BC PNP 2026 Nomination Update: Key Immigration Insights

BC PNP Announces 2026 Nomination Allocation: What You Need to Know

British Columbia has officially become the first Canadian province to reveal its 2026 allocation for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)—and while the numbers show a boost from early 2025, they fall significantly short of what the province had hoped for. If you’re considering immigration to British Columbia, or curious about how provincial allocations may shape your options in 2026, we’ve got you covered.

Key Highlights

• British Columbia has received 5,254 nomination spaces for 2026 under the PNP.
• This is a 31% increase from the province’s initial 2025 allocation of 4,000 nominations.
• Despite the increase, it’s 41.6% lower than the 9,000 nominations BC requested for 2026.
• BC ended 2025 with 6,214 nominations after receiving two additional allotments during the year.
• The province is still negotiating with IRCC and may receive additional slots in 2026.
• Priority areas for 2026 have not yet been confirmed, but more details are expected in early 2026.

British Columbia’s 2026 PNP Allocation: A Closer Look

On December 18, 2025, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) announced its federal allocation for 2026. The province was granted 5,254 nomination spaces by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This figure represents a notable 31% increase from the initial 4,000 nominations allotted at the start of 2025.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that British Columbia received two separate increases throughout 2025—one in October (1,254 additional nominations) and another in December (960 additional nominations). These brought the total 2025 nomination spaces to 6,214, meaning the 2026 allocation actually falls short by around 960 slots when compared to what the province ultimately received last year.

What’s more, British Columbia had originally requested 9,000 nomination spaces for 2026 in an effort to better align with its labour market needs. The actual allocation is 41.6% lower than that request, which is a significant shortfall.

Why the Lower Allocation Matters

Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces to nominate immigration candidates who meet local labour demands and economic needs. A lower-than-requested allocation can put pressure on targeted industries, especially in sectors already facing skilled worker shortages, such as healthcare or tech.

While the province hasn’t yet confirmed how it plans to distribute its 2026 nomination slots, it’s likely that priority will once again be given to high-impact candidates—just as it was last year. That said, the province has made it clear that discussions with IRCC are ongoing, and there’s still a possibility of receiving more nomination spaces later in the year.

How Does This Compare to Other Provinces?

British Columbia is the first province to announce its 2026 allocation, so it’s still too early to say how others will fare. However, we do know that the federal government has significantly increased its national PNP admissions target—from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026, according to the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

This 66% national boost suggests that most provinces and territories should expect higher allocations than they started with in 2025. Whether they’ll be equal to or greater than their end-of-year totals remains to be seen.

If you’re exploring other PNP options beyond B.C., you might want to take a peek at the Manitoba PNP as well—another popular route with growing demand.

Who Will the BC PNP Prioritize in 2026?

In 2025, British Columbia focused on candidates who could make a high economic impact, such as skilled workers in healthcare and entrepreneurs. At the moment, the province hasn’t formally announced its 2026 priority sectors, as it’s still strategizing how best to allocate the limited number of nominations.

We can expect more clarity in early 2026, but those considering applying through BC PNP should stay informed and prepare accordingly.

2025 BC PNP Invitation Recap

Over the course of 2025, the BC PNP extended a total of 1,110 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. This included:

• 978 candidates through the Skills Immigration stream
• 132 entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneur Immigration stream

Interestingly, while the majority of draws (16 out of 19) in 2025 were for entrepreneurs, the Skills Immigration stream resulted in far more invitations. This trend underlines the province’s interest in attracting high-impact talent to support its economy.

What Should Immigration Candidates Expect?

If you’re planning to apply through the BC PNP in 2026, it’s a good idea to:

• Stay up to date on any future announcements regarding priority sectors
• Ensure your occupation aligns with British Columbia’s evolving labour market needs
• Keep documentation ready for when draws open, especially if you’re applying under Skills Immigration

And remember, even though the allocation is lower than what the province had hoped for, it’s still higher than where we started in early 2025. That’s a positive sign that the federal government is continuing to invest in provincial pathways.

Final Thoughts

British Columbia’s 2026 PNP nomination announcement is a mix of good news and cautious optimism. While the province didn’t get everything it asked for, it did receive a meaningful increase from last year’s starting point—and with ongoing talks with IRCC, there’s hope for additional nominations down the road.

If you’re considering immigration to B.C., now’s the time to start preparing and exploring your options. And if you’re open to other provinces, don’t forget to check out alternatives like the Manitoba PNP.

Want to know if you’re eligible for a Provincial Nominee Program? It only takes a few minutes to assess your eligibility and take the first step toward your Canadian immigration journey.

Stay tuned for more updates as other provinces announce their 2026 allocations—and best of luck as you plan your future in Canada!