On February 4, 2026, British Columbia conducted its first BC PNP Skills Immigration draw of the year, issuing 429 Invitations to Apply for permanent residence. This draw marks a major shift from the restrictive immigration environment seen throughout much of 2025 and signals renewed opportunity for skilled workers aiming to settle permanently in British Columbia.
With Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada significantly increasing Provincial Nominee Program quotas for 2026, this opening draw reflects British Columbia’s intent to fully utilize its expanded allocation and address ongoing labor shortages across the province.
For thousands of candidates waiting in the BC PNP registration pool, this draw represents hope, momentum, and a clear indication that 2026 could be a far more favorable year for provincial immigration.
The February 4, 2026, draw focused exclusively on the Skills Immigration stream and targeted candidates with strong economic impact potential.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Draw Date | February 4, 2026 |
| Total Invitations Issued | 429 |
| Stream | Skills Immigration |
| Wage-Based Invitations | 206 |
| Points-Based Invitations | 223 |
| Minimum Wage Requirement | $70 per hour |
| Minimum SIRS Score | 138 points |
| Eligible TEER Levels | 0, 1, 2, 3 |
This draw was divided into two selection categories, allowing British Columbia to attract both highly compensated professionals and high scoring candidates within the Skills Immigration Registration System.
The first category of the draw issued 206 invitations to candidates who met a high wage threshold.
To qualify, candidates needed:
This wage-focused selection strategy ensures that British Columbia attracts senior professionals, executives, specialized managers, and highly skilled technical workers who can make immediate and significant economic contributions.
Notably, the $70 per hour threshold represents a substantial reduction from the $105 per hour requirement seen in early 2025, making this pathway more accessible while still maintaining a focus on economic impact.
The second category issued 223 invitations based on scores within the Skills Immigration Registration System.
Candidates invited under this pathway needed a minimum score of 138 points, which is lower than previous cutoffs.
SIRS scores are calculated using multiple factors, including:
A cutoff of 138 points indicates easing competition and improved nomination capacity for 2026.
Throughout 2025, BC PNP draws were limited, irregular, and highly restrictive due to federal allocation reductions and operational constraints.
In contrast, the 429 invitations issued in the first draw of 2026 represent a meaningful return toward normal draw volumes.
Key improvements include:
For perspective, before the allocation cuts of 2024 and 2025, BC PNP frequently conducted weekly draws inviting several hundred candidates across multiple categories.
This first draw of 2026 strongly suggests British Columbia is working toward restoring that level of activity.
Understanding the registration pool provides critical insight into competitiveness and realistic expectations for candidates.
As of January 6, 2026, the BC PNP Skills Immigration pool contained 11,210 registered candidates.
| Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 150+ | 9 |
| 140 to 149 | 67 |
| 130 to 139 | 791 |
| 120 to 129 | 1,170 |
| 110 to 119 | 1,635 |
| 100 to 109 | 2,161 |
| 90 to 99 | 2,048 |
| 80 to 89 | 1,530 |
| 70 to 79 | 996 |
| 60 to 69 | 480 |
| Below 60 | 323 |
The data shows that most candidates fall between 90 and 119 points, highlighting the importance of strategic improvements to remain competitive.
One of the most important factors shaping BC PNP activity in 2026 is the significant increase in federal PNP targets.
Under the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC raised national PNP admissions by 66 percent, increasing from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026.
This shift reflects renewed confidence in provincial programs as key drivers of:
British Columbia received 5,254 nomination spaces for 2026.
While lower than the 9,000 spaces requested by the province, this represents a 31 percent increase compared to its initial 2025 allocation.
BC officials have confirmed ongoing discussions with IRCC to secure additional nominations later in the year.
Applicants should also be aware of higher application costs in 2026.
Effective January 22, 2026, the BC PNP increased its Skills Immigration application fee from $1,475 to $1,750.
This fee applies to:
Applicants should budget accordingly, factoring in additional costs such as:
Candidates invited in the February 4 draw must act quickly and carefully.
BC PNP aims to process 80 percent of Skills Immigration applications within 3 to 4 months, though timelines may vary depending on volume and complexity.
During processing, BC PNP may request:
Once approved, candidates receive a provincial nomination certificate.
The next steps depend on the pathway used.
Both pathways lead to Canadian permanent residence status.
Candidates aiming for future invitations should focus on measurable improvements.
Achieving CLB 8 or higher significantly boosts SIRS points. Retesting IELTS or CELPIP is often the fastest way to increase competitiveness.
Higher wages directly increase scores. Positions outside Metro Vancouver may also earn regional bonus points.
Ensure foreign education is supported by an Educational Credential Assessment. Higher education levels yield more points.
Relevant Canadian experience, especially with the supporting employer, adds considerable value.
Skills Immigration is a base provincial stream with longer federal processing times. Express Entry BC is aligned with Express Entry and offers faster processing and 600 CRS points.
For most BC PNP streams, a job offer from a BC employer is mandatory. The International Post Graduate stream previously allowed job offer free applications but closed in 2025.
Registrations remain valid for 12 months. Expired profiles can be resubmitted with updated information.
Yes. Healthcare, technology, early childhood education, and construction trades frequently receive targeted invitations. BC is expected to announce updated 2026 priority occupations soon.
The first BC PNP draw of 2026 has set a positive tone for the year ahead. With 429 invitations issued, lower thresholds, and increased federal quotas, British Columbia is clearly moving toward a more open and opportunity-driven immigration strategy.
For skilled workers prepared with strong profiles, employer support, and strategic planning, 2026 may prove to be one of the most promising years for securing Canadian permanent residence through the BC PNP.
