The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has announced an increase in nomination application fees for several worker-focused immigration streams, raising the overall cost for foreign workers and international graduates seeking permanent residence in British Columbia.
The updated fees came into effect in January 2026 and apply to most Skills Immigration applications. Candidates planning to apply under the BC PNP are encouraged to review the revised fee structure carefully to avoid unexpected costs or application delays.
Overview of the BC PNP Fee Increase
As part of British Columbia’s 2026 immigration program updates, the province has increased the BC PNP Skills Immigration nomination application fee from CAD $1,475 to CAD $1,750. This represents a $275 increase per application and applies across all eligible worker streams under Skills Immigration.
The new fee applies to applications submitted on or after January 22, 2026. Applications submitted before this date will continue to be processed under the previous fee structure.
BC PNP Streams Affected by the Fee Increase
The revised nomination fee applies to the following BC PNP worker streams, including both base and Express Entry–aligned options:
- Skilled Worker Stream
- Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Stream
- Health Authority Stream
- Express Entry BC (EEBC) versions of the above streams
These pathways fall under the Skills Immigration category, which targets foreign workers with qualifying job offers from British Columbia employers.
Streams and Fees Not Affected
Several BC PNP fees remain unchanged under the 2026 update. According to official guidance:
- Entrepreneur Immigration streams are not affected
- Request for Review fees remain the same
- Skills Immigration registration fees are unchanged
The increase applies only to the nomination application stage, not to registration or federal permanent residence processing fees.
Important Notes for Applicants
Applicants should note that BC PNP nomination fees are separate from federal immigration fees charged by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After receiving a provincial nomination, candidates must still pay federal processing fees and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) when submitting their PR application.
Refunds are generally available only if an application is withdrawn before assessment begins. Once processing has started, nomination fees are typically non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
Why Did British Columbia Increase PNP Fees?
While the province has not provided a specific explanation, fee increases are commonly associated with:
- Rising administrative and processing costs
- Higher application volumes
- Enhanced compliance and program integrity measures
- Budgetary adjustments for provincial immigration services
British Columbia continues to experience strong demand for skilled workers, particularly in healthcare, construction, technology, and hospitality, and the fee increase aligns with cost-recovery trends seen across other provincial nominee programs.
Impact on Foreign Workers and Employers
For foreign workers, the higher nomination fee adds to the total cost of permanent residence, especially when combined with federal fees, language tests, credential assessments, and legal or consulting services.
For BC employers, the change may influence workforce planning, particularly for sectors that rely heavily on the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) Stream, such as hospitality, tourism, and food services.
Applicants are strongly advised to:
- Prepare documentation well in advance
- Submit complete and accurate applications
- Budget for both provincial and federal fees early
Final Thoughts
The BC PNP nomination fee increase is now in effect and affects most worker-focused immigration pathways in British Columbia. While the higher cost adds to the financial commitment, the BC PNP remains one of Canada’s most active and employer-driven immigration programs, offering strong pathways to permanent residence for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Candidates planning to apply in 2026 should factor in the updated fees and ensure their applications meet all program requirements before submission to avoid delays or financial loss.
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