2026 PNP

BC PNP 2026 — Streams, Fee Increase, Draw Cadence

British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) runs Canada's most active tech-focused PNP. January 2026 brought a significant fee increase. This page covers 2026 streams, the fee change, target NOCs, and strategy.

Major 2026 change: fee increase

Effective 22 January 2026, BC PNP Skills Immigration application fee increased from CAD 1,475 to CAD 1,750. The increase applies to all Skills Immigration streams: Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Entry Level & Semi-Skilled (ELSS), Healthcare Professional, Tech, and International Post-Graduate.

BC PNP 2026 streams

Skilled Worker

The default Skills Immigration stream. For foreign workers with a full-time, indeterminate BC employer offer in TEER 0/1/2/3 occupations. Wage at or above BC PNP prevailing-wage threshold.

BC PNP Tech

Weekly draws targeting specific technology NOCs: NOC 21231 software engineers, 21232 software developers, 21233 web designers, 21234 web developers, 21220 cybersecurity, 21223 database analysts, and more. Strongest path for Vancouver tech professionals.

Healthcare Professional

For registered nurses, physicians, allied health professionals with BC employer offers. Strong volume from Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, Providence Health Care, BC Cancer Agency.

International Graduate

For graduates of BC DLIs (UBC, SFU, BCIT, Capilano, Langara, Douglas, etc.). Targets master's, doctoral, and post-baccalaureate program graduates.

Entry Level & Semi-Skilled (ELSS)

For tourism / hospitality (chefs, food service supervisors, hotel front desk) and long-haul trucking with BC employer offers. TEER 4/5 eligible — one of few PNP streams for lower-TEER occupations.

International Post-Graduate

For BC master's / doctoral graduates in specific fields (sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics) — no employer offer required.

Entrepreneur streams

Base Entrepreneur and Entrepreneur Regional + Strategic Projects. For business-class applicants investing in BC businesses.

BC PNP target tech NOCs (2026)

NOC 21231 — Software engineers and designers
NOC 21232 — Software developers and programmers
NOC 21233 — Web designers
NOC 21234 — Web developers and programmers
NOC 21220 — Cybersecurity specialists
NOC 21221 — Business systems specialists
NOC 21222 — Information systems specialists
NOC 21223 — Database analysts and data administrators
NOC 21311 — Computer engineers
NOC 22220 — User support technicians

Why BC PNP appeals to tech professionals

Weekly draw cadence — predictable timing
Strong tech employer ecosystem in Vancouver
+600 CRS via Enhanced sub-stream Express Entry-aligned nomination
BC's lower per-occupation competition in nomination process

FAQ

What's the BC PNP application fee in 2026?

CAD 1,750 per application — effective 22 January 2026, up from CAD 1,475. The increase applies to all Skills Immigration streams.

Does BC PNP have a Tech-specific stream?

Yes — BC PNP Tech runs weekly draws targeting specific tech occupations. Strong tech sector in Vancouver (Microsoft, Amazon, Hootsuite, Lululemon Digital, EA Vancouver, etc.) drives heavy demand.

What CRS / score do I need for BC PNP?

BC PNP uses its own scoring system (different from federal CRS). Tech-targeted draws have historically run with BC PNP scores in the 90-100 range. The Enhanced sub-stream Express Entry-aligned candidates get +600 CRS via nomination, so federal CRS thresholds don't matter for nomination-recipients.

Can I apply to BC PNP from outside Canada?

Yes — BC PNP Skills Immigration streams accept overseas applicants, particularly the Skilled Worker stream + Healthcare Professional stream where employer offers can be obtained remotely. Tech stream similar. Entry Level & Semi-Skilled (tourism / hospitality / long-haul trucking) is also open to overseas applicants with a BC job offer.

BC PNP 2026 — let's plan your stream

Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) handles BC PNP files virtually from Toronto. Free 15-min review.

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BC PNP 2026