Maple News reports that on December 10, 2025, British Columbia held its first Skills Immigration draw in over two months, inviting 410 candidates to apply for permanent residence through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).
The draw focused on individuals expected to contribute significantly to the province’s economic growth, either through high-ranking scores in the province’s points-based system or by securing high-wage job offers in skilled occupations. This marks the third Skills Immigration draw conducted by B.C. in 2025, following a pause since October 2.
Of the 410 invitations issued, 96 were sent to candidates with a valid job offer in a high-wage role—defined as earning at least $87 per hour or $170,000 annually—and employed in occupations classified under the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC). The remaining 314 invitations went to high-scoring applicants in the points-based stream, with a cutoff score of 138.
According to Maple News, B.C. authorities continue to emphasize that future invitations may incorporate evolving criteria aligned with labor market needs. Importantly, only candidates with valid registrations submitted before the draw date were considered.
This round highlights B.C.’s strategic focus on attracting talent that can immediately support its economic and labor priorities. Applicants are reminded that the BC PNP points system evaluates factors such as education, work experience, language skills, and job offers. The province uses these scores to prioritize the most competitive applicants.
As of December 2, the BC PNP pool includes approximately 11,083 candidates. Around half of them currently hold scores of 100 points or lower, underscoring the competitive nature of the selection process.
British Columbia remains a leading destination for skilled immigrants aiming to build long-term careers in Canada, offering pathways to permanent residency that align with the province’s economic development goals.
For candidates considering applying through the BC PNP, understanding the scoring system and securing a strong job offer in an in-demand occupation can significantly enhance their chances of receiving an invitation.
Maple News will continue to provide updates on BC PNP and other provincial immigration programs as they become available.