BC PNP Raises Skills Immigration Application Fees

BC PNP Raises Skills Immigration Application Fees

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has increased its application fee for the Skills Immigration category. The adjustment raises the cost from $1,475 to $1,750 and took effect on January 22, 2026.

According to the BC PNP, applications submitted on or after that date must include the updated fee. Submissions made before the announcement are not affected and do not require any additional payment.

• Fee for Skills Immigration applications increased to $1,750.
• Change effective from January 22, 2026.
• Applies to Skilled Worker, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled, and Health Authority streams.
• Express Entry BC options under these streams are also included.
• Other BC PNP fees remain unchanged.
• Refunds available only before an application enters assessment.

Program Overview

The Skills Immigration category under the BC PNP allows eligible foreign workers and graduates to obtain a provincial nomination for permanent residence. The program is designed to meet the province’s labour market needs by attracting workers with specific skills and experience.

Applicants under this category submit their information online, receive a score based on qualifications and economic factors, and may receive an invitation to apply for nomination. Once invited, candidates have 30 days to complete their application and pay the required fee.

Streams Affected by the Fee Increase

The new $1,750 application fee applies to applicants under the following Skills Immigration streams:

• Skilled Worker
• Entry Level and Semi-Skilled
• Health Authority

Both the Skilled Worker and Health Authority streams also have Express Entry BC options. Candidates applying through these linked pathways are equally subject to the revised fee.

Other Fees and Exemptions

Fees related to requests for review and for the Entrepreneur Immigration category remain the same. The BC PNP confirmed that only Skills Immigration application fees were affected by this adjustment. Refunds are available if an application is withdrawn before assessment begins, except for review requests, which remain non-refundable.

The program’s fee covers only the provincial nomination stage. Applicants who later apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must pay separate federal processing fees.

Application Process Summary

To enter the Skills Immigration system, candidates must first determine eligibility for a specific stream and register online. Registrants receive a score based on work experience, education, language ability, offered wage, and job location. Profiles remain valid in the candidate pool for up to 12 months.

Those selected receive an invitation to apply and have 30 days to submit a full application. The new $1,750 fee is paid at this stage. Processing times currently average about three months from submission to decision.

Successful applicants receive a nomination package that includes a Confirmation of Nomination letter. This document is required to apply for permanent residence through IRCC. Nominations may be withdrawn if eligibility conditions are not maintained until permanent residency is granted.

Work Permit and Status Maintenance

Nominees already in Canada whose work permits are expired or expiring can request a work permit support letter from the BC PNP. This letter enables them to apply to IRCC for a new work permit without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment. The letter is typically issued automatically to eligible nominees, though it can also be requested through the BC PNP’s online system.

Work permit applications based on a nomination must be submitted to IRCC within three months of the nomination date to maintain legal status in Canada.

Background and Comparisons

Provincial nominee programs across Canada, including those in British Columbia and Manitoba, periodically review their fees to align with administrative costs and service delivery requirements. Each province administers its own nominee program under agreements with the federal government, and application costs can vary depending on stream and program design.

British Columbia last adjusted its Skills Immigration fees several years ago, and the current increase brings the charge closer to similar provincial program rates nationwide. The change reflects administrative updates rather than structural modifications to eligibility or program criteria.

Public Relevance

The BC PNP is among Canada’s most active provincial immigration pathways, offering nomination opportunities for skilled workers, recent graduates, and healthcare professionals. The fee increase affects new applicants seeking nomination under the Skills Immigration and associated Express Entry BC options.

Provincial nominee programs continue to play a key role in regional workforce development, supporting both local employers and immigration targets set in coordination with the federal government.

For continued coverage of changes within Canada’s provincial nomination systems, including updates from British Columbia and other provinces, readers can explore related immigration news and official program communications.