Last Updated On 5 February 2026, 9:56 AM EST (Toronto Time)
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has started 2026 on a positive note for skilled workers and immigration hopefuls.
On February 4, 2026, BC PNP issued 429 invitations to apply (ITAs) in its first Skills Immigration draw of the year, signaling a promising start for provincial immigration in British Columbia.
This development is particularly encouraging for prospective immigrants to British Columbia, given the challenging landscape of BC PNP draws in 2025.
The inaugural draw of 2026 under the Skills Immigration stream brings renewed hope to candidates waiting in the BC PNP registration pool.
With an increased overall Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) quota for 2026 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this draw indicates British Columbia’s commitment to providing opportunities for skilled workers pursuing Canadian permanent residence.
Key Details of the February 4, 2026 BC PNP Draw
The February 4, 2026, BC PNP draw targeted candidates with high economic impact potential for British Columbia.
Invitations were issued based on two criteria aimed at attracting top-tier talent to the province.
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- 206 candidates were invited who met the high-wage threshold requirements, with a minimum wage offer of $70 per hour (equivalent to $145,000 annually) in NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
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- 223 candidates were invited based on their scores in the BC PNP Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), with a minimum score requirement of 138 points.
The lowered wage threshold and points cutoff indicate improving conditions for candidates compared to previous rounds.
Comparing the February 4, 2026 Draw to Previous BC PNP Rounds
The 429 invitations in the February 4, 2026 draw mark a significant increase from the limited activity in BC PNP draws in 2025.
With a mix of wage-based and points-based invitations, British Columbia continues its strategy of selecting high-impact candidates.
The gradual decrease in wage thresholds and points requirements signifies better opportunities for candidates and the BC PNP’s ability to invite larger pools of qualified applicants.
Before the 2025 allocation cuts, BC PNP regularly conducted weekly draws inviting hundreds of candidates across various categories.
