Good news for international graduates and skilled professionals aspiring to settle in British Columbia! The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has officially received 1,254 additional nomination allocations from the federal government.

This increase brings the total BC PNP nomination allocation for 2025 to 5,254, marking a crucial recovery step from last year’s reduced cap of 4,000. With this new development, the province has now regained nearly 69% of its 2024 allocation, which stood at 8,000 slots.

The announcement, published on October 2, 2025, signals renewed momentum in the province’s efforts to address labour shortages, support economic growth, and reopen pathways for international post-graduates who have been waiting since 2024.

How the New British Columbia PNP Nominations Will Be Used

British Columbia plans to use the additional 1,254 nominations primarily to process applications from the International Post-Graduate (IPG) Stream that were previously placed on hold.

In April 2025, the province announced that IPG applications submitted between September 1, 2024, and January 7, 2025, would be temporarily waitlisted due to limited nomination availability.

Now, with more slots approved, the province will begin clearing this backlog — a relief for many qualified graduates who have been eagerly waiting to move forward in their permanent residence journey.

Apart from IPG applicants, the province will also allocate part of these new nominations to its key priority areas, which include:

• Recruiting healthcare professionals to strengthen the public health system.
• Supporting entrepreneurs and high-impact investors through business immigration streams.
• Promoting the entry of skilled workers in sectors critical to the provincial economy, such as technology, construction, and clean energy.

While this boost is welcome, officials note that British Columbia continues to advocate for more federal nominations before expanding its 2025 targets further.

Why the British Columbia PNP Allocation Was Reduced in 2025

The reduction in provincial nomination allocations across Canada in 2025 was part of the federal government’s broader effort to manage housing pressures and balance social services.

As outlined in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, the permanent resident target for 2025 was set at 395,000, down significantly from 485,000 in 2024.

This federal shift directly impacted the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) nationwide, cutting their overall allocation in half from 110,000 landings in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025.

Despite these reductions, many provinces, including British Columbia, have continued to advocate for larger quotas to meet local labour market demands and address key industry shortages.

Invitations Issued Under the BC PNP in 2025 (So Far)

British Columbia has held nine PNP draws in 2025, with a strong focus on entrepreneur immigration, though skilled worker draws continue to account for the majority of total invitations.

Here’s a summary of BC PNP draws to date:

These draws reflect British Columbia’s balanced approach to welcoming both skilled professionals and innovative business investors into the province.

Other Provinces Also Receive Increased Allocations

British Columbia isn’t the only province seeing positive adjustments. Several other regions have also received expanded nomination quotas from the federal government, including:

• Alberta
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories

This nationwide trend reflects growing recognition that regional immigration programs play a vital role in distributing newcomers more evenly across the country, helping address both population and workforce imbalances.

For international students, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs waiting in the BC PNP pipeline, this announcement brings renewed hope and opportunity.

The reopening of International Post-Graduate Stream processing signals a more stable outlook for those who studied in British Columbia and plan to make the province their long-term home.

Moreover, it reinforces the province’s ongoing commitment to supporting local industries, addressing critical labour shortages, and ensuring that immigration continues to contribute positively to economic growth.

A Step Forward for Skilled Immigrants and Graduates

The British Columbia PNP’s 2025 nomination increase is a promising step toward rebuilding opportunities for skilled newcomers and international graduates. With 1,254 new nominations, the province is now positioned to process waitlisted International Post-Graduate applications, strengthen its workforce, and enhance economic growth.

If you’re planning to apply under the BC Provincial Nominee Program, now is the time to act.

At ImmigCanada, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) help applicants choose the best PNP stream, prepare documents accurately, and increase approval chances. Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or entrepreneur, we make your path to Canadian permanent residence smoother and faster. Contact ImmigCanada today to start your BC PNP journey with trusted experts by your side.