Significant changes has been made by British Columbia to its Provincial Nominee Program. These changes impact pathways to Permanent Residency for healthcare professionals. As of April 14, 2025, the province will accept only 1,100 new applications and the majority reserved for healthcare workers in critical occupations. This decision will meet the healthcare workforce shortages. This will then prioritize applicants who make direct contribution to patient care.
Along with reducing intake, BC has tightened eligibility for the BC Healthcare Authority stream. This was previously open to all public health authority employees, it now includes only those in direct healthcare roles. Applicants should make sure their jobs align with eligible occupations and hold a full-time, indeterminate position from a qualifying health authority in BC.
Which Healthcare Workers Are Eligible For PR Through The BC PNP?
British Columbia has released a complete list of qualifying occupations under the revised Health Authority stream. This list highlights medical and allied health professionals who contribute directly to healthcare services. Effective April 14, only employees who make a direct contribution to the provision of healthcare are eligible under the Health Authority stream.
For workers to be eligible for the Health Authority stream, they must make sure to work in any of the following occupations.
|
Occupation |
NOC Code |
|
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
31301 |
|
Nurse practitioners |
31302 |
|
General practitioners and family physicians |
31102 |
|
Pharmacists |
31120 |
|
Dentists |
31110 |
|
Physiotherapists |
31202 |
|
Medical radiation technologists |
32121 |
|
Medical sonographers |
32122 |
|
Dental hygienists and dental therapists |
32111 |
|
Licensed practical nurses |
32101 |
The employee should have a full-time and indeterminate job offer from a B.C health authority to get qualified. For the complete NOC occupation list, visit the official website.
Can Self-Employed Healthcare Workers Still Qualify?
Specific healthcare professionals who are self-employed, such as physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners, may still qualify for BC PNP 2025. They should be supported by a recognized health authority or midwife practice in BC. They must also provide the following:
- A recommendation letter
- Qualification documents
- Employment details
- Work location
Foreign applicants meeting the eligibility criteria can directly apply for the BC PNP.
Why Has The BC PNP Restricted Its Nominations?
BC received only 4000 spots due to a 50% cut in federal nomination allocations. The province already has a shortage of nearly 5,000 applications.
The province will accept just 1,100 new applications to manage this. These applications prioritize high economic impact candidates and healthcare workers. This aim of this focused approach is to address the critical labor needs, maximize immigration spaces that are limited.
How Can Croyez Immigration Help Healthcare Workers with the BC PNP 2025?
- Eligibility is assessed to determine whether the applicant meets the BC PNP healthcare criteria.
- Occupation Verification is done to ensure that the job aligns with the NOC codes for 2025.
- We help in preparing and organizing the required documents
- We help secure support from BC healthcare authorities
- There is support for self-employed professionals
- We guide entrepreneurs and high-impact candidates through alternative PR pathways
- We offer expert guidance and strategic advice on immigration policies.