The B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) has extended its registration deadline for the Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative to October 7, 2026.
Since June, the BCPNP has been accepting registrations to nominate up to 250 eligible health care support workers who work as security guards and cleaners in rural or remote areas, offering them a pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
Registrations were originally accepted until the end of August. However, the program has extended the registration deadline to October 7 to accommodate possible delays related to wildfires across the province.
After registering, candidates may be invited to apply to this initiative by the BCPNP. Applicants must meet all criteria including having the support of their employer. Each health authority has its own process for determining which BCPNP applications to support; health authorities are not required to support BCPNP applications.
By the beginning of August, the program conducted its first draw for the rural/remote initiative and has issued “Invitations to Apply” (ITAs) to 60 candidates.
The provincial government held a webinar for interested candidates on Wednesday, June 10 to outline the program’s goals, requirements, and application process. A recording of the webinar can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXfjqDHhuKM
Applicants are encouraged to review a more detailed outline of the criteria and application instructions at: https://www.welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/about-the-bc-provincial-nominee-program
Applicants are asked to direct any questions or concerns about the program, the application process, and their specific circumstances to pnpinfo@gov.bc.ca to avoid misinformation. Full program guide and instructions can be found at: https://www.welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/about-the-bc-provincial-nominee-program/documents
The BCPNP has also resumed invitations to apply under the Skilled Worker streams for priority health care occupations, including care aides working in the privately delivered health care sector. Information for this stream can be found at For Workers page of the WelcomeBC website (https://www.welcomebc.ca/immigrate-to-b-c/for-workers).