Upcoming 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). Starting January 2025, the current International Graduate and International Post-Graduate streams will be replaced with a new three-stream structure for graduates of bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programs.

Additionally, the minimum language proficiency level will also be increased for most streams. For more information about the upcoming changes, review the BC PNP’s News.

At this time, the full details of the proposed changes have not yet been released and therefore the impacts cannot be fully understood. A detailed summary of the updates is expected in late 2024, with the full criteria to be published in the BC PNP Skills Immigration Program Guide in January 2025.

We recognize that these changes have caused concern, particularly for students in programs that are eligible under the current International Post-Graduate stream of the BC PNP. Since the announcement, UVic has been in communication with the Provincial Government to raise these concerns and seek information on the specific details to better understand the potential impact 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), visit the IRCC website for more information.    

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