I completed the survey and submitted my comments and concerns. I encourage you to do the same.
Consultations on Immigration Levels – Main Page:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...ns/2025-consultations-immigration-levels.html
Direct link to the survey:
https://ircc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7830LrmheZdgkXY
I sent this Text:
Subject: Concern Regarding BC PNP Capacity Reduction
British Columbia really needs to invite at least 12,000 people in 2025 and next years. Mark Carney and his government must take action on this. The same applies to Ontario and other provinces. Why are they issuing 4,000 to 7,000 invitations per draw mainly for French-speaking applicants, but only 4,000 invitations for the entire year of 2025 in British Columbia, same condition to Ontario and other provinces ? Who made this unfair decision that restricts the provinces? It's disappointing to see political decisions being made disaster impact of people's lives and futures.
I’ve been thinking deeply about the recent federal decisions to significantly reduce provincial immigration capacities. It appears that one of the main reasons behind this reduction is the reallocation of resources to support asylum and refugee claims. While supporting humanitarian efforts is important, reducing PNP allocations from provinces like British Columbia—and others—to make room for asylum processing is not a fair or effective long-term strategy.
If a province like BC is unable or unwilling to take on additional asylum claimants and is consequently penalized with reduced PNP capacity, the result is serious harm to the skilled workforce pipeline and overall economic development—not just in BC, but in other provinces as well. Unfortunately, we are already seeing the effects of this in 2024 and the outlook for 2025 is even more concerning.
Whether these decisions are politically motivated or not, the negative impact is undeniable—particularly on skilled workers over 30 or 35 years old, who already face disadvantages in the Express Entry system due to age-based point reductions. Many of us—including myself—have chosen not to pursue asylum or other temporary pathways, but instead seek to contribute to Canada through our work, skills, and long-term integration via provincial programs. We believe this is the right and honest path, and it should not be blocked or sidelined by policies that do not prioritize fairness or transparency.
While the asylum system should remain available for individuals in true need, it’s becoming increasingly clear that many are using it as an alternative pathway, leading to strain on the system. Redirecting resources from skilled immigration to address this does not seem to be a balanced or sustainable solution.
BC’s nomination capacity was reduced from 12,000 in 2023 to 8,000 in 2024—a 33% reduction. Now, for 2025, it has been further reduced to only 4,000, a 50% cut from this year. That’s a major shock to the system. From what I understand, BC has had to halt new invitations under the BC PNP entirely for 2025, since over 5,200 profiles are already in the pool from previous years. This has left thousands of applicants in limbo, with no clear path forward.
This situation feels especially unfair and distressing to those of us already living and working in BC—particularly in remote or northern communities where jobs are harder to find and settling is more difficult. Many families, including mine, chose to make long-term commitments to BC, and now we are left with uncertainty and frustration.
While some provinces have reportedly agreed to accept more asylum seekers in exchange for maintaining or increasing their PNP allocations, I truly hope BC can also work with the federal government to resolve this issue and restore its nomination capacity. The province had requested at least 11,000 nominations for 2025, and that level of support is truly needed to match the demand and keep people hopeful.
This situation affects not just me, but thousands of families across the province—likely more than 10,000 people—who are currently stuck in the BC PNP pool with no movement. We are living with daily concern and uncertainty about our future. I sincerely hope that BC can work with the federal government to resolve this situation and restore its nomination capacity. The province had requested at least 11,000 nominations for 2025, which is a fair and necessary number to support its labour needs. Thousands of people—including many families who have already settled and are contributing to BC—are now stuck in limbo, facing daily uncertainty with no invitation opportunities in sight.
Thank you very much for your time, understanding, and consideration.
Sincerely,
So many Families at BC
