Maple News reports that the Government of British Columbia has officially increased the application fee for its Skills Immigration stream under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). Effective January 22, 2026, the application fee rose from $1,475 to $1,750 CAD. This adjustment affects all candidates who submit full applications on or after the new date.
The BC PNP Skills Immigration stream is a key pathway for skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residence in Canada through job offers in high-demand occupations across the province. The program also supports B.C. employers by helping them address ongoing labour shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, technology, and construction.
According to provincial officials, the fee increase reflects higher administrative and operational costs associated with managing the program. This includes processing applications and offering transitional support to nominees as they move toward permanent residency. Despite the higher cost, the stream remains one of the most sought-after immigration routes into British Columbia.
The revised fee applies only to the main application. Registration remains free, allowing candidates to enter the application pool without charge. The $500 fee for requesting a review of a decision also remains unchanged.
Skills Immigration applicants are typically divided into three main categories: Skilled Worker, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled, and Health Authority. While each category has specific requirements, common eligibility criteria include a valid job offer from an eligible B.C. employer, a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of at least 4, relevant work experience, educational qualifications, professional licensing (if required), and minimum income thresholds.
Those who receive a provincial nomination under the BC PNP can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent resident status. A PNP nomination earns candidates additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) if they also apply through Express Entry, potentially accelerating processing timelines.
While the $275 increase adds to the financial planning needed by prospective immigrants, it does not impact their chances of being selected. Ultimately, successful applicants will continue to be assessed based on their occupation, job offer quality, and alignment with B.C.’s labour market priorities.
Maple News advises applicants to carefully review updated requirements, plan their budgets accordingly, and ensure all elements of their application meet program criteria before submission.