 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued based on two key criteria:

• Holding a minimum wage of $105 per hour while currently employed by their supporting BC employer in a skilled occupation classified under National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER level 0.
• Achieving a minimum score of 150 points according to the BC PNP's comprehensive scoring system.

Note: The invitations were split evenly between these two categories, with 47 candidates meeting each criterion.

This initial draw comes against the backdrop of a significantly reduced provincial nomination allocation from the federal government. The BC PNP had previously announced that it anticipates nominating only approximately 100 candidates through this high-economic impact skills immigration pathway for the entire year. This suggests that the province is nearing its capacity for this specific stream after just one draw.

Broader range of factors for upcoming BC PNP draws

The BC PNP has indicated that future draws under the high economic impact skills immigration pathway may consider a broader range of factors, including a candidate's:

• Level and field of education, and where it was obtained.
• Professional designations held in British Columbia.
• Language proficiency.
• Specific occupation.
• Duration and skill level of their work experience.
• Wage and skill level of their job offer.
• Demonstrated intention to reside, work, and settle in a particular region of British Columbia.
• Strategic priorities that address specific labour market needs or support government pilot projects.

Looking ahead, the BC PNP plans to accept only 1,100 net new applications for provincial nomination in all of 2025. Assuming all 94 invitations from this recent draw result in approved nominations, the remaining allocation will primarily focus on:

• Front-line healthcare workers and managers within the healthcare sector.
• Entrepreneurs through their dedicated immigration streams.

These shifts are part of more significant changes announced for the BC PNP in 2025, including a pause on general and priority occupations draws, the waitlisting of some International Post-Graduate (IPG) stream applications, the postponement of new student immigration streams, limitations on the Health Authority Stream to front-line roles, and a new focus on Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) over assistants in education-related draws.

Also read-

Alberta Released Latest AAIP Draw Results- 295 Candidates Received Invitations

Category-Based Express Entry Draws in 2025: Skilled Trades Now a Key Focus

Good News for IEC Participants in Canada: Easier Work Permit Renewals

Latest Manitoba Immigration Draw Focuses on Skilled Workers: 26 LAAs Issued

Contact Visas Avenue for Your Canadian Immigration Journey in 2025

While the landscape of Canadian immigration, particularly to British Columbia, is evolving in 2025, navigating the various pathways and requirements can be complex. If you are considering immigrating to Canada and wish to explore your options, including those within British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program or other federal immigration streams, Visas Avenue is here to assist you. Our team of experienced immigration consultants can provide you with personalized guidance, assess your eligibility, and help you through the application process. Contact Visas Avenue today at Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com to take the first step towards your Canadian dream in 2025.

- Rajneesh Kumar