BC PNP Raises Application Fees for Skills Immigration Worker Streams
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has officially increased its nomination application fees for several worker-focused immigration streams, adding new costs for foreign workers and international graduates seeking permanent residence in British Columbia.
The change took effect in January 2026 and applies to most Skills Immigration applications. Candidates planning to apply under the BC PNP should review the updated fee structure carefully to avoid delays or unexpected expenses.
Overview of the BC PNP Fee Increase
As part of its 2026 immigration program adjustments, the Government of British Columbia raised the BC PNP Skills Immigration nomination fee from CAD $1,475 to CAD $1,750. This represents an increase of $275 per application and applies to all eligible worker streams under Skills Immigration.
The new fee applies to applications submitted on or after January 22, 2026. Applications filed before this date are processed under the previous fee structure.
Which BC PNP Streams Are Affected?
The increased nomination fee applies to the following BC PNP worker streams, including both standard and Express Entry-aligned pathways:
- Skilled Worker Stream
- Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Stream
- Health Authority Stream
- Express Entry BC (EEBC) versions of the above streams
These streams are collectively categorized under Skills Immigration, which targets foreign workers with valid job offers in British Columbia.
Streams and Fees That Remain Unchanged
Not all BC PNP fees are affected by this change. According to official updates and industry reporting:
- Entrepreneur Immigration streams remain unchanged
- Request for Review fees remain the same
- Registration fees for Skills Immigration remain unchanged
The fee increase applies only to the nomination application stage, not to earlier registration or federal permanent residence processing.
Important Clarifications for Applicants
It is important for candidates to understand that the BC PNP nomination fee is separate from federal immigration fees charged by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After receiving a provincial nomination, applicants must still pay federal processing fees and the right of permanent residence fee when submitting their PR application to IRCC.
In addition, refunds are only available if an application is withdrawn before assessment begins. Once processing has started, nomination fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
Why Did BC Increase PNP Application Fees?
While the province has not cited a single reason, fee increases are commonly linked to:
- Rising administrative and processing costs
- Increased application volumes
- Enhanced program integrity and compliance measures
- Budget adjustments for provincial immigration services
British Columbia continues to face strong demand for skilled workers, particularly in healthcare, construction, technology, and hospitality. The fee adjustment aligns BC with broader cost-recovery trends seen across other provincial nominee programs.
How This Change Affects Foreign Workers and Employers
For foreign workers, the higher fee increases the overall cost of permanent residence, especially when combined with federal PR fees, language testing, credential assessments, and legal representation.
For BC employers, the change may slightly impact recruitment planning, particularly for positions filled through the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream, which is popular among hospitality, food service, and tourism employers.
Applicants are strongly advised to:
- Prepare documentation early
- Submit complete, error-free applications
- Budget for both provincial and federal fees in advance
Conclusion
The BC PNP nomination fee increase is now in effect and impacts most worker-based immigration pathways in British Columbia. While the change raises costs, BC PNP remains one of Canada’s most active and employer-driven provincial immigration programs, offering strong pathways to permanent residence for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Candidates planning to apply in 2026 should factor in the new fees and ensure their applications meet all program requirements before submission to avoid unnecessary delays or financial loss.