B.C. PNP Raises Worker Application Fees Starting January

British Columbia has increased application fees for several worker immigration streams under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. The province raised the fee for the Skills Immigration category from $1,475 to $1,750. Officials announced the change on January 22, 2026.

The higher fee applies only to applications submitted on or after that date. Anyone who sent in an application before January 22 will not need to pay the extra amount.

Which Applicants Face the New Fee

The fee increase affects only certain worker streams within the Skills Immigration category. Applicants under the Skilled Worker Stream, the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Stream, and the Health Authority Stream must now pay the new $1,750 fee.

The Skilled Worker and Health Authority streams also offer options linked to the federal Express Entry system. Applicants invited through these Express Entry-aligned options must also pay the higher fee.

Other program fees remain unchanged. This includes fees for reviews and all fees linked to Entrepreneur Immigration streams.

How and When Fees Apply

Applicants must pay the fee through the program’s online user portal when they submit their provincial nomination application. The program will refund fees only if an applicant withdraws before officials begin reviewing the file. Review request fees do not qualify for refunds.

The provincial fee covers only the nomination stage. Applicants must pay separate fees later when they apply to the federal government for permanent residence.

Steps in the Skills Immigration Process

Workers who want to immigrate through this program must first choose the stream that fits their background. They then register online and enter a pool of candidates.

During registration, the system scores candidates based on factors such as work history, education, language skills, wages, and job location. Profiles stay active in the pool for up to one year.

Candidates then wait for an invitation to apply. After receiving an invitation, they have 30 days to submit a full application. At this stage, they must pay the $1,750 fee and provide all required documents. If they miss the deadline, the invitation expires and the system removes them from the pool.

After Nomination Approval

Processing times currently average about three months. Successful applicants receive a nomination package, which includes a confirmation letter. Nominees must continue to meet all program conditions until they become permanent residents.

Nominees must apply for permanent residence before the confirmation letter expires. Those with expired or soon-to-expire work permits must also apply for a new permit to stay legally in Canada.

British Columbia may issue a work permit support letter to nominees. This letter allows them to apply for a work permit without a labor market assessment. Nominees must submit their work permit application within three months of nomination.