PEI PNP Fourth Draw Invites 168 Skilled Workers For Canada PR

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PEI PNP Fourth Draw Invites 168 Skilled Workers For Canada PR

April 23, 2025
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Last Updated On 23 April 2025, 8:49 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

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 prioritized individuals already living and working in PEI, particularly in high-demand sectors like healthcare, trades, and manufacturing, as well as international graduates from select institutions.

The PEI PNP is a vital immigration pathway designed to address the province’s labor market needs and economic growth.

The latest draw, conducted on April 17, 2025, targeted candidates who are already contributing to PEI’s economy.

Here’s a snapshot of the draw:

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 prioritization for international graduates from:

University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)

Holland College

Collège de l’Île

This draw reflects PEI’s strategic focus on retaining talent already integrated into the province’s workforce.

With 401 ITAs issued in 2025 so far, PEI continues to prioritize skilled workers and graduates to meet its economic and demographic goals.

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.

It 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, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Details of the April 17, 2025, PEI PNP Draw

The fourth PEI PNP draw of 2025 focused on candidates who are already embedded in PEI’s workforce, particularly in sectors facing labor shortages.

Here’s a breakdown:

Labour Impact and Express Entry Streams: All 168 ITAs were issued through these streams, with no invitations extended 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 received 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.

The draw aligns with PEI’s strategy to retain talent 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.

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 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 significantly boosts 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.

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 a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Review the requirements for the Labour Impact or Express Entry stream.
Ensure you have a valid job offer (if required) and meet language and settlement fund criteria.

Step 2: Create an EOI Profile

Register in PEI’s EOI system via the Government of Prince Edward Island website.
Provide accurate details about your age, education, work experience, language skills, and ties to PEI.
Update your profile if your circumstances change (e.g., new job offer, updated language test results).

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

PEI conducts monthly draws, inviting the highest-scoring EOI profiles.
If selected, you’ll receive an email with a file number and instructions.
You have 60 days to submit a complete application.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Complete all required provincial and federal forms.
Ensure your PEI employer completes the employer forms (e.g., job offer confirmation).
Submit supporting documents, such as:
- Passport and work permit.
- Language test results.
- Educational credentials.
- Proof of settlement funds.

Step 5: Receive a Provincial Nomination

If approved, you’ll receive a nomination certificate.
For Express Entry candidates, accept the nomination in your IRCC account to add 600 CRS points.
Apply for permanent residency through IRCC, with processing times typically within six months for Express Entry streams.

Step 6: Maintain Legal Status

Ensure your work permit remains valid during the process.
Contact the PEI Office of Immigration if your situation changes (e.g., job loss, permit expiration).

Tip: Use a registered immigration consultant or lawyer from the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to ensure accuracy.

PEI’s immigration strategy is driven by its labor market needs and economic priorities.

The province faces shortages in sectors like healthcare, trades, and manufacturing, which are critical to its growth.

By prioritizing candidates already living and working in PEI, the province ensures:

Retention: Candidates with established ties are more likely to stay long-term.

Economic Contribution: Workers in high-demand sectors drive economic stability.

Community Integration: International graduates from PEI institutions are familiar with the province’s culture and economy.

The focus on UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île graduates reflects PEI’s investment in retaining local talent.

Choosing the PEI PNP offers several advantages:

High Approval Rates: PEI has a streamlined process with relatively high nomination rates compared to other PNPs.
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 minimal pollution.
Supportive Community: The province is known for its welcoming attitude toward immigrants.

To maximize your chances of success, avoid these pitfalls:

Incomplete EOI Profiles:
- Provide all required information and update your profile if circumstances change.
Incorrect Documents:
- Ensure your passport, work permit, and language test results are valid and match your EOI.
Missing Deadlines:
- Submit your application within 60 days of receiving an ITA.
Using Unregistered Consultants:
- Only work with professionals registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
Ignoring Stream-Specific Requirements:
- Double-check eligibility for your chosen stream (e.g., work experience duration for Critical Worker Stream).

PEI is one of the few provinces that publicly shares its PNP draw schedule, providing transparency for applicants.

The 2025 schedule includes 11 draws, with the next draw expected on May 15, 2025.

Key dates include:

June 19, 2025
July 17, 2025
August 21, 2025
September 18, 2025
October 16, 2025
November 20, 2025
December 18, 2025

Candidates should submit or update their EOI profiles well in advance to be considered.

Strengthen Your EOI Profile:
- Maximize points by improving your language scores (e.g., aiming for CLB 7 or higher).
- Highlight relevant work experience in PEI’s priority sectors.
Secure a Job Offer:
- Network with PEI employers in healthcare, trades, or manufacturing to obtain a valid job offer.
Study in PEI:
- Graduating from UPEI, Holland College, or Collège de l’Île increases your chances of prioritization.
Stay Informed:
- Monitor the PEI Office of Immigration website for updates on draws and eligibility criteria.
Prepare for IRCC Processing:
- Gather documents like police certificates and medical exams in advance to expedite your permanent residency application.

PEI, known as the “Birthplace of Confederation,” offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and economic opportunity.

With its low cost of living, safe communities, and vibrant job market, PEI is an ideal destination for immigrants.

The province’s focus on healthcare, trades, and manufacturing ensures ample opportunities for skilled workers, while its welcoming environment makes it easy to build a new life.

The PEI PNP’s fourth draw of 2025 highlights the province’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled workers and graduates who can drive economic growth.

By understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing a strong EOI profile, and aligning with PEI’s labour market needs, you can position yourself for success.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, tradesperson, or international graduate, PEI offers a clear path to Canadian permanent residency.

Don’t miss your chance—update your EOI profile and prepare for the next draw on May 15, 2025!