Changes to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

The Province of British Columbia has announced several policy and process changes to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).

In March 2024, the provincial government announced that effective January 2025, the previous International Graduate and International Post-Graduate streams of the BC PNP would be replaced with a new three-stream structure for graduates of bachelor's, master's and doctorate programs, and that the minimum language proficiency level would also be increased.

The BC PNP issued its final invitations under the International Graduate stream in November 2024, and the final applications to the International Post-Graduate Stream were accepted in January 2025. However, on April 14, 2025, the BC PNP confirmed that it is pausing plans to launch the new student streams until B.C.'s allocation levels are restored by the federal government.

Additionally, International Post-Graduate (IPG) applications received by the BC PNP between September 1, 2024 and January 7, 2025 will be waitlisted until more nominations become available.

We recognize that these changes have caused concern, particularly for students whose applications are now waitlisted, and those who have been waiting for the new streams to open. Since the announcement, UVic along with other post-secondary institutions has been involved in ongoig consultations regarding the impacts of the changes on students.

For inquiries related to the BC PNP and other permanent residency pathways to Canada, contact the BC PNP and/or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) directly. You can also consult with an authorized immigration representative (e.g. a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or immigration lawyer). For more information about authorized representatives, visit the IRCC website.    

If you have questions about your temporary resident status or documents in Canada, including post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility, please contact an ICS immigration practitioner.