BC PNP News 2025–2026: Nomination Allocation, Stream Updates & Program Status

BC PNP news is crucial for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs planning to immigrate to British Columbia. Recent announcements show that while the program is technically open, many streams were paused or restricted in 2025, and the 2026 nomination allocation is limited. Understanding these changes can help applicants plan strategically.


BC PNP Streams Paused or Restricted in 2025

In April 2025, the Government of British Columbia announced major adjustments to BC PNP streams due to a reduced federal nomination allocation:

  • General and priority occupation draws were suspended

  • International Post-Graduate (IPG) streams were paused indefinitely

  • Only high-impact or critical occupation candidates were invited

  • Many applicants experienced delays due to waitlists

This led many to describe the program as “closed,” but legally the program continued operating.

Sources:

Clarification: While the BC PNP has not technically closed, most streams were effectively paused or severely restricted due to reduced federal nominations, and applicants experienced long delays. (CIC News – BC PNP 2026 Allocation)


BC PNP 2026 Nomination Allocation Announcement

In December 2025, BC became the first province to announce its 2026 nomination allocation. The province received 5,254 nominations from IRCC, far below the 9,000 requested to meet labour market needs.

BC PNP Canada

Implications for applicants:

  • Fewer Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across streams

  • High competition for limited nominations

  • Prioritization of candidates in healthcare, skilled trades, and high economic impact roles

Source: CIC News – BC PNP 2026 Allocation


How BC PNP Allocation Works

Understanding the program’s allocation system helps applicants:

  • IRCC sets total nominations for the province

  • BC PNP issues invitations based on stream priorities and labour market needs

  • Only invited candidates may submit a full application

  • Some streams may remain paused until additional nominations are available


Why Some People Say BC PNP Is “Closed”

The term “BC PNP is closed” became common because:

  • IPG and other student streams were paused indefinitely

  • General occupation draws were suspended

  • Only a small number of invitations were issued to high-impact candidates

While the program remains legally operational, many applicants could not submit new applications, which felt like a closure.

Sources:


IRCC Immigration Updates Affecting BC PNP Applicants

Federal PNP Targets for 2026

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 sets ambitious PNP targets. Although BC PNP nominations are limited, the federal plan shows that PNPs remain central to economic immigration strategy.

BC PNP Canada

Source: CIC News – Canada Immigration Levels Plan

Home Care Worker Pilot Changes

IRCC paused new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot applications starting in 2026. While separate from BC PNP, this highlights federal programs’ rapid changes and why staying informed is essential.

Source: Economic Times – Home Care Worker Pilot Pause


Why BC PNP News Matters

Staying up to date is critical because:

  • Allocations are limited

  • Stream priorities shift rapidly

  • Eligibility requirements can change yearly

Professional guidance ensures applications are prepared for competitive draws, avoiding delays or refusals.


Why Choose RS Immigration?

Canadian immigration rules change frequently. At RS Immigration, we monitor BC PNP news, IRCC updates, and provincial policies to provide accurate, strategic, and timely advice.

We Offer:

✔ Personalized immigration consultations
✔ Professional application preparation
✔ Clear guidance on eligibility and documentation
✔ Support from start to finish


Contact RS Immigration Today

For help with BC PNP applications, work permits, spouse sponsorship, visitor visas, or other Canadian immigration services, RS Immigration is ready to assist.

RS Immigration
🌐 Website: https://www.rsimmigration.com
📞 Phone: 778-229-0796


Sources

  1. Government of BC News – BC PNP Update April 2025

  2. CIC News – BC PNP 2026 Allocation

  3. GHASEDAK – BC PNP Stream Pauses

  4. Economic Times – Home Care Worker Pilot Pause

  5. CIC News – Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026