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British Columbia PNP Issues 341 Invitations in New Skilled Worker and Entrepreneur Draws
British Columbia has launched another round of targeted immigration invitations under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), focusing on skilled workers and entrepreneurs needed to address labour shortages and economic growth across the province.
The latest draws, held between May 5 and May 6, 2026, resulted in 341 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) being issued under the Skills Immigration (SI) and Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) categories.
The majority of invitations were issued to healthcare professionals, construction trades workers, early childhood educators and entrepreneurs planning to invest in British Columbia.
333 Invitations Issued Under Skills Immigration Category
On May 6, British Columbia invited 333 candidates through targeted occupation-based draws aligned with its labour market priorities.
The province focused on two major objectives:
- Care
- Build
These priorities are aimed at strengthening public services and supporting infrastructure development across British Columbia.
Skills Immigration Draw Breakdown
| Occupational Category | Invitations | Minimum Score |
| Health Occupations | 117 | 108 |
| Veterinary Occupations | 9 | 100 |
| Education Occupations | 86 | 115 |
| Construction Trades | 121 | 108 |
Construction occupations received the largest number of invitations, highlighting the province’s urgent need for skilled trades workers.
Healthcare Workers Continue to Benefit From Targeted Draws
British Columbia targeted several healthcare occupations during the latest draw, including:
- Registered nurses
- Physicians
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
- Psychologists
- Occupational therapists
- Medical laboratory technologists
- Respiratory therapists
- Social workers
Canada’s healthcare sector continues to face staffing shortages, leading provinces to prioritize healthcare workers through provincial immigration pathways.
British Columbia Invites Early Childhood Educators
Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) were also invited in the latest BCPNP draw.
The province has been increasing efforts to attract childcare workers as demand for licensed childcare services continues to grow throughout British Columbia.
ECE professionals remain among the most sought-after occupations under provincial immigration programs in Canada.
Skilled Trades Workers Remain in High Demand
British Columbia targeted several construction and skilled trade occupations, including:
- Electricians
- Welders
- Plumbers
- Pipefitters
- Carpenters
- HVAC mechanics
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
Workers registered under SkilledTradesBC apprenticeship programs were also eligible for invitations.
The province continues to prioritize skilled trades as labour shortages impact major infrastructure and housing projects.
Entrepreneur Immigration Draw Also Conducted
On May 5, British Columbia invited entrepreneurs through its EI Base and EI Regional streams.
Entrepreneur Draw Results
| Stream | Invitations | Minimum Score |
| Base Stream | 8 | 115 |
| Regional Stream | Less than 5 | 115 |
The EI Base Stream supports entrepreneurs looking to establish or purchase businesses anywhere in British Columbia, while the Regional Stream is focused on smaller communities outside Metro Vancouver.
British Columbia Maintains Strong Immigration Momentum in 2026
So far in 2026, British Columbia has issued:
- 1,706 invitations through Skills Immigration
- 49 invitations through Entrepreneur Immigration
The province’s latest draws highlight a clear strategy focused on occupation-specific immigration and economic development.
As labour shortages continue across Canada, British Columbia is expected to maintain strong invitation activity throughout the year.