British Columbia issues invitations to skilled workers in priority care and construction occupations
British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program issued 343 invitations in a July 9 draw targeting skilled workers in care and construction occupations. The selection prioritized childcare educators, healthcare professionals, veterinary workers, and construction trades.
Key points
✓BC issued 343 invitations across care (childcare, healthcare, veterinary) and construction trades occupations
✓This was the eighth Skills Immigration draw of 2026 and the 15th round overall
✓Construction trades received the largest share with 136 invitations at a minimum score of 97
✓Healthcare received 116 invitations (minimum score 96) and childcare received 91 invitations (minimum score 108)
✓As of July 9, BC has issued at least 3,107 total invitations through its Skills Immigration category in 2026
What this means for you
If you are a skilled worker in healthcare, childcare education, veterinary care, or construction trades, this draw shows that British Columbia is actively seeking your qualifications. You can register with the BC PNP Skills Immigration pool and may be invited to apply for provincial nomination based on your occupation, credentials, language ability, work experience, and job offer. A provincial nomination supports your pathway to permanent residence in Canada.
Full detail
On July 9, 2026, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program held a targeted occupation-based draw, selecting 343 highly qualified workers across care and construction sectors. The invitations were distributed across four occupational categories: childcare (91 invitations), healthcare (116 invitations), veterinary care (88 invitations), and construction trades (136 invitations). This was the eighth Skills Immigration draw held by the province in 2026.
Eligibility requirements varied by occupation. Early childhood educators needed either a one-year or five-year ECE Certificate from the BC ECE registry. Healthcare professionals were selected from 30 different NOCs, including nurses, physicians, dentists, and allied health workers. Veterinary occupations required valid professional designation, and construction trades workers needed either a valid trade certificate from SkilledTradesBC or apprenticeship registration aligned with their job offer.
As of July 7, 2026, British Columbia reported 8,683 registrations in the BCPNP Skills Immigration pool. The province noted that future invitation rounds may be shaped by different selection priorities, and candidates may be considered based on education, professional designation, work experience, language ability, occupation, job offer details, regional intent, and alignment with provincial labour demands or government initiatives.
What occupations were included in the July 9 draw?
The draw targeted early childhood educators, healthcare professionals (30 NOC categories including nurses, physicians, and allied health workers), veterinarians and animal health technologists, and construction trades workers (including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and HVAC mechanics).
What were the minimum scores required?
Childcare had a minimum score of 108, healthcare 96, veterinary care 88, and construction trades 97. Scores are based on factors including education, language ability, work experience, and job offer details.
How do I apply for this draw?
You must first create an Expression of Interest registration with the BC PNP Skills Immigration pool. The province then periodically invites candidates from the pool to submit a full application for provincial nomination based on their qualifications and current selection criteria.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often — confirm details on the official source above and, for your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.