HEU members will soon have access to new immigration pathway opportunities, with 250 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) spots being made available to workers in key health care support roles.
On April 23, the provincial government announced that the BC PNP will deliver a one-time initiative to provide permanent residency for up to 250 workers already employed by health authorities as cleaners and security guards in rural and remote communities, who meet program criteria.
“HEU members took action and pushed government to recognize the essential role these health care workers play in our system,” said Lynn Bueckert, HEU Secretary-Business Manager. “These new opportunities are an important victory for workers who help keep our health care facilities running every day.”
This initiative will be open in June 2026, with registrations submitted through the BC PNP’s expression of interest system. Invitations to Apply (ITAs) will be issued to the highest scoring candidates.
The provincial government will provide an online information session on this one-time initiative and other BC PNP pathways. Those who want to learn more about this new BC PNP program and the online information webinar are encouraged to sign up for email updates at: https://e1.envoke.com/ext/pages/e38c736db10e738ba235a85cfda081bf
The information webinar is aimed at providing people with clear information about how health care workers may be eligible for BC PNP, with information on the health authority stream, the skilled worker stream’s health care priorities, and through the new temporary rural/remote health support initiative, announced on April 23.
HEU will continue to monitor these developments closely and advocate for fair pathways to permanent residency, strong protections for workers, and stability in our health care system.
“Every health care worker deserves a chance to stay in Canada and build a future here,” said Lynn Bueckert, HEU Secretary-Business Manager. “These workers are essential to our health care system and our communities. HEU will keep pushing for fair immigration pathways that recognize their contributions.”
More information will be shared as details on the application process become available.