British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) underwent a significant transformation in 2024, reshaping its priorities amid tightening federal immigration quotas. Maple News reports that while the province had initially anticipated receiving 9,000 nominations, the federal government capped B.C.’s allocation at 8,000 – and later announced it would drop even further to 4,000 in 2025. In response, B.C. restructured its immigration strategy, directing more nominations to health care, childcare, and construction sectors, and redistributing newcomers to regions beyond Metro Vancouver.
The Skills Immigration stream accounted for the vast majority of nominations in 2024, with 7,972 approvals – 80% of which stemmed from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, and Health Authority categories. Childcare and healthcare occupations emerged as top priorities. Nominations for early childhood educators surged by 52% year-over-year, while clinical health roles such as nurses and physicians saw even greater gains. These changes directly reflect the provincial government’s stated goals of improving access to essential services and ensuring economic resiliency.
Meanwhile, tech sector applicants – once a dominant force within the BC PNP – saw their share decline significantly, dropping from about one-third of nominees in recent years to just 16% in 2024. However, this does not indicate a decline in demand for tech talent, but rather a strategic reallocation to sectors deemed more urgent. Similarly, construction workers benefitted from B.C.’s new housing targets, with related nominations increasing more than sevenfold.
Despite the occupational pivot, provincial wage data remained strong. While the median hourly wage for nominees dropped to $29.00 – slightly below the provincial median – 99% still earned above minimum wage. This reflects a shift in the occupational mix toward lower-paid but socially critical roles rather than a decline in job quality.
One of the most notable shifts was geographic. For the first time, more than 40% of provincial nominees settled outside Metro Vancouver, nearly two years ahead of B.C.’s goal. Growth was especially evident on Vancouver Island and in the Okanagan, driven by incentive-based points for regional job offers, education, and employer engagement.
Entrepreneur Immigration, though a smaller component of the program, continued to support regional development. In 2024, three-quarters of entrepreneur nominees chose communities outside Vancouver, generating $12 million in new investment and creating 67 jobs. The previously pilot Regional Entrepreneur stream has now become a permanent fixture, ensuring longer-term support for smaller communities seeking entrepreneurial talent.
Looking ahead to 2025, the steep drop in BC PNP nominations to just 4,000 will pose new challenges. The province plans to maintain its focus on care-based roles, regional dispersion, and essential service coverage while trimming overall invitations to fit within federal limits. Tech sector nominations may rebound gradually once pressure in caregiving and health subsides.
B.C.’s adaptability in 2024 demonstrates a clear willingness to realign its immigration strategy with broader economic and social objectives. As Ottawa’s limits tighten further, the province’s capacity to pivot—and achieve balance—will be put to the test.