B.C. Targets Skilled Workers, Entrepreneurs in Latest Draw

British Columbia issued more than 350 invitations to skilled workers and entrepreneurs in its first Provincial Nominee Program draw of June.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program, known as the BCPNP, held the draw on June 2. The province invited at least 357 candidates to apply for provincial nomination.

The invitations went to workers in construction trades, healthcare, education, veterinary care, and care-related roles. The province also invited entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing business in British Columbia.

Twelfth Selection Round Of 2026

The June 2 draw marked British Columbia’s 12th selection round of 2026.

So far this year, the province has held six draws under the Skills Immigration category and six under the Entrepreneur Immigration category.

The latest draw reflected B.C.’s updated immigration priorities, which were announced on April 23, 2026. These priorities focus on attracting workers for areas where the province says labour needs are high.

The Skills Immigration draw was based on two key objectives: Care and Build.

Skills Immigration Draw Invites 342 Candidates

Most of the June 2 invitations came through the Skills Immigration category.

British Columbia issued 342 invitations to candidates in targeted occupations. The largest group came from construction trades, which received 128 invitations. This represented 37.4 per cent of the Skills Immigration invitations issued in the draw.

Healthcare workers received 117 invitations, with a minimum score of 100. Education candidates received 91 invitations, with a minimum score of 111. Veterinary care candidates received six invitations, with a minimum score of 92.

Construction trades candidates needed a minimum score of 101.

The province targeted nine construction trades occupations, 31 health occupations, two veterinary care occupations, and one education occupation.

As of June 2, British Columbia has issued 2,485 invitations through its Skills Immigration category in 2026.

Entrepreneurs Also Receive Invitations

The province also invited entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneur Immigration Base Stream and Regional Stream.

At least 15 invitations were issued through the Base Stream, with a minimum score of 117. Fewer than five invitations were issued through the Regional Stream, also with a minimum score of 117.

This was the highest number of entrepreneurs invited through a single Base Stream draw in 2026 so far.

The Base Stream is for foreign nationals who plan to start a new business or buy an existing business anywhere in British Columbia.

The Regional Stream is for entrepreneurs who want to establish a new business outside the Metro Vancouver Regional District.

B.C. Continues Entrepreneur Selections

British Columbia has held 10 Entrepreneur Immigration draws so far in 2026. Six have been under the Base Stream, while four have been under the Regional Stream.

As of June 2, the province has issued at least 64 invitations through the Entrepreneur Immigration category this year.

The latest draw shows B.C.’s continued focus on filling labour needs in key sectors while also supporting business creation across the province.