Each province has its own rules
The BC PNP is administered under B.C.'s Provincial Immigration Programs Act and Regulation, in partnership with the federal government under the 2021 Canada-British Columbia Immigration Agreement. Each application is assessed under the law and program criteria in place when it is received. The current Skills Immigration Program Guide took effect on 2026-06-10.
The only provincial nominee program Maple Birds handles is the BC PNP. Federal Express Entry and spousal sponsorship do not depend on the province; see Express Entry and family sponsorship.
Source: BC PNP Skills Immigration Program Guide, checked 2026-10-17.
Employer requirements
- Staff: an employer in Metro Vancouver needs at least 5 indeterminate, full-time employees (or full-time equivalents) working in B.C.; outside Metro Vancouver, at least 3.
- Operating history: at least 1 year of operation in B.C.
- Job offer: full-time (an average of at least 30 hours a week, year-round) and indeterminate; some occupations are exceptions.
- Wage: within the range posted on WorkBC or the federal Job Bank for the occupation and location, and comparable to what Canadian citizens and permanent residents with similar qualifications are paid.
- LMIA: employers supporting BC PNP applicants do not need a federal Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Source: BC PNP Skills Immigration Program Guide; WelcomeBC: For employers (LMIA), checked 2026-10-17.
Employer inspections and misrepresentation
- The BC PNP may inspect a supporting employer to check compliance; inspections may be scheduled or unannounced.
- Penalties or fines in the past two years, or investigations or criminal charges related to immigration or the business, can be grounds for refusal.
- If the applicant or the employer misrepresents, the BC PNP may refuse their future applications for up to 2 years and may cancel a nomination.
Source: BC PNP Skills Immigration Program Guide, checked 2026-10-17.
Current draw priorities
On 2026-04-23 the BC PNP announced three priorities: Care (36 in-demand occupations in health, education, childcare and veterinary care), Build (9 construction trades) and Innovate (high economic impact talent in all sectors). The 2026 nomination allocation is 6,254.
- The last technology priority draw was on 2024-12-03.
- All occupations on the former technology list remain eligible and are invited through Innovate high economic impact draws.
Source: WelcomeBC: News and announcements, checked 2026-10-17.
Closed streams
- Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) is officially closed; the last invitations were issued on 2024-12-10.
- The BC PNP will not launch new student streams; studies completed in B.C. or Canada still earn registration points.
Source: WelcomeBC: News and announcements, checked 2026-10-17.