British Columbia has revealed how much of its 2026 provincial immigration allocation it plans to dedicate to two of its highest-priority sectors.
Out of 6,254 BCPNP nomination spaces, the province expects to nominate between 1,620 and 2,015 health-care workers, along with 360 to 440 early childhood educators. Together, these two groups could receive roughly 31.7% to 39.3% of all B.C. nominations this year.
Health care remains one of the province’s largest immigration priorities, covering 31 designated occupations including nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical technologists, social workers and other health professionals. For child care, the priority occupation is early childhood educators (NOC 42202), who must hold an eligible one- or five-year ECE certificate.
B.C. is also prioritizing workers in education, veterinary care and construction, as well as candidates considered to have a strong economic impact. At least 35% of skilled worker nominations are also expected to go to people working outside Metro Vancouver.
As of August 25, B.C. had already invited 474 priority health-care workers and 451 early childhood educators to apply for provincial nomination in 2026.
