Priority PR Spots in British Columbia PNP for These Healthcare Workers
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British Columbia has introduced significant changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for 2025, cutting application intake to just 1,100 spots. A major share of these nominations is now being prioritised for healthcare professionals in select roles. This move reflects the province’s focus on addressing critical labour shortages in the healthcare sector. A smaller allocation will still support entrepreneurs and high-impact economic candidates.
Eligible Healthcare Occupations for PR Under BC PNP
Starting April 14, 2025, British Columbia has tightened its eligibility criteria for the Health Authority stream under the BC PNP. Now, only individuals directly involved in delivering healthcare services qualify for nomination. This marks a change from previous rules, which also allowed support and administrative staff to apply.
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians | 32,104 |
| Audiologists and speech-language pathologists | 31,112 |
| Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32,123 |
| Chiropractors | 31,201 |
| Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants | 33,100 |
| Dental hygienists and dental therapists | 32,111 |
| Dental technologists and technicians | 32,112 |
| Dentists | 31,110 |
| Denturists | 32,110 |
| Dietitians and nutritionists | 31,121 |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31,102 |
| Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment | 31,204 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 32,101 |
| Managers in health care | 30,010 |
| Massage therapists | 32201 |
| Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations | 33,101 |
| Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 |
| Medical radiation technologists | 32121 |
| Medical sonographers | 32122 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates | 33102 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31302 |
| Nursing coordinators and supervisors | 31300 |
| Occupational therapists | 31203 |
| Opticians | 32100 |
| Optometrists | 31111 |
| Other assisting occupations in support of health services | 33109 |
| Other medical technologists and technicians | 32129 |
| Other practitioners of natural healing | 32209 |
| Other professional occupations in health, diagnosing and treating | 31209 |
| Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment | 32109 |
| Paramedical occupations | 32102 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 |
| Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants | 33103 |
| Pharmacy technicians | 32124 |
| Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals | 31303 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 |
| Psychologists | 31200 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 |
| Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists | 32103 |
| Social and community service workers | 42201 |
| Social workers | 41300 |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 |
| Specialists in surgery | 31101 |
| Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies | 41301 |
| Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists | 32200 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 |
Also Read: British Columbia Introduces 8 New Changes to BC PNP Pathways 2025
Eligible Employers Who Can Support Healthcare Authority Applications
To qualify under the Health Authority stream, applicants must be employed by an eligible public health authority in British Columbia. Each authority follows its own process for reviewing and endorsing BC PNP applications. Here are the approved employers who can support healthcare PR applications.
- Provincial Health Services Authority.
- First Nations Health Authority.
- Fraser Health.
- Interior Health.
- Island Health.
- Northern Health.
- Vancouver Coastal Health.
- Providence Health Care.
Explore: Top 15 Most In-Demand Jobs in British Columbia PNP in 2025
Eligibility of Self-Employed Healthcare Workers for PR Under BC PNP
Self-employed healthcare workers, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and midwives, can still qualify for permanent residency under the BC PNP, provided they have the support of a B.C. public health authority or midwife practice. These candidates must submit a recommendation letter and necessary documentation to confirm their:
- Qualifications
- Employment record that states the applicant is working or will soon start working in their field in B.C.
- Work location
- Support from the health authority or midwife practice.
Check Out: Top 6 Permanent Residency Routes for International Students After BC PNP
Other Nominated Occupations for PR Under BC PNP
In addition to the healthcare workers, the BC PNP will also prioritize applications from entrepreneurs and high-impact economic candidates. While the exact number of invitations for entrepreneurs remains unspecified, around 100 candidates from this category, including those with valuable work experience and high salaries, will be nominated for PR in 2025.
Reasons for BC PNP Nominations Restriction
The restriction in BC PNP nominations for 2025 is a result of the province’s limited quota of 4,000 spots, which is 50% lower than the previous year. With a backlog of 5,200 applications already in progress, the BC PNP is focusing on clearing existing cases before accepting only 1,100 new applicants this year. As a result, certain streams have been suspended to manage the reduced capacity effectively.
Quick Read: What’s New in Canada Express Entry System? Major Changes Coming in 2025
Make Your Canada Immigration Journey Effortless with GetGIS!
With the BC PNP prioritizing healthcare workers amidst reduced quotas, it's essential to understand the eligibility criteria and navigate the process effectively. The focus on healthcare professionals highlights the province's ongoing need for skilled workers to support its healthcare system. GetGIS offers personalised guidance and support, ensuring you receive expert help at every step of your Canada immigration journey.
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