Canada: British Columbia Provincial Nominee Allocation Significantly Reduced for 2025
February 11, 2025
The government of Canada has announced that British Columbia’s allocation for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) in 2025 will be 4,000 nominations — a 50% reduction from 2024. Throughout 2024, the province continued inviting candidates, assuming it would receive the same number of nomination slots as the year before. However, with far fewer nominations than anticipated, BC PNP now faces a backlog of applications that exceed its available quota, and processing times are expected to increase. As a result, applicants may experience extended delays. BC PNP is reviewing its operations in response to the reduced allocation, including adjustments to Invitations to Apply (ITAs) and the possible reopening of student streams. The Health Authority and Entrepreneur streams will remain open despite the reduction. The BC PNP provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign nationals who can contribute to the province’s economy. Applicants should prepare for delays and consult their immigration professional for guidance on their specific cases.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.
Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.
Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.
Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.
Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.