Vancouver (Richa Walia): The Government of British Columbia has published its annual report for the 2024 Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), offering detailed insights into how the province allocated its 8,000 nominations for permanent residence, the occupations of selected candidates, median salaries, and country of origin data.
According to the report, British Columbia utilized the entirety of its federal nomination allocation for the year. Of the 8,000 nominations, a significant 99% (7,972 nominations) were made through the Skills Immigration (SI) stream, targeted toward workers with the qualifications and experience needed to support B.C.’s economic priorities. The remaining 28 nominations were issued under the Entrepreneur Immigration stream.
Skills Immigration Stream: Workforce Priorities in Focus
The breakdown of Skills Immigration nominations reflects the province’s ongoing efforts to align immigration with labour market needs:
| Stream | Percentage of Nominations |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | 35% |
| Health Authority | 23% |
| International Graduate | 20% |
| International Post Graduate | 19% |
| Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) | 3% |
Notably, 81% of all SI nominees in 2024 were in streams that required a current job or job offer, underscoring the province’s focus on filling pressing labour gaps with skilled immigrants ready to contribute immediately.
Occupational Trends and Key Sectors
In a shift from previous years, the largest share of SI nominees in 2024 came from the education, law, and social/community services sector, representing 23.5% of nominees. This rise is largely attributed to the province’s prioritization of early childhood educators, a profession in high demand.
Other leading occupational categories included:
- Natural and applied sciences (16.3%)
- Health (12.1%)
- Sales and services (12%)
- Business, finance, and administration (8%)
Median Salaries by Stream
The report also included 2024 salary data across SI streams:
| Stream of Nominee | Median 2024 Salary |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | $72,800 |
| International Graduate | $51,501 |
| Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | $39,520 |
| Health Authority | $56,992 |
These figures reflect competitive wage levels across most sectors, particularly for skilled workers and those employed in the province’s healthcare system.
Global Talent Driving B.C.’s Growth
The top five countries of origin for 2024 nominees were:
- India
- China
- Philippines
- Iran
- Nigeria
This global talent pool continues to play a vital role in supporting British Columbia’s diverse economy and addressing regional workforce shortages.
Immigration Benefits Beyond Metro Vancouver
In a strategic move to support balanced regional growth, the BC PNP ensured that 42% of all nominees were based outside of Metro Vancouver. This approach aims to strengthen rural communities and distribute the economic benefits of immigration more evenly across the province.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 BC PNP report highlights British Columbia’s ongoing commitment to using immigration as a strategic tool to address demographic challenges, fill labour gaps, and support community development. As the province continues to recover from economic disruptions and embrace a new era of growth, skilled newcomers remain at the heart of B.C.’s future.
