British Columbia PNP Fee Increase Signals Higher Cost of Provincial Immigration in 2026

For skilled workers targeting permanent residence through British Columbia, the path just became more expensive. The province has confirmed a revised fee structure under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program, bringing renewed attention to BC PNP application fee changes that took effect in January 2026.

Under the updated structure, applicants submitting Skills Immigration applications must now pay 1,750 CAD. Registration remains free, while requests for a review of a decision continue to cost 500 CAD. The change applies to Skilled Worker, Entry Level, and Semi-Skilled, and Health Authority streams.

The update reflects a broader trend across provincial nominee programs, where rising application volumes and administrative demands are prompting governments to reassess program costs.

British Columbia has long positioned its nominee program as a targeted economic tool. The province prioritizes applicants with job offers in sectors facing sustained labour shortages, including health care, construction, transportation, and food processing. As demand for nominations remains strong, application fees have become one way to manage intake while supporting program operations.

How the BC PNP Application Fee Affects Candidates

The revised BC PNP application fee does not replace federal costs. Applicants must still budget separately for permanent residence fees charged by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as well as potential work permit or extension fees.

Payments must be made exclusively through the BC PNP Online portal. The province has cautioned applicants against using alternative payment methods, noting that requests for non-approved forms of payment may indicate fraudulent activity.

Beyond cost, the Skills Immigration process itself remains unchanged. Candidates must first register, receive a score based on human capital and economic factors, and wait for an invitation to apply. Registrations stay active for up to 12 months unless an invitation is issued or the profile expires.

Applicants eligible for the Express Entry BC option continue to benefit from faster federal processing and a significant boost to their Comprehensive Ranking System score once nominated. This advantage remains a major draw despite rising fees.

For many candidates, the increase reinforces the importance of preparation. Submitting incomplete applications or missing deadlines can lead to refusals that carry both financial and time-related consequences.

As provinces continue to refine their nominee programs, cost is becoming a more visible part of the immigration decision-making process.

The updated BC PNP application fee highlights a growing reality for provincial immigration candidates: securing permanent residence increasingly requires careful financial and strategic planning. Thinking about applying through the BC PNP? Follow Canada Immigration News for fee updates, draw trends, and nomination insights.