Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially notified the Province of British Columbia that the 2026 nomination allocation for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) will be limited to 5,254 nominations.
This figure is substantially lower than British Columbia’s request of 9,000 nominations for 2026, which the province had submitted in order to better address ongoing labour market shortages and economic needs across key sectors.
Ongoing Discussions with IRCC
The Government of British Columbia has confirmed that it will continue discussions with IRCC regarding the 2026 allocation. However, given the reduced number of nominations, the BC PNP is now required to reassess how best to utilize this limited allocation.
The program has indicated that it will announce its priorities for 2026 in the new year, including how nominations will be distributed among streams and occupations.
Impact on BC PNP Growth Plans
This allocation reduction reflects a broader shift in Canada’s immigration planning levels and has had a direct impact on the BC PNP’s ability to expand:
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2024: The BC PNP began the year expecting 9,000 nominations, which was later reduced to 8,000.
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2025: British Columbia requested 11,000 nominations but received only 4,000, representing a significant cut.
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2026: The allocation has increased slightly to 5,254, but remains well below provincial needs.
As a result, plans for continued growth of the BC PNP have been indefinitely paused.
Historical Context
Despite current limitations, the BC PNP has played a critical role in supporting the province’s economy in recent years:
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2022: The program nominated 7,000 individuals, an all-time high at the time.
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2023: The BC PNP surpassed that record by nominating 8,200 individuals for permanent residence.
These figures highlight the program’s importance to British Columbia’s workforce and economic development, particularly in sectors experiencing chronic labour shortages.
What This Means for Applicants
With a constrained nomination allocation for 2026, applicants should expect:
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Increased competition across BC PNP streams
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More targeted invitations aligned with provincial priorities
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Greater emphasis on high-impact occupations and sectors
Prospective applicants are strongly advised to seek professional guidance, ensure their profiles are competitive, and explore alternative immigration pathways where appropriate.
We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as soon as the BC PNP releases its official 2026 priorities and program details.