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PEI Issues Final Draw, BC Selects Entrepreneurs

PEI Issues Final Draw, BC Selects Entrepreneurs

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    Canada’s Provinces Close 2025 with Targeted Immigration Moves: PEI Issues Final Draw, BC Selects Entrepreneurs

    As 2025 draws to a close, Canada’s provincial immigration programs are sending a clear message about what matters most going into 2026. Two provinces – Prince Edward Island and British Columbia – have released notable updates through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), each reflecting sharply focused selection strategies.

    While PEI appears to have concluded its invitation rounds for the year, British Columbia continues to move forward with carefully targeted entrepreneur selections.

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    Prince Edward Island Concludes 2025 with Labour-Focused PNP Draw

    On December 15, 2025, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) conducted what is expected to be its final draw of the year, extending 166 Invitations to Apply for provincial nomination.

    PEI PNP Draw – December 15, 2025

    • Invitations issued: 166
    • Streams selected:
    • PEI Express Entry
    • Labour Impact Category

    Candidate focus:

    • Skilled workers currently employed in PEI
    • International graduates from PEI-based institutions

    CRS cut off : Not applicable / Not published

    PEI does not rely on the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Instead, candidates are chosen through the province’s Expression of Interest (EOI) framework, which evaluates profiles based on employment, skills, education, and local demand.

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    PEI’s 2025 Strategy: Strong Local Ties Take Priority

    The December draw followed a pattern that defined PEI’s immigration approach throughout 2025. The province consistently favoured applicants who already had a direct connection to the local labour market. Graduates from institutions such as:

    • University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
    • Holland College
    • Collège de l’Île

    continued to feature prominently, alongside skilled workers holding valid jobs within the province.

    Also check out 2026-2028 immigration levels plan | Canada Immigration Plan 2025 to 2027 Canada Immigration Levels Plan For 2024-2026 | Canada Immigration Level Plan for 2023-2025​

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    PEI PNP – 2025 at a Glance

    • Total draws in 2025: 13
    • Total invitations issued: 1,596
    • Primary stream focus: Labour Impact and employment-based pathways
    • CRS score used: No

    If PEI maintains its usual calendar, no further draws are expected until 2026.

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    Sharp Decline in Temporary Resident Admissions

    In a major policy shift, the federal government has announced plans to substantially reduce the number of temporary resident admissions beginning in 2026:

    Category 2025 Target 2026 Target Change
    Total Temporary Residents 673,650 385,000 ↓ 43%
    International Students 305,900 155,000 ↓ 49%
    Temporary Foreign Workers 367,750 230,000 ↓ 37%
    While these figures represent a significant numerical reduction, officials indicate that the adjustment aims to bring goals in line with realistic processing capacity rather than actually slashing immigration. In fact, statistics for the first eight months of 2025 already indicate that actual admissions have lagged behind planned numbers, reaching just 42% for temporary foreign workers and 29% for students thus far.
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    What PEI Candidates Should Prepare for in 2026

    Looking ahead, PEI has indicated that future selections will continue to emphasise:
    • Active EOI registration
    • Language proficiency
    • Education credentials
    • Work experience in priority sectors such as healthcare and skilled trades
    • Ongoing employment within the province

    Applicants without job offers or provincial ties may face increasing competition.

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    British Columbia Issues Entrepreneur-Only PNP Invitations

    Meanwhile, on December 16, 2025, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held a targeted draw dedicated exclusively to entrepreneur immigration.

    BC PNP Entrepreneur Draw – December 16, 2025

    • Invitations issued: Up to 21
    • Streams included:
    • Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream
    • Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Stream
    • CRS cutoff: Not applicable
    • Minimum score: Not publicly disclosed
    BC’s entrepreneur pathway operates outside the federal CRS system. Candidates are evaluated using a business-specific scoring model that measures investment value, job creation, regional impact, and business viability.
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    BC Continues to Favour High-Impact Business Candidates

    Although invitation numbers were limited, this draw ranked among BC’s more substantial entrepreneur rounds in 2025. The province has consistently focused on:
    • Entrepreneurs are prepared to actively manage businesses
    • Projects that generate employment for local residents
    • Investments that support smaller or regional communities
    This selective approach reflects BC’s preference for economic contribution over volume-based invitations.
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    Work Permits for Provincial Nominees to Be Processed in Just 14 Days

    Another key component of the reforms is a major reduction in the processing time for work permits issued to physicians nominated by a province. Where applicants often wait several months for a new in-Canada work authorisation, IRCC will now reduce this timeline to approximately two weeks.
    This expedited pathway will allow internationally trained doctors to join Canadian hospitals and clinics swiftly while their permanent residence applications continue through the system.
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    BC Nears Full Use of 2025 Nomination Allocation

    Despite earlier federal reductions, British Columbia recovered much of its nomination capacity during the year. By the end of 2025, the province is expected to fully utilise its 6,214 nomination spaces, spanning skilled worker and entrepreneur categories.
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    Key Questions for Canada PR Aspirants

    The main pathways include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), family sponsorship, business immigration, and caregiver programs.
    The required CRS score varies by draw type, but higher scores improve the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
    No, a job offer is not mandatory for Express Entry, but it can significantly increase CRS points in some programs.
    Processing times typically range from 6 to 12 months after submitting a complete application, depending on the program.
    Most economic immigration programs require language proficiency proof, but alternative tests or exemptions may apply in specific cases.

    What This Means for Canada PR Aspirants

    As provinces close out 2025, one trend is clear: provincial nominations are becoming increasingly targeted.

    • PEI is prioritising workers and graduates already contributing to its economy
    • British Columbia is focusing on entrepreneurs with strong, job-creating business plans
    For candidates planning permanent residence in 2026, provincial programs remain among the most effective pathways – but success now depends heavily on strategy, local connections, and alignment with provincial needs.
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