BC PNP 2025: PR Priority for Healthcare Workers

British Columbia is making big changes to their Provincial Nominee Program also known as BC PNP in 2025. The province has announced that they will reserve the most PR spots for healthcare workers in specific occupations. British Columbia is facing labour shortage in healthcare sector. This labour shortage is becoming a huge problem in the Canadian workforce.

If you're a healthcare professional looking to get permanent residency in Canada, make sure to read this till the end for more details of this update.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of the Changes in BC PNP
2. Which Healthcare Workers Eligible for PR
3. Approved Healthcare Employers in B.C.
4. Rules for Self-Employed Healthcare Workers
5. PR Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Skilled Workers
6. Why B.C. Is Reducing PR Nominations
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

1. Overview of the Changes in BC PNP

On April 14, 2025, British Columbia updated their BC PNP policies. The total number of new PR applications the province will accept for this year is only 1,100. There are a few things candidates should know about these allocations:

• Most of these spots are reserved for the healthcare professionals in British Columbia.
• A small number of allocations are saved for entrepreneurs and high-impact economic applicants.

2. Which Healthcare Workers Are Eligible for PR in 2025?

Starting from April 14, 2025, only healthcare workers who directly provide care are eligible under the Health Authority stream. Previously, even admin and support staff with a job offer from a health authority or profession could apply.

Here are just a few examples of the eligible healthcare roles under the BC PNP 2025:

• Registered nurses and nurse practitioners
• Family physicians and specialists
• Dentists and dental hygienists
• Medical lab technologists
• Physiotherapists and some occupational therapists
• Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
• Veterinarians and vet technicians
• Social workers and community service workers
• Massage therapists and chiropractors
• Optometrists and audiologists

Remember: To apply under this stream, candidates must have a full-time permanent job offer from a B.C. public health authority.

3. Approved Healthcare Employers in British Columbia

To apply through the New Health Authority stream, the desired candidates must be employed by one of these approved public health authorities in British Columbia.

• Provincial Health Services Authority
• First Nations Health Authority
• Fraser Health
• Interior Health
• Island Health
• Northern Health
• Vancouver Coastal Health
• Providence Health Care

Each authority has its own internal process for recommending applicants to the higher authorities. So candidates must get approval from their employer before applying.

4. Self-Employed Healthcare Workers: Are They Eligible?

Only a few self-employed healthcare workers are eligible under this stream. They are:

• Physician
• Nurse Practitioner
• Midwife

Even if you qualify as a self-employed healthcare worker, there are still certain criteria you need to fulfill:

• A support letter from a B.C. public health authority or midwife group
• Confirmation that you’re working (or will work soon) in B.C.
• Proof of qualifications, location, and employer support

If any candidate meets the eligibility criteria, then they are advised to directly apply to BC PNP.

5. PR Options for Entrepreneurs and High-Impact Candidates

While most PR spots are reserved for healthcare workers, British Columbia is still reserving about 100 nominations for the following:

• Entrepreneurs who are planning to start or buy businesses in B.C.
• High economic impact candidates — skilled workers with in-demand skills or high salaries

B.C. has not yet shared exact details about these allocations, but these individuals may belong to sectors such as:

• Tech
• Engineering
• Construction
• Green Energy
• Business Leadership Roles

6. Why B.C. Is Limiting The PR Nominations in 2025

If you don't know, B.C.’s total PR nomination allocation for 2025 is only 4,000 spots. This is 50% fewer than what B.C. received last year. One of the main reasons for this reduced allocation is the increasing number of backlogs. B.C. started the year with a backlog of 5,200 applications.

To manage the shortage of nomination spots, the BC PNP decided to make some changes:

• Suspended some immigration streams
• Focused on clearing the existing backlog
• Capped new applications to only 1,100 for 2025

Conclusion

In 2025, British Columbia is prioritizing healthcare professionals for PR under their BC PNP. As mentioned earlier, BC has limited allocations this year, so with few spots and limited time, this is a golden chance for healthcare professionals to apply for BC PNP.

These allocations are made to cut down the labour shortages in the province. Young and talented healthcare professionals with relevant experience are advised to apply through the BC PNP.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the PR under the BC PNP Health Authority stream?

Ans: Only the direct healthcare workers can apply under this stream. These professions include nurses, doctors, therapists, pharmacists, and other medical professionals.

2. What is the number of allocations this year?

Ans: Only 1,100 new applications will be accepted due to a reduced quota.

3. Can support staff or admin workers apply under the Health Authority stream?

A: No. The new rules limit PR to only those who directly provide healthcare services.

4. Are self-employed doctors and midwives eligible?

Ans: Yes, if they have a support letter from a B.C. public health authority or a midwife group.

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