British Columbia Invites Skilled Workers and Entrepreneurs in Latest PNP Draw
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has issued a new round of invitations to apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination, targeting both Skilled Workers and Entrepreneurs.
The draw, held on October 2, 2025, is part of BC’s continued efforts to address regional labour shortages and attract high-value business investors to the province.
Overview of the Draw
- Draw Date: October 2, 2025
- Total Invitations Issued: 485
- Categories Targeted:
- Skills Immigration
- Entrepreneur Immigration
- Cut-Off Scores:
- Skills Immigration: 140
- Entrepreneur Immigration (Base Stream): 123
Detailed Results
| Immigration Category | Number of Invitations | Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|
| Skills Immigration | 474 | 140 (for eligible candidates) |
| Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream | 11 | 123 |
| Total | 485 |
Skills Immigration Draw
This was BC’s first Skills Immigration draw since May 8, 2025, marking a strong comeback for skilled professionals seeking provincial nomination.
A total of 474 candidates were invited through two distinct eligibility pathways:
| Selection Criteria | Description | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Criteria 1 | Candidates with a minimum wage of $90/hour or $175,000/year, with job offers in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations. | 114 |
| Criteria 2 | Candidates who scored at least 140 points based on BC PNP’s scoring system. | 360 |
| Total | 474 |
Factors Affecting Selection in Future Skills Immigration Draws
According to BC PNP, future draws may be based on several labour market priorities, including:
- Education and professional designation in BC
- Language proficiency
- Work experience and job offer skill level
- Wage and occupation type
- Candidate’s intention to live and work in specific BC regions
- Alignment with provincial economic and government initiatives
Note: Under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC), occupations are ranked from TEER 0 to TEER 5 based on skill level, training, and experience required.
Entrepreneur Immigration Draw
Alongside the Skills Immigration draw, British Columbia held its seventh Entrepreneur Immigration draw under the Base Stream, focusing on attracting experienced business professionals and investors.
| Stream Type | Number of Invitations | Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|
| Base Stream | 11 | 123 |
To be eligible for this stream, candidates must meet the minimum registration score of 115 and satisfy several additional requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration Base Stream
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate both financial and professional capacity to establish or acquire a business in British Columbia.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum Net Worth: $600,000
- Business Experience:
- 3 years as business owner-manager, or
- 4 years as senior manager, or
- 1 year as owner-manager + 2 years as senior manager
- Minimum Investment: $200,000 in a new or existing business
- Education: Post-secondary credential (or proof of business experience)
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4
- Ownership Requirement: Minimum 33% ownership (or 100% if substituting experience with education)
- Job Creation: At least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Business Goal: Establish or expand a viable business that contributes to BC’s economy
BC PNP Invitation Totals for 2025 (To Date)
| Stream Type | Number of Draws | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Skills Immigration | 2 | 568 |
| Entrepreneur Immigration | 7 | ≤86 |
| Total Invitations (All Streams) | 9 | ≤654 |
Why This Matters
- Revival of Skills Immigration Draws: The October 2 round marks renewed opportunities for skilled professionals after a long pause.
- Entrepreneur Focus Continues: BC continues to prioritize entrepreneurial immigrants with investment potential.
- Economic Growth Strategy: These draws align with BC’s goal of filling high-demand jobs and supporting business innovation.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
