In a surprising move, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has officially closed its doors to international graduates seeking permanent residency (PR) through its graduate streams. If you were aiming for Canadian PR through the BC PNP as an international graduate, you might now be wondering what to do next.
Don’t worry — this blog will guide you through alternative pathways to achieve your dream of securing permanent residence (PR) in Canada, even after these changes.
What Happened to BC PNP's Graduate Streams?
Until recently, international graduates had two main options through the BC PNP:
- International Graduate Stream
- International Post-Graduate (IPG) Stream
Both programs were popular among new graduates of BC's colleges and universities. However:
- The International Graduate Stream closed on November 26, 2024.
- The International Post-Graduate Stream shut down on January 7, 2025.
In early 2024, BC had announced plans to introduce three new graduate streams — Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate streams — in 2025. But on April 14, 2025, the province announced it was suspending these plans indefinitely, citing reduced federal nomination allocations.
Adding to the challenge, all IPG applications submitted after September 1, 2024, have been waitlisted indefinitely.
Key reasons for these changes:
- The federal government halved the BC PNP’s nomination allocations in 2025.
- The province can no longer support the intake of new applications for now.
What Are Your Other Options for Pursuing PR?
The end of the BC PNP graduate pathways doesn't mean your Canadian dream has to end. Several alternative PR pathways are still open for international graduates.
Here are your best options:
| Pathway | Key Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience; meet language requirements (CLB 7 or 5 based on NOC). |
| BC PNP – Health Authority Stream | Job as a healthcare worker employed by a BC Health Authority. |
| Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) | Job offer from a designated employer in specific BC communities (West Kootenay, North Okanagan Shuswap, Peace Liard). |
| Francophone Community Immigration Pilot | French CLB 5, job offer from a designated employer in Kelowna or another participating community. |
| Other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) | Varies by province; typically requires a job offer and intent to live in the province. |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | Job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada; employer endorsement required. |
A Closer Look at Each Pathway
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Express Entry
If you can gain at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada after graduating, you may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.
Benefits:
- Fast processing times (as little as 6 months!)
- No requirement for a job offer at the time of PR application
- Higher chances if you have a strong Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
Basic Requirements:
- Work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs
- Language proficiency (CLB 5 or 7)
2. BC PNP – Health Authority Stream
If you work as a healthcare professional with a BC Health Authority, you may still qualify for a provincial nomination through this stream.
Eligible occupations include:
- Nurses
- Physicians
- Allied health professionals
3. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
Love small-town life? You can explore RNIP opportunities in participating BC communities like:
- West Kootenay
- North Okanagan Shuswap
- Peace Liard
Requirements:
- Job offer from an eligible employer
- Intent to live permanently in the community
4. Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
If you can speak French at CLB 5 or higher, this program could be a game-changer. Kelowna is one of the BC communities participating!
Eligibility:
- French language ability
- Job offer from a designated employer
5. Other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
While BC’s options are currently limited, other provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario still actively invite international graduates.
Important: Every PNP has unique criteria, so carefully check each program’s eligibility rules!
6. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
If you're open to relocating, the Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador) offer a fantastic pathway.
Basic requirements:
- Job offer from a designated employer
- Provincial endorsement
Why was the BC PNP Suspended for International Graduates?
The primary reason was the reduction in federal nomination allocations. Without enough allocations, BC could not guarantee timely processing for incoming applicants, leading to suspension and waitlisting.
Quick Tip: Always check the latest program updates regularly to stay informed.
Frеquеntly Askеd Quеstions (FAQs)
Due to a significant cut in nomination allocations from the federal government, BC had to suspend these streams.
Yes! Provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan have active pathways for international graduates.
Absolutely. If you can gain a year of skilled Canadian work experience, you may qualify under the Canadian Experience Class.
Applications received after September 1, 2024, are waitlisted and not guaranteed processing anytime soon.
Focus on gaining Canadian work experience, boosting your language scores, and exploring job offers in other provinces or smaller communities.
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You
Visa Solutions 4u is your trusted partner in achieving Canadian permanent residency goals, even after sudden policy changes like those at the BC PNP.
Here’s how we support you:
- Personalized assessment of your eligibility for alternative PR pathways.
- Full guidance on Express Entry, other PNPs, RNIP, and AIP programs.
- Help in improving your CRS score and finding job offers.
- End-to-end visa and PR application support.
Contact Visa Solutions 4u today to create a customized strategy that brings you closer to your Canadian dream!
