B.C. accepting only 1,100 new immigrant applications, nominations to focus on health

The British Columbia government has announced a drastic cut in the number of new applications accepted into its nominee program, limiting slots to just 1,100 this year. This significant reduction is primarily directed towards healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs, reflecting the federal government's decision to halve the province's nominations to 4,000. Last year, British Columbia aspired to secure 11,000 nominations to support its growing immigrant population. Minister Anne Kang has expressed deep concerns, stating that this decrease could severely impede the province's ability to fill critical roles in healthcare, particularly among doctors and nurses. The program aims to assist immigrants already residing in Canada to gain permanent residency by filling essential jobs.

Additionally, the government plans to allocate around 2,900 slots to previously received applications, while also nominating approximately 100 individuals deemed likely to have a high economic impact. This decision aligns with recent federal immigration policies aimed at reducing immigration numbers to relieve housing and infrastructure pressures. The implications of these cuts may pose significant challenges for British Columbia's healthcare system and overall economic stability.