Construction Workers Lead Latest B.C. Provincial Nominee Selections

British Columbia has invited more skilled workers and entrepreneurs to apply for provincial nomination through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.

The province held two selection rounds on May 5 and May 6, issuing at least 341 invitations to apply across its Skills Immigration and Entrepreneur Immigration categories.

The draws were the first since British Columbia announced major changes to its Provincial Nominee Program on April 23. The latest selections focused on candidates who are likely to help meet the province’s economic and labour needs.

Skilled workers receive most invitations

Most invitations went to Skills Immigration candidates. On May 6, British Columbia issued 333 invitations to skilled workers in four occupational groups.

The selections were tied to two of the province’s core goals: “care” and “build.” These priorities are meant to bring in skilled workers for key services and fill gaps in the labour market.

Construction trades workers received the largest number of invitations. The province invited 121 candidates in nine construction-related occupations, making up 36.3 per cent of all Skills Immigration invitations in the draw. The minimum score for construction candidates was 108.

Health care workers also saw strong demand. British Columbia invited 117 candidates across 31 health occupations, with a minimum score of 108. In education, 86 invitations were issued for one targeted occupation, with a minimum score of 115. Veterinary care candidates received nine invitations across two occupations, with a minimum score of 100.

This was the fourth Skills Immigration selection round held by British Columbia this year. Earlier draws selected candidates based on factors such as minimum wage, job offer and score.

So far in 2026, the province has issued 1,706 invitations through the Skills Immigration category.

Registration pool remains large

As of May 6, British Columbia had 9,967 registrations in its Skills Immigration pool.

The largest group of candidates had scores between 100 and 109, with 2,107 registrations. Another 1,781 candidates had scores between 90 and 99, while 1,550 were in the 110 to 119 range.

There were also 1,353 candidates with scores from 80 to 89, 1,148 from 120 to 129, 853 from 70 to 79, 522 from 130 to 139, 401 from 60 to 69, and 215 below 60. Only 32 candidates scored between 140 and 149, while five had scores of 150 or higher.

Entrepreneurs also selected

On May 5, British Columbia also invited entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in the province or buy and expand an existing one.

At least eight invitations were issued through the Entrepreneur Immigration category. The Base Stream issued eight invitations with a minimum score of 115. The Regional Stream issued fewer than five invitations, also with a minimum score of 115.

This was the first entrepreneur-focused draw in 2026 where both streams had the same minimum score.

The Base Stream is for foreign nationals who want to operate a business anywhere in British Columbia. The Regional Stream is for those planning to open a new business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District.

The two streams have different financial rules, including net worth and investment requirements. The Regional Stream also requires a community referral and an exploratory visit.

So far this year, British Columbia has held eight Entrepreneur Immigration draws: five under the Base Stream and three under the Regional Stream. The province has issued at least 49 invitations to entrepreneur candidates in 2026.