Prince Edward Island Targets Skilled Workers and Graduates in Latest Immigration Draw
PEI Skilled Worker Outside Canada
Prince Edward Island (PEI) has announced the results of its fourth Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of 2025, extending 168 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates already residing and working in the province.
The draw, held on April 17, reflects PEI’s continued focus on supporting its labor market by retaining local talent and international graduates in high-demand occupations.
PEI PNP April 2025 Draw Overview
Out of the 168 invitations:
- Priority was given to individuals with existing work experience in PEI, especially those who have been contributing to the province's economy for at least a year.
- Additional emphasis was placed on international graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College, and Collège de l’Île.
New Brunswick Continues Momentum with Multi-Stream Immigration Draws
While Newfoundland and Labrador unveiled a new selection process, New Brunswick continued its active use of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) with a series of occupation-focused draws between April 6 and April 12.
Key Sectors and Occupations in Demand
PEI’s Office of Immigration is strategically targeting individuals in high-demand industries that are essential to the province’s growth and sustainability. These sectors 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.
By selecting candidates who are already contributing within these industries, the province aims to ensure long-term retention and stability.
Understanding the Labour Impact Category
The Labour Impact Category under the PEI PNP includes three distinct streams:
- Skilled Worker Stream
- Critical Worker Stream
- International Graduate Stream
To qualify under this category, candidates must:
- Be aged between 21 and 59
- Hold a full-time, permanent job offer (or a two-year minimum contract) from an eligible PEI employer
- Meet a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 4
- Demonstrate adequate settlement funds to support themselves and their family
PEI Express Entry Stream: Linking Provincial and Federal Pathways
Candidates applying through the PEI Express Entry stream must already have a valid Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), qualifying under at least one of the following federal programs:
However, PEI applies additional requirements for specific work permit holders, including:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who studied outside PEI
- Spousal Open Work Permit holders whose spouse studied outside the province
- Have completed at least nine months of continuous work experience with a PEI employer
- Possess at least four months of validity on their work permit when submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
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.
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% |
Looking Ahead
PEI’s continued focus on labor market-driven immigration demonstrates its commitment to addressing local skill shortages through thoughtful immigration policy. As industries such as healthcare and manufacturing remain under pressure, the province is likely to maintain its preference for candidates who have already established roots within the community.
For skilled workers and graduates already living in PEI, the PNP offers a viable pathway to permanent residency—providing both opportunity and stability within Canada’s smallest but increasingly proactive province.
Recent News
- IRCC Resumes CEC Invitations After Three-Month Pause, Appoints New Immigration Minister
- Canada’s Latest Express Entry Draw Highlights Continued Emphasis on PNP Candidate
- British Columbia Launches Targeted Skilled Immigration Draw as 2025 Quotas Tighten
- British Columbia Restructures Immigration Program to Prioritize Frontline Healthcare Workers
- Manitoba Conducts Latest PNP Draw: A Boost for Skilled Foreign Workers Eyeing Canadian Immigration
