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2 MINFacts · Immigration and work permits · Canada

Immigration and work permits in British Columbia

Permit rules, pathways, and where the free help is.

Changed recently
  • One-time BC PNP route for health authority cleaning and security staff is now Registrations open until October 7, 2026; up to 250 workers. Source
  • How long a BC PNP registration stays in the pool is now Up to 12 months in pool; 30 days to apply after invitation. Source
  • Who free settlement services in B.C. are for is now Federally funded services: permanent residents; B.C.-funded services also cover permit holders. Source
24 facts · British Columbia
FactValueAs ofSource
MSP while waiting on a permit renewalMaintained status holders may get six months temporary MSP coverage2026-09-07Province of BC, Maintained Status Holders
✓ 2026-09-09
BC PNP International Post-Graduate streamClosed at the end of 2024; no replacement student streams2024-12-31WelcomeBC, BC Provincial Nominee Program News
✓ 2026-09-09
Earlier 2026 BC PNP draw and scoreFebruary 11, 2026: 460 invitations; minimum score 135 points2026-02-11WelcomeBC, Invitations to apply
✓ 2026-09-09
How long a BC PNP registration stays in the poolUp to 12 months in pool; 30 days to apply after invitation2026-06-25WelcomeBC, Skills immigration for workers
✓ 2026-09-09
Most recent BC PNP draw found on the invitations pageApril 22, 2026: 484 invitations; high economic impact cut-off 138 points2026-04-22WelcomeBC, Invitations to apply
✓ 2026-09-09
One-time BC PNP route for health authority cleaning and security staffRegistrations open until October 7, 2026; up to 250 workers2026-09-08WelcomeBC, BC Provincial Nominee Program News
✓ 2026-09-09
What the BC PNP charges to apply$1,750 Skills Immigration application fee, up from $1,4752026-01-22WelcomeBC, BC Provincial Nominee Program News
✓ 2026-09-09
Where to report an employer in BC and what it costsEmployment Standards Branch, 1-833-236-3700; no fee to complain2026-09-07Province of BC, Contact the Employment Standards Branch
✓ 2026-09-09
BC's official settlement and immigration portalWelcomeBC lists free newcomer services across the province2026-09-07WelcomeBC, Find newcomer services
✓ 2026-09-09
Free English classes at BC public collegesTuition-free for citizens, permanent residents and refugees2017-09-01Province of BC, Adult upgrading and learning English
✓ 2026-09-09
Free help using foreign qualifications for BC workCareer Paths for Skilled Immigrants, up to 24 months of support2026-09-07WelcomeBC, Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants
✓ 2026-09-09
Who free settlement services in B.C. are forFederally funded services: permanent residents; B.C.-funded services also cover permit holders2026-09-08WelcomeBC, Find newcomer services
✓ 2026-09-09
BC program that serves temporary work and study permit holdersBC Newcomer Services Program, free, for permit holders and new citizens2026-09-07WelcomeBC, The BC Newcomer Services Program
✓ 2026-09-09
Complaining without your employer learning your nameYou may ask in writing for your name to be withheld from the employer2026-09-07Province of BC, Make a complaint (temporary foreign workers)
✓ 2026-09-09
How BC assesses internationally educated nursesOne application assessed for both LPN and RN licensure2026-09-07BCCNM, Internationally educated nurses
✓ 2026-09-09
How many people BC may nominate in 20266,254 nominations, after 1,000 extra from the federal government2026-04-23WelcomeBC, BC Provincial Nominee Program News
✓ 2026-09-09
If you already hold a trade certificate from another countryApply for BC Certificate of Qualification or Red Seal endorsement2026-09-07SkilledTradesBC, Get Certified
✓ 2026-09-09
Provincial money for nurses' credential assessment and upgradingHealth Match BC bursaries of $1,500 to $16,000, free service2022-04-19BC Gov News, Supporting international nurses into B.C.'s health system
✓ 2026-09-09
Repeat English tests during credential assessmentRegulators must accept test results valid on the submission date2024-07-01Province of BC, Assessing internationally trained applicants
✓ 2026-09-09
Reporting unsafe work in BCWorkSafeBC 1-888-621-7233, 24 hours a day2026-09-07WorkSafeBC, Contact us
✓ 2026-09-09
The ban on Canadian work experience requirementsCovered BC regulators cannot demand Canadian work experience since July 20252025-07-01Province of BC, Canadian work experience requirements for internationally trained professionals
✓ 2026-09-09
Things an employer of a foreign worker may not do in BCTake your passport, threaten deportation, or punish you for complaining2026-09-07Province of BC, Protections for foreign workers
✓ 2026-09-09
What a recruiter in BC may charge a workerNothing; recruiters may bill only the employer and must be licensed2026-09-07Province of BC, Protections for foreign workers
✓ 2026-09-09
What internationally educated nurses pay to be assessed in BCProvince covers application and assessment fees over $3,7002023-01-05BC Gov News, Nurses receive support to join B.C.'s health system more quickly
✓ 2026-09-09

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Before an approved update, the checker re-opens each source and looks for the exact claim. A ✓ shows the date that last succeeded. Archived copies may support explicitly historical claims, never current applicability.

iamonmybreak publishes general information for working people. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice, and it is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Rules differ by province and country and change over time; the date at the top of this piece is when we last checked. For your specific case, especially anything involving money you are owed, contact a free community legal clinic or your provincial or state labour standards office.

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