Find a Designated Employer in PEI – Start Your AIP Journey Today!
Province Sharpens Focus on Priority Sectors Amid Federal Limits
Prince Edward Island (PEI) has taken another strategic step in aligning its immigration program with labour market needs by unveiling an updated list of designated employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). As of May 15, 2025, the province has added 20 new employers and removed 14, bringing the total number of active designated employers to 364.
Understanding the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP is a federal-provincial initiative that streamlines the pathway to permanent residency (PR) for foreign workers and international graduates. It is available across Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
To be eligible, candidates must secure a job offer from an employer designated by one of these provinces. The employer must also support the application through a provincial endorsement, confirming their commitment to both the hire and the newcomer’s successful settlement.
Who’s New on PEI’s Designated Employer List?
Newly Approved Employers as of May 2025
| Company Name | Operating Sector |
|---|---|
| 100367 PEI Inc. (The Pilot House) | Hospitality and Dining |
| 100542 PEI Inc. (FastSigns) | Custom Signage and Printing |
| 9892788 Canada Inc. (Stay Golden Customs) | Promotional Branding |
| ALG (PEI) Management Ltd | Property and Facility Management |
| Blackbush Beach Resort | Tourism and Leisure |
| Cardigan Bearing and Steel Ltd. | Manufacturing |
| CBI Island Health Centre Inc. | Healthcare |
| Highfield Construction Company Ltd. | Construction |
| Jeremy & Joel Holdings Inc. | Business Services |
| KY Home Solutions Inc. | Renovation & Construction |
| Larkin Bros Inc. | Food Processing |
| Majhail Construction Ltd. | Construction |
| Maritime Industrial Services 2022 Inc. | Industrial Services |
| Nabuurs Gardens Ltd. | Agriculture and Horticulture |
| Oyster Creek Farms Inc. | Agriculture |
| PEI Lube Limited | Automotive Maintenance |
| Precision G&T Engineering | Engineering & Construction |
| SpryPoint Services Inc | IT Solutions |
| Tethys Aquaculture Canada, Inc. | Aquaculture |
| TopGum Canada Ltd. | Food Manufacturing |
Bolded entries indicate employers in priority sectors currently being targeted by the province.
Which Employers Have Been Removed?
Formerly Designated Employers No Longer on the List
- Island Abbey Food Science Ltd.
- Pivot Drive Inc.
- Silver Fox Entertainment Complex
- Taco Boyz Inc.
- Taco Boyz II Inc.
- Whisperwood Villa Inc.
- Willscott Farm Ltd.
- Wilmac Construction Inc.
- WM&M (1993) Ltd.
- Workers Compensation Board of PEI
- Worklinks Inc.
- XPY Union Ltd.
- Yumi Sushi Inc.
- Z&C Flourish International Ltd.
Current Immigration Priorities in PEI
Due to the limited number of immigration allocations from the federal government in 2025, PEI is only accepting AIP applications from workers in high-demand sectors, which include:
- Healthcare: Nurses, caregivers, and other frontline professionals.
- Trades: Electricians, carpenters, welders, and similar skilled tradespeople.
- Manufacturing: Roles in production, quality control, and equipment operation.
Applications submitted outside these sectors are currently not being considered for endorsement.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply Through the AIP?
- Job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province
- Provincial endorsement of the job offer
- Educational requirement
- TEER 0 or 1 jobs: at least a one-year post-secondary credential
- TEER 2, 3, or 4 jobs: at least a high school diploma
- Language proficiency:
- CLB 5 for TEER 0–3 occupations
- CLB 4 for TEER 4 occupations
- Work experience: one year in a relevant occupation or two-year post-secondary diploma obtained in the Atlantic region
- Settlement funds, depending on the number of family members
The employer plays an essential role in securing provincial endorsement, without which an application cannot proceed.
What Happens After You Apply?
If you meet all the eligibility criteria and your job offer is endorsed, your next steps include:
- Getting a settlement plan to help integrate into your new community
- Applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency
- Optionally applying for a two-year AIP work permit, which enables you to begin working in Canada while your PR application is being processed
Not in a Priority Sector? Explore Other Options
- The PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- The Federal Express Entry system
Both provide alternative opportunities for permanent residency, especially for those with strong educational backgrounds, work experience, and language skills.
2025 Immigration Progress So Far
This inward-looking strategy not only boosts retention but also supports the province’s objective of building a stable, sustainable workforce in sectors critical to its economic recovery and development.
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% |
Final Thoughts: Strategic Immigration in a Changing Landscape
Recent News
- New Brunswick Secures 1,500 More Immigration Spots for 2025 Through Federal Deal
- Ontario Restarts PNP Invitations and Announces Major Shift to Employer-Led Immigration Process
- Manitoba Holds Targeted Immigration Draw for Skilled Workers Overseas
- Ontario Overhauls Immigration Job Offer Streams
- Canada Conducts Major Express Entry Draw Targeting Canadian Work Experience Holders
