BC PNP 2026: Care, Build, Innovate Streams & Draws
Since the BC PNP's April 23, 2026 program update, worker invitations target three objectives — Care (health, childcare, French-speaking teachers, veterinary care), Build (9 certified construction trades) and Innovate (High Economic Impact draws open to all sectors) — while the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream stays closed (source: welcomebc.ca/.../invitations-to-apply). BC's 2026 nomination allocation is 6,254, after an extra 1,000 were added in August 2026 (source: welcomebc.ca/.../news). The most recent Skills Immigration draw was on October 8, 2026.
Last verified: · Sources: IRCC
What changed in 2026
April 23, 2026: BC PNP restructured worker invitations around Care, Build and Innovate; the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream stayed closed and no student streams were launched. January 22, 2026: the application fee rose to $1,750. August 18, 2026: BC's 2026 allocation rose to 6,254 (an extra 1,000 nominations).
2026 nomination allocation
6,254
Last verified:
Streams
Skilled Worker
For skilled workers with a B.C. job offer, selected via Care, Build or Innovate categories.
Full-time, indeterminate job offer in TEER 0–3 from an eligible B.C. employer with a signed Employer Declaration Form; at least 2 years full-time-equivalent experience; required credentials/licensing; CLB 4; minimum wage/income requirements; some occupations ineligible.
Job offer requiredHealth Authority
For health workers hired by a B.C. health authority.
Full-time, indeterminate job offer from a B.C. health authority in a Health-Authority-eligible occupation; Employer Declaration from authorized personnel; required credentials/experience; CLB 4.
Job offer requiredEntrepreneur Immigration — Base
For experienced business owners starting or buying and growing a B.C. business.
Net worth of at least $600,000; 3+ years as an owner-manager in the last 10 years (or an eligible post-secondary degree); personal investment of at least $200,000; create at least 1 full-time job for a citizen or PR; CLB 4; work permit first, nomination after a Performance Agreement.
No job offer requiredEntrepreneur Immigration — Regional
For entrepreneurs starting a business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District in a participating community.
Net worth of at least $300,000; 3+ years as an owner-manager in the last 5 years; investment of at least $100,000; create at least 1 full-time job; CLB 4; community referral and exploratory visit required.
No job offer requiredStrategic Projects
For key staff of foreign corporations expanding into B.C.
Equity investment of at least $500,000 in B.C. operations; corporation established and in good financial standing; at least 3 new full-time jobs per key staff member (max 5 key staff).
Job offer requiredHow to apply
- 1. Choose a stream (Skilled Worker or Health Authority); choose the Express Entry BC (EEBC) version if you are in the federal Express Entry pool and meet the criteria.
- 2. Register online for free in the BC PNP Online User Portal. Your registration is scored on human capital and economic factors and stays in the pool up to 12 months.
- 3. Wait for a targeted invitation to apply (Care, Build or Innovate/High Economic Impact). If invited, submit a complete application within 30 calendar days and pay the $1,750 fee.
- 4. Wait for the nomination decision (about 3 months for roughly 80% of cases), then apply to IRCC for permanent residence before your Confirmation of Nomination expires.
Recent draws
| Date | Streams | Invitations | Score / criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Care: Health / Care: Childcare / Care: Veterinary / Build: Construction Trades | 283 | Health 76+, Childcare 99+, Veterinary 86+, Construction 94+ | |
| Innovate: High Economic Impact (wage or points) | 714 | wage ≥$52/h & ≥$105,000/yr (TEER 0–3), or 131+ points | |
| Care: Health / Childcare / Veterinary / Build: Construction | 429 | Health 76+, Childcare 99+, Veterinary 90+, Construction 94+ | |
| Innovate: High Economic Impact (wage or points) | 602 | wage ≥$55/h & ≥$110,000/yr (TEER 0–3), or 132+ points | |
| Entrepreneur Immigration — Base / Regional | 15 | 119 |
Official links
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the BC PNP's Care, Build and Innovate categories?
Since April 23, 2026, BC PNP worker invitations target three objectives: Care (31 health NOCs, early childhood educators, French-speaking K-12 teachers, veterinary care), Build (9 certified construction trades), and Innovate (High Economic Impact draws open to all sectors, selected by wage or by points). Source: welcomebc.ca/.../invitations-to-apply.
Is the BC PNP Tech Pilot still running?
No. Dedicated tech-specific draws ended December 3, 2024. Tech occupations remain eligible for the Skilled Worker stream and can be invited through the Innovate: High Economic Impact category.
Is the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) stream still open?
No. ELSS is officially closed; its last invitations were issued December 10, 2024. BC has also confirmed it will not launch new student streams.
What is the BC PNP application fee in 2026?
$1,750, which rose from $1,475 on January 22, 2026. A request for review costs $500.
What is BC's 2026 PNP nomination allocation?
6,254 nominations, including an extra 1,000 added in August 2026. BC says it plans to use its full allocation by December 31, 2026.
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Sources
- https://www.welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/about-the-bc-provincial-nominee-program/invitations-to-apply
- https://www.welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/about-the-bc-provincial-nominee-program/the-bc-provincial-nominee-program
- https://www.welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/for-workers
- https://www.welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/for-entrepreneurs-and-businesses
- https://www.welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/about-the-bc-provincial-nominee-program/news
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees.html
Always verify information with official IRCC sources. Processing times and program requirements can change without notice.
This guide provides informational guidance only — it is not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify with IRCC or a licensed RCIC/immigration lawyer. Processing times, draw scores, and program availability can change without notice.