BC PNP 2024 Update: Top Jobs, Salaries & Nominee Stats
BC PNP 2024 Year in Review: What You Need to Know About Nominations, Jobs, and Key Changes
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has just unveiled its 2024 annual report — and if you’re considering immigrating to B.C., there’s a lot to take in. From how many people got nominated, to which jobs are in demand, and even what kind of salaries were offered — this update paints a clear picture of B.C.’s immigration priorities.
Let’s break it down in a friendly, straightforward way so you can understand where the opportunities lie, and whether this might be the right path for you or your family.
Key Highlights
- 8,000 total nominations were issued through the BC PNP in 2024 — the province’s full allocation.
- 99% of nominations went to the Skills Immigration (SI) stream, with a strong focus on in-demand occupations.
- Education and community services jobs led the way due to the prioritization of early childhood educators.
- Median salaries ranged from $39,520 to $72,800 depending on the stream.
- Top source countries included India, China, the Philippines, Iran, and Nigeria.
- 42% of nominees settled outside Metro Vancouver, supporting more balanced regional growth.
How Many People Were Nominated by BC PNP in 2024?
In 2024, British Columbia reached its full federal nomination limit by issuing 8,000 nominations for permanent residency through the BC PNP. That’s on par with previous years and a sign of the province’s continued commitment to welcoming skilled newcomers.
Out of those nominations:
- 7,972 nominations (99%) went to candidates through the Skills Immigration (SI) pathway.
- Only 28 nominations were issued under the Entrepreneur Immigration stream.
The SI stream was further broken down into the following categories:
| Stream | % of Nominations |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 35% |
| Health Authority | 23% |
| Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) | 3% |
| International Graduate | 20% |
| International Post-Graduate | 19% |
What’s especially notable is that 81% of SI nominees had either an ongoing job or a valid job offer — showing that B.C. is strongly geared toward addressing real labour market needs.
Which Jobs Were in Demand in BC in 2024?
One of the most interesting insights from the 2024 report is how occupational demand shifted. The largest share of nominees (23.5%) worked in education, law, and social/community services. This was largely due to B.C.’s focus on hiring early childhood educators.
The next largest group was made up of professionals in natural and applied sciences — think engineers, IT specialists, and technicians.
| Occupational Category | % of SI Nominees |
|---|---|
| Education, Law, Social/Community Services | 23.5% |
| No Listed Occupation (mainly IPG stream) | 18.7% |
| Natural and Applied Sciences | 16.3% |
| Health | 12.1% |
| Sales and Services | 12% |
| Business, Finance & Administration | 8% |
| Trades & Transport | 7.4% |
| Arts, Culture & Sport | 1.2% |
| Senior Management & Legislators | 0.4% |
| Manufacturing & Utilities | 0.3% |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources | 0.1% |
This data shows a broad spectrum of opportunity — from high-demand education and STEM roles to crucial service and trade occupations.
What Were the Average Salaries for BC PNP Nominees?
If you’ve ever wondered what kind of income you might expect through BC PNP pathways, here’s a snapshot of the median salaries for 2024 across different SI streams:
| Stream | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | $72,800 |
| International Graduate | $51,501 |
| Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled | $39,520 |
| Health Authority | $56,992 |
These salaries reflect the general wage expectations for newcomers depending on their skill level and area of employment.
Where Are BC PNP Nominees Coming From?
The five leading source countries for BC PNP nominees in 2024 were:
- India
- China
- Philippines
- Iran
- Nigeria
These countries continue to be major contributors to Canada’s skilled immigration landscape, offering the province a diverse and globally experienced workforce.
Also worth highlighting — 42% of all nominees were based outside Metro Vancouver. That’s great news for smaller communities across B.C. who benefit from regional immigration strategies that promote more balanced growth.
How Did BC PNP Change in 2024?
There were a few major shifts in how the BC PNP operated in 2024:
1. Closure of Two Student-Focused Streams
In March, the province announced it would be closing the International Graduate and International Post-Graduate streams. These were originally set to be replaced with three new student-focused pathways — for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral graduates. However, due to a reduction in allocation for 2025, those new streams have been paused.
2. Regional Entrepreneurship Made Permanent
Another exciting update: the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream, which had been operating as a pilot, was officially made permanent in May 2024. This stream allows qualified entrepreneurs to establish businesses in smaller B.C. communities, contributing to local economies and job creation.
Thinking About Immigrating to BC?
If you’re considering British Columbia as your future home, now’s a great time to start planning. Whether you’re a skilled worker, international graduate, or entrepreneur, the BC PNP continues to offer multiple pathways that align with your goals.
Want to check how you stack up for other streams, like the Manitoba PNP? We’ve got you covered.
Curious if you qualify for BC PNP or another Provincial Nominee Program? Start your free assessment today and take your first step toward living and working in one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces.
