B.C. holds second TRHSI draw, invites 33 workers

British Columbia TRHSI: September 17 draw raises bar for health-support workers seeking provincial nomination

Immediate update and why it matters
On September 17, 2026, British Columbia held its second draw under the Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative (TRHSI), issuing 33 invitations to cleaners and security staff employed by a B.C. health authority in a remote area. The cutoff score was 60, up from 50 in the July 23 round, bringing the total TRHSI invitations to 93. If you work full time as a cleaner (heavy or light duty), caretaker, or security worker for a public health authority in an eligible rural/remote region, this affects your pathway to a provincial nomination and potential permanent residence.

Why TRHSI exists and how it fits BCPNP goals
TRHSI is part of B.C.’s 2026 BCPNP restructuring under the Care, Build and Innovate pillars. The initiative sits under the “Care” pillar and targets frontline support roles in rural and remote health facilities. It requires employer support from a public health authority so nominations align with local workforce needs.

Who TRHSI targets — occupations, employers and regions
Eligible occupations and NOC codes:
– Janitors, caretakers, and heavy‑duty cleaners — NOC 65312
– Light‑duty cleaners — NOC 65310
– Security guards and related security service occupations — NOC 64410

Applicants must hold a regular, indeterminate, full‑time job with a B.C. public health authority in a qualifying rural or remote region. The eight public health authorities listed for TRHSI consideration are: First Nations Health Authority; Fraser Health; Interior Health; Island Health; Northern Health; Providence Health Care; Provincial Health Services Authority; and Vancouver Coastal Health.

Regional exclusions include Central Okanagan, Metro Vancouver and Capital Regional districts, with limited island exceptions for Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring and Saturna Islands.

Key eligibility rules about qualifying work
Applicants must have at least nine months of continuous full‑time employment in the same occupation, with the same employer, and in the same region before registering. The job offer must remain valid through registration and application stages, and the worker must stay full time during the application process.

Excluded periods include work on a study permit or as part of a study program (e.g., co‑op) and any leave longer than two weeks. Applicants must also hold a high school diploma, meet the BCPNP minimum income requirement for the full nine‑month period, and have an application supported by an authorized representative of the relevant health authority. See sections 3.5 and 6.6 of the BCPNP Skills Immigration guide for full job‑offer and employer support rules.

What the September 17 draw indicates about competitiveness
Two clear signals:
– Higher cutoff: the minimum score rose from 50 to 60, showing increased competition among registrants.
– Fewer invitations: 33 invitations were issued on September 17 versus 60 on July 23, which could reflect selectivity, limited eligible registrants who meet regional/employer criteria, or alignment with health‑authority needs.

How provincial nomination links to federal PR and work permits
A BCPNP nomination lets a foreign national apply to IRCC for permanent residence. In‑Canada applicants can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) after filing a PR application. A federal temporary measure effective June 9, 2026 allows nominees applying through the base PNP to apply for a BOWP one month sooner by waiving the need to have already received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).

Numbers, deadlines and provincial capacity
– Sept. 17, 2026 TRHSI draw: cutoff score 60; 33 invitations.
– July 23, 2026 TRHSI draw: cutoff score 50; 60 invitations.
– Total TRHSI invitations to date: 93.
– Province intends to nominate up to 250 workers under TRHSI (announced April 2026).
– Registration remains open until 11:59 p.m. on October 7, 2026 (deadline extended from Aug. 31 due to wildfire‑related impacts).
– BCPNP’s 2026 nomination allocation: 6,254 (after receiving 1,000 additional spaces).
– TRHSI launch date: June 15, 2026.
– Federal temporary measure on BOWP timing: effective June 9, 2026.

Note: the BCPNP has not published which occupations were represented among invited candidates in either draw, so applicants should not infer occupational preference from the invitation totals.

Who should pay attention
– Full‑time cleaners (heavy and light duty) and security staff employed by a B.C. public health authority in eligible rural/remote regions.
– Employers and health authorities that must support TRHSI applications.
– In‑Canada foreign nationals in eligible roles planning to transition to permanent residence.
Family members and provincial workforce planners are also affected indirectly.

Practical implications for applicants
– Document nine months of continuous full‑time employment: payroll, paystubs/T4s, contracts, and an employer letter confirming dates, full‑time status and region.
– Secure health‑authority support early and learn the authority’s internal selection process.
– Expect competition: higher cutoffs are possible.
– Verify regional eligibility — island exceptions are limited to named islands.
– Plan the PR and work‑permit sequence; the June 9, 2026 measure may speed access to a BOWP for some applicants.
– Be aware of the initiative’s scale: intended nominations up to 250, but only 93 invitations issued as of the Sept. 17 draw.

Common pitfalls to avoid
– Counting part‑time or study‑permit work toward the nine months — it does not count.
– Failing to obtain or document authorized health‑authority support.
– Letting the job offer lapse during registration or application.
– Misunderstanding regional exclusions.
– Inferring occupational selection from unpublished draw details.

What to monitor next
– Registration deadline: 11:59 p.m. on October 7, 2026.
– Your health authority’s endorsement process and timelines.
– Future TRHSI draws for cutoff changes and invitation volumes.
– Federal updates to bridging permit policies.
– BCPNP communications for any changes to nomination numbers or eligibility.

How to prepare without guesswork
– Gather continuous full‑time employment evidence for nine months (payroll, T4s/paystubs, contracts, employer letter).
– Confirm education and income requirements are met and documented.
– Engage your health authority early for authorized support.
– Clarify any leaves and how they affect continuity.
– Review sections 3.5 and 6.6 of the BCPNP Skills Immigration guide for detailed rules.

Final perspective
TRHSI is a focused, time‑limited effort to fill essential support roles in rural and remote health services. The Sept. 17 draw’s higher cutoff and reduced invitations show selectivity can shift quickly in a small‑scale program. For eligible workers, the pathway remains a direct route to permanent residence and, for in‑Canada applicants, a potentially quicker route to a Bridging Open Work Permit.

If you believe you qualify, prioritize documentation, employer engagement and timely registration. If you do not yet meet the nine‑month or other requirements, use the remaining registration window to plan and close any gaps.

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