Act Fast! B.C. Limits 2025 Immigration Nominations to 1,100

British Columbia has made a drastic cut to new immigration applications for 2025. Only 1,100 skilled immigrants will be accepted—mainly in healthcare and entrepreneurship.

This decision follows Ottawa’s move to reduce B.C.’s provincial nomination allocation by half. Here’s what this means for immigrants already in Canada or planning to move.

Why B.C. Is Cutting Immigrant Nominations

The federal government reduced B.C.’s nomination slots from 8,000 to 4,000 for 2025. In response, the province is limiting new immigration applications under its PNP to just 1,100—down from over 4,000 last year.

According to Minister Anne Kang, the focus is now on health workers and entrepreneurs. B.C. says it must prioritize roles with “critical public value” like doctors, nurses, and social workers.

Implications for Immigrants in British Columbia

Unless you're in healthcare or a high-impact entrepreneurial role, your chances of getting a 2025 nomination in B.C. are now very slim. The remaining 2,900 spots are reserved for candidates who already applied in 2024.

This shift leaves many skilled immigrants—including tech professionals, tradespeople, and recent graduates—in limbo. It may push them to explore other provinces.

Impact on Immigration Policies and Programs

B.C.’s decision is a direct response to Ottawa’s broader immigration recalibration. The federal government is scaling down immigration to ease housing, infrastructure, and service pressures.

This provincial-federal misalignment has sparked criticism from the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, which says economic immigrants in the private sector are being sidelined in favor of public-sector priorities.

Recommended Steps for Affected Applicants

1. Explore programs in other provinces. Many jurisdictions still need skilled labor and may offer better chances—Ontario, Alberta, and Atlantic provinces continue to issue regular draws for in-demand occupations.
2. Check if your profile fits B.C.’s current priorities. Roles in direct clinical care or high-potential entrepreneurship may still qualify; review the latest updates on WelcomeBC.ca.
3. Stay updated. B.C.’s PNP could shift again if federal allocations change or labor needs evolve mid-year—subscribe to program updates or follow AskAïa’s alerts.

Not sure how these changes affect you? Take a free assessment with AskAïa to explore your best immigration options.