Prince Edward Island (PEI) conducted its fourth immigration draw of the year through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) last week, issuing a total of 168 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates already contributing to the province’s economy.
The April 17 draw targeted individuals residing and working in PEI, particularly those employed in sectors experiencing high demand. Additionally, special consideration was given to graduates from key post-secondary institutions in the province.
Breakdown of Invitations
The 168 invitations were distributed under two key categories:
- Labour Impact
- PEI Express Entry
This round specifically favored individuals who have been living and working in PEI for a minimum of one year. Graduates from the following institutions received added priority:
- University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
- Holland College
- Collège de l’Île
Key Sectors in Focus
The PEI Office of Immigration is currently prioritizing workers in these critical sectors:
- Healthcare
- Skilled Trades
- Manufacturing
Who Qualifies for the Labour Impact Category?
The Labour Impact Category is intended for candidates who bring measurable economic benefit to the province. It consists of three separate streams:
- Skilled Worker Stream
- Critical Worker Stream
- International Graduate Stream
To be eligible under any of these streams, candidates must:
- Be aged between 21 and 59
- Hold a full-time, permanent job offer or a minimum two-year employment contract from a recognized PEI employer
- Show proof of adequate settlement funds
- Achieve a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4
Each stream under the Labour Impact Category comes with its own additional criteria, which candidates must meet in full.
Eligibility for PEI’s Express Entry Stream
Applicants interested in the Express Entry stream must have a valid profile in Canada’s federal Express Entry system, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This means they must qualify under one of the following federal programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Additional rules apply to those holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) based on studies completed outside PEI, or a Spousal Open Work Permit issued due to a spouse studying at a non-PEI institution. These candidates must:
- Have at least nine months of continuous work experience with the PEI employer who is supporting their nomination
- Hold a work permit that is valid for at least four more months at the time they submit their Expression of Interest (EOI)
Eligible candidates or their authorized representatives must create a profile in PEI’s EOI system to be considered for nomination. Note that each profile is only valid for six months, and individuals may only maintain one active profile at a time.
PEI’s Nomination Numbers So Far
With this latest round, PEI has now issued a total of 401 Invitations to Apply in 2025, with all selections made through the Labour Market and Express Entry streams of the PEI PNP.
