BC PNP Raises Nomination Fees for Skills Immigration Streams

Shiwangi Srivastava
[Published 28 Jan, 2026 | 07:21 AM]
About Author - 3 min read
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The BC PNP has introduced a new fee structure for worker stream applicants, increasing the cost of applying under the Skills Immigration pathway. The nomination application fee will increase from $1,475 to $1,750, underscoring the importance of carefully planning candidate applications.

This British Columbia PNP worker stream fee increase will apply to new applications submitted from January 22, 2026, onward. The province has clarified that applications filed before this effective date will continue to be processed under the current fee structure, with no requirement to pay the revised amount.

Importantly, no additional fee changes have been announced within the Skills Immigration category. Fees for review requests remain unchanged, and Entrepreneur Immigration streams under the BC PNP are not affected by this update.

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Which BC PNP Worker Streams Are Affected by the Fee Hike?

The recent BC PNP fee increase applies to applicants submitting nominations under the Skills Immigration stream. The following worker streams are impacted:

• Skilled Worker Stream
• Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Stream
• Health Authority Stream

Candidates applying through the Express Entry pathway, linked to the Skilled Worker and Health Authority streams, are also required to pay the updated application fee of $1,750.

All application fees must be submitted through the BC PNP Online portal. Fees are refundable only if the application is withdrawn before the assessment process begins. However, fees for review requests are strictly non-refundable.

It is important to note that this provincial application fee is separate from the fees charged by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) during the permanent residence application process. Applicants should ensure they account for both sets of fees when planning their application.

Process of Skill Immigration Stream

Applicant interested in immigrating to Canada in British Columbia through the worker stream. They must first identify the stream for which they are applying or eligible and register online to enter the candidate pool.

During registration, candidates receive a score based on human capital factors (work experience, education, language proficiency) and economic factors (wage, job location), and their profiles remain active for up to 12 months.

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Those with competitive scores may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), after which they must submit a complete nomination application within 30 days, pay the $1,750 application fee, and provide all required documentation.

However, applications are generally processed within 3 months, and successful applicants receive a nomination package, including a Confirmation of Nomination (CON) letter. Nominees can then apply for Canada permanent residency (PR) through IRCC before the expiry date listed on the CON letter.

Applicants in Canada with an expired or soon-to-expire Canada work permit may obtain a work permit support letter from BC, which allows them to apply to IRCC for a work permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

This support letter may be automatically included in the nomination package or requested through BC PNP Online and must be submitted within three months of the nomination date.

Key steps include:

• Registering in the candidate pool and receiving a score
• Submitting a nomination application with a fee and documents within 30 days of the ITA
• Applying for PR and, if needed, a work permit

Nominations may be withdrawn if candidates fail to meet all conditions before becoming permanent residents.

Source: welcomebc.ca