British Columbia has raised the application fee for its Skills Immigration stream under the BC Provincial Nominee Program. The change took effect on January 22, 2026, increasing the fee from $1,475 to $1,750.
The BC PNP uses Skills Immigration to attract workers with experience in high-demand occupations across the province. The program helps employers fill labour shortages while giving eligible foreign nationals a pathway to permanent residence in Canada.
Provincial officials say the fees help cover the cost of running the program, including application processing and support services for nominees before they become permanent residents. While the increase adds to upfront costs for applicants, the BC PNP remains one of the key immigration routes for workers targeting British Columbia.
On this page you will find
- Details of the BC PNP Skills Immigration fee increase
- The new BC PNP application fee structure
- An overview of the Skills Immigration stream
- Key eligibility requirements for workers
- How provincial nomination leads to permanent residence
- What the higher fee means for applicants
Updated BC PNP Fee Structure
The fee increase applies to the main application under the Skills Immigration stream. Other fees remain unchanged.
- Registration – no fee
- Application – $1,750 CAD
- Request for review – $500 CAD
Applicants must pay the new $1,750 fee when submitting a Skills Immigration application on or after January 22, 2026.
What Is the Skills Immigration Stream?
Skills Immigration offers a pathway to permanent residence for workers with a valid job offer from an eligible B.C. employer. The stream focuses on supporting the province’s labour market and economic development needs.
There are three main categories:
- Skilled Worker
- Entry Level and Semi-Skilled
- Health Authority
Each category targets different types of occupations and employer situations, but all require a full-time, indeterminate job offer and employer support.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Although requirements vary by stream, applicants generally need to meet standards in the following areas:
- A valid job offer from an eligible B.C. employer
- Employer support through an Employer Declaration Form
- Relevant qualifications such as licences or professional certifications
- Required work experience based on the stream
- Minimum education credentials for the occupation
- Language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark level 4
- Wages that meet B.C. minimum income thresholds
The Health Authority stream specifically requires an offer from a B.C. public health authority employer, while the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream focuses on certain TEER 4 and 5 occupations.
From Nomination to Permanent Residence
Workers who receive a provincial nomination through the BC PNP can apply to the federal government for permanent residence. A nomination significantly strengthens an immigration application and often leads to faster processing under federal programs.
Because the province prioritises occupations that support economic growth, candidates in high-demand sectors may see stronger chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
Impact of the Fee Increase
The $275 increase represents a noticeable but not dramatic rise in overall immigration costs. For many applicants, the BC PNP fee is only one part of a broader financial plan that includes language tests, credential assessments and federal application fees.
Still, the change means candidates should budget carefully and ensure they are fully eligible before submitting an application.
FAQ
Who does the new BC PNP application fee apply to?
The new $1,750 fee applies to anyone submitting a Skills Immigration application to the BC PNP on or after January 22, 2026. It covers candidates in streams such as Skilled Worker, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled, and Health Authority categories.
Does the fee increase affect BC PNP registration?
No. Registration in the Skills Immigration system remains free. Candidates can still create a profile and enter the pool without paying a fee. The $1,750 charge applies only when you receive an invitation and submit a full application.
Why did British Columbia increase the BC PNP fee?
The province says application fees help cover the cost of administering the program. This includes processing applications and providing services to nominees before they become permanent residents. Fee increases are typically linked to rising operational and program management costs.
Is the request for review fee changing as well?
No. The request for review fee remains $500. This applies if an applicant asks the BC PNP to reconsider a decision on their application. Only the main Skills Immigration application fee has increased.
Does a higher BC PNP fee reduce my chances of being nominated?
The fee itself does not affect selection. The BC PNP continues to prioritise candidates who meet labour market and economic development needs in B.C. Strong job offers, in-demand occupations and meeting all eligibility criteria remain the key factors.
