Prince Edward Island Holds Special Immigration Draw Targeting International Graduates
Prince Edward Island Conducts Special PNP Draw for International Graduates
In a move that caught many by surprise, Prince Edward Island (PEI) conducted an unexpected Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw this week, deviating from its regular invitation schedule. The draw focused exclusively on international graduates working and residing in the province, highlighting PEI’s commitment to retaining skilled talent educated within its borders.
A Closer Look at the October 2025 Draw
The latest PEI PNP draw, held on October 27, 2025, issued 159 invitations under the Labor and Express Entry streams. The selection targeted graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College, and Collège de l’Île, who are already contributing to the island’s workforce.
To date, 1,240 invitations have been issued through the PEI PNP in 2025, marking steady progress toward the province’s annual immigration targets.
Understanding the PEI PNP Process
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) is designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who can contribute to the island’s economic development.
To date, 1,240 invitations have been issued through the PEI PNP in 2025, marking steady progress toward the province’s annual immigration targets.
Understanding the PEI PNP Process
Departure from PEI’s Regular Draw Schedule
Inside the PEI Expression of Interest (EOI) System
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English or French can significantly boost a candidate’s ranking.
- Education: Higher levels of education, especially from local institutions, are prioritized
- Work Experience: Experience in in-demand occupations strengthens eligibility.
- Job Offer in PEI: Having employment in the province signals strong settlement potential.
- Alignment with Labor Priorities: Applicants in sectors facing workforce shortages are more likely to receive invitations.
What This Means for Potential Applicants
- Aligning with in-demand occupations.
- Securing job offers in participating provinces.
- Staying informed on changing eligibility systems like the new EOI portal.
Backlog over The Past six Months
For a broader perspective, here is the trajectory of the backlog over the past six months:
| Month | Immigration Backlog | Change Relative to Previous Month |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | 1,097,000 | +1.73% |
| October 2024 | 1,056,100 | -3.73% |
| November 2024 | 1,006,500 | -4.70% |
| December 2024 | 942,300 | -6.38% |
| January 2025 | 892,100 | -5.33% |
| February 2025 | 821,200 | -7.95% |
A Positive Outlook for International Graduates
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