British Columbia conducted its second draw for the Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative on September 17. The province invited 33 cleaners and security staff employed by a B.C. health authority in a remote area. These workers can now apply for provincial nomination, a step toward obtaining permanent residence in Canada.

The September 17 draw required a minimum score of 60, an increase of 10 points from the first selection. A total of 33 invitations were issued in this draw. The initial draw on July 23 had a cutoff score of 50 and extended 60 invitations.

To date, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program has issued 93 invitations under this initiative. The province announced in April 2026 its intention to nominate up to 250 workers. The initiative will accept new registrations until 11:59 p.m. on October 7, 2026, an extension from the original August 31 deadline due to wildfire impacts.

Eligible occupations include Janitors, caretakers, heavy-duty cleaners, Light-duty cleaners, and Security guards and related security service occupations. Workers must have at least nine months of continuous full-time employment in an eligible occupation with the same employer and in the same region. Certain regional districts are not eligible, such as Central Okanagan, Metro Vancouver, and Capital Regional District, with exceptions for specific islands.

Foreign nationals nominated by British Columbia become provincial nominees and can apply to the federal government for permanent residence. In-Canada applicants can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit after submitting their permanent residence application. As of June 9, 2026, nominees applying through the base Provincial Nominee Program can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit one month faster due to a federal temporary measure.

The permanent residence pathway officially launched on June 15, 2026. This initiative falls under the "care" pillar of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program's 2026 restructuring objectives, aiming to strengthen healthcare and related care services. The province's 2026 nomination allocation currently stands at 6,254, following an additional 1,000 spaces from the federal government.