British Columbia PNP Reserves PR Pathways for Key Healthcare Workers

Surya Rathee
[Published 06 May, 2025 | 04:55 AM]
About Author - 5 min read
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British Columbia PNP is streamlining its immigration priorities by reserving the majority of its provincial nominations for healthcare workers under the 2025 BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The announcement, made on April 14, introduces stricter eligibility requirements and significantly reduces the number of new applications the province will accept.

New Limits and Focus for 2025

The BC PNP will accept only 1,100 new applications in 2025, down sharply from previous years. Most of these coveted spots are now earmarked for healthcare professionals in specific occupations. The move is in response to the province’s shrinking federal allocation—just 4,000 nominations for 2025—and a backlog of over 5,200 existing applications.

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In an effort to better manage this limited quota, the province has suspended certain program streams and will focus on clearing its backlog while selectively accepting new applicants.

Narrowed Eligibility for Health Authority Stream

A major change is the tightened eligibility criteria for the Health Authority stream. Previously, anyone with a full-time job offer from a B.C. public health authority—whether in healthcare delivery or administrative support—could apply for Canada PR. As of April 14, only those in direct healthcare roles are eligible.

B.C. has released a comprehensive list of over 50 eligible healthcare occupations, outlined in the table below.

Applicants must hold full-time, indeterminate job offers from one of B.C.’s recognized public health authorities, such as Fraser Health, Island Health, or the Provincial Health Services Authority.

Pathways for Self-Employed Practitioners

Certain self-employed professionals—like physicians, nurse practitioners, and midwives—can still qualify if they provide supporting documentation from a recognized B.C. health authority or midwife practice. These endorsements must confirm the candidate’s qualifications, current or future work in the province, and location of employment.

Entrepreneurs and ‘High Economic Impact’ Applicants Also Considered

In addition to healthcare workers, a limited number of nominations will be set aside for entrepreneurs and "high economic impact" candidates. While exact criteria remain vague, such applicants may include those with high-demand skills, strong salaries, or notable contributions to B.C.’s economy.

Approximately 100 applicants in this category will be selected from the registration pool in 2025.

Why the Shift?

The nomination cap—cut in half from last year—has forced the province to become more selective in its immigration strategy. By prioritizing healthcare workers, B.C. aims to alleviate persistent labour shortages in its medical system while maximizing the impact of each nomination.

The province has not indicated when it may reopen other streams or expand quotas, leaving many hopeful applicants waiting.

For those in the healthcare sector, however, B.C. remains one of the most accessible pathways to permanent residency in Canada—provided they meet the new, more rigorous criteria.

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Source: welcomebc.ca