Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada’s smallest province, continues to attract skilled workers and international graduates through its Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP).
On April 17, 2025, PEI held its fourth draw of the year, issuing 168 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams. This draw particularly prioritized individuals already living and working in PEI, especially those in high-demand sectors like healthcare, trades, and manufacturing, as well as international graduates from select institutions.
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Overview of the PEI PNP April 2025 Draw
The PEI PNP is a key immigration pathway aimed at addressing the province’s labor market needs and supporting economic growth.
The latest draw, held on April 17, 2025, targeted candidates who are already contributing to PEI’s economy. Here are the details:
- Total ITAs Issued: 168
- Streams Targeted: Labour Impact and Express Entry
- Priority Sectors: Healthcare, trades, and manufacturing
- Candidate Focus: Individuals living and working in PEI for at least one year, with additional focus on international graduates from:
- University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
- Holland College
- Collège de l’Île
This draw reflects PEI’s strategy to retain talent that is already integrated into the province’s workforce. With 401 ITAs issued in 2025 so far, PEI remains committed to attracting skilled workers and graduates to help meet its economic and demographic goals.
What Is the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)?
The PEI PNP is an immigration program that nominates candidates for Canadian permanent residency based on their ability to contribute to the province’s economy. The program operates under three main categories:
- Labour Impact Category: For skilled workers and graduates with job offers in PEI.
- Express Entry Category: For candidates with valid federal Express Entry profiles.
- Business Impact Category: For entrepreneurs looking to invest in PEI businesses.
The program is aligned with Canada’s federal immigration system, including the Express Entry system, which manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
A provincial nomination through PEI’s Express Entry stream adds 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, greatly increasing the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Details of the April 17, 2025, PEI PNP Draw
The fourth PEI PNP draw of 2025 targeted candidates already established in PEI’s workforce, especially those in sectors facing labor shortages. Here’s a breakdown:
- Streams Targeted: All 168 ITAs were issued through the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams, with no invitations issued to the Business Impact Category.
- Candidate Prioritization:
- Candidates living and working in PEI for at least one year.
- International graduates from UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île were given additional priority.
- High-Demand Sectors:
- Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.
- Trades: Carpenters, electricians, and plumbers.
- Manufacturing: Workers in food processing, equipment operation, and production.
This draw aligns with PEI’s strategy to retain skilled professionals in critical sectors, as outlined by the PEI Office of Immigration.
Candidates who were not selected remain in the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool for future draws, with the next draw scheduled for May 15, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements for PEI PNP Labour Impact Category
The Labour Impact Category is designed for skilled workers and international graduates who have a job offer from a PEI employer. It includes three streams:
- Skilled Worker Stream: For professionals in high-skill occupations (NOC 0, A, or B).
- Critical Worker Stream: For workers in in-demand, lower-skill occupations (NOC C or D), such as truck drivers or food service workers.
- International Graduate Stream: For recent graduates from PEI institutions with job offers.
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Labour Impact Category, candidates must:
- Be 21–59 years old.
- Have a full-time, permanent job offer (or a minimum two-year contract) from an eligible PEI employer.
- Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to establish themselves in PEI.
- Meet a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French, verified through:
- An approved language test (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada).
- A signed PEI PNP-L06 Employer Language Declaration.
- Proof of education in English or French from a recognized institution.
- Be eligible for one of the three streams, each with specific requirements.
Stream-Specific Requirements
- Skilled Worker Stream:
- A post-secondary degree or diploma.
- At least two years of relevant work experience in the past five years.
- A job offer in a NOC 0, A, or B occupation.
- Critical Worker Stream:
- A job offer in a NOC C or D occupation (e.g., truck driver, housekeeper).
- At least six months of full-time work experience with the PEI employer.
- A minimum high school education.
- International Graduate Stream:
- A post-secondary credential from a PEI institution (e.g., UPEI, Holland College).
- A valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- At least six months of work experience with a PEI employer.
Candidates must also have legal status in their country of residence and a genuine intent to settle in PEI.
Eligibility Requirements for PEI PNP Express Entry Stream
The PEI Express Entry Stream targets candidates with active profiles in the federal Express Entry system. A provincial nomination through this stream greatly improves your chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency.
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Have a valid Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), meeting the criteria for one of the following programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For candidates with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For candidates with skilled work experience and education.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For candidates with experience in eligible trades.
- Indicate an interest in living and working in PEI.
- Meet PEI’s labor market needs, with priority given to candidates in healthcare, trades, or manufacturing.
Additional Requirements for Specific Candidates
Candidates with Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) from non-PEI institutions or spousal open work permits tied to a non-PEI study permit must:
- Have at least nine months of continuous work experience with a PEI employer.
- Hold a work permit with at least four months of validity when submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
EOI Profile
Candidates must create a profile in PEI’s EOI system, which ranks applicants based on factors like:
- Age: Younger candidates score higher.
- Education: Higher credentials earn more points.
- Work Experience: Relevant experience in high-demand sectors.
- Language Proficiency: Higher CLB levels improve scores.
- Employment: A job offer in PEI or prior Canadian work experience.
- Adaptability: Ties to PEI, such as studying or working in the province.
Note: EOI profiles are valid for six months, and candidates can only have one active profile at a time.
How to Apply for the PEI PNP
Applying for the PEI PNP involves a two-step process: submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) and, if invited, completing a full application. Here’s the process:
- Confirm Eligibility: Review the requirements for the Labour Impact or Express Entry stream, ensuring you meet job offer, language, and settlement fund criteria.
- Create an EOI Profile: Register in PEI’s EOI system via the Government of Prince Edward Island website and provide accurate details about your age, education, work experience, language skills, and ties to PEI.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): PEI conducts monthly draws, inviting the highest-scoring EOI profiles. If selected, you’ll receive an email with instructions.
- Submit Your Application: Complete all required forms, including provincial and federal documents. Provide supporting documents such as passport, work permit, language test results, and proof of settlement funds.
- Receive a Provincial Nomination: If approved, you’ll receive a nomination certificate. For Express Entry candidates, accept the nomination to add 600 CRS points.
- Maintain Legal Status: Ensure your work permit remains valid during the process and contact the PEI Office of Immigration if your situation changes.
Why PEI Prioritizes Certain Candidates
PEI prioritizes candidates who can immediately contribute to the province’s economy, especially in sectors facing shortages. By focusing on those already living and working in PEI, the province aims to retain talent, encourage long-term settlement, and ensure economic stability.
Benefits of Immigrating to PEI Through the PNP
- High Approval Rates: PEI has a streamlined process with high nomination rates.
- Fast Processing: Express Entry nominations often lead to permanent residency within six months.
- Diverse Streams: Options for skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs.
- Quality of Life: PEI offers a safe, affordable, and scenic environment with excellent schools and
