The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) was established in 2001 with the goal of attracting and retaining immigrants who can contribute to the economic growth and development of the province. The program aims to address the specific economic and labor market needs of Prince Edward Island (PEI) while fostering economic prosperity.

Through the PEI PNP, the province seeks to attract immigrants who possess the necessary skills, experience, and education to establish themselves successfully on the island. By selecting individuals who are likely to contribute positively to the local economy, the program aims to enhance the province’s workforce and overall competitiveness.

PEI Immigration Categories

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) offers three immigration categories for individuals wishing to immigrate to PEI:

1. PEI PNP Express Entry:

This category is designed for candidates who have a valid Express Entry profile and wish to live and work in Prince Edward Island. Candidates must have skills that align with the current identified labor market needs in the province. Successful candidates receive a provincial nomination, which significantly increases their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the federal Express Entry system.

2. Labour Impact Category:

This category is for skilled workers and international graduates who possess the skills and experience required in PEI’s labor market. It consists of three streams:

• • Skilled Worker Stream: This stream targets individuals with employment offers in skilled occupations in PEI. Candidates must have relevant work experience, meet the educational requirements, and have a valid job offer from a PEI employer.

  • Critical Worker Stream: This stream is designed for individuals with employment offers in critical demand occupations in PEI. These occupations typically include sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and construction. Candidates must have relevant work experience, meet the educational requirements, and have a valid job offer from a PEI employer.

  • International Graduate Stream: This stream is tailored for international graduates who have completed their studies at a recognized PEI institution. Candidates must have a valid job offer in PEI related to their field of study, meet the educational requirements, and demonstrate their intention to settle in PEI.

3. Business Impact Category:

This category is for individuals who wish to invest in a PEI business. It allows them to live in PEI on a work permit to learn about the business they plan to invest in before receiving a provincial nomination. This category is suitable for entrepreneurs and business owners who are willing to contribute to the economic growth and development of PEI.

PEI PNP Express Entry

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) operates an Express Entry stream, allowing the province to nominate candidates from the federal Express Entry pool for permanent residence in Canada.

Job Offer:

Not Required

Application Fee:

CAD $300

Processing Time:

6 months

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have an Express Entry profile
• Must be eligible for one of the three main federal economic class immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• For Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) or spousal open work permit holders:
  • PGWP must have at least four months validity at the time of EOI submission
  • Must have studied outside of PEI or be a spouse of someone who studied outside PEI
  • Must have at least nine months of work experience under a PEI employer

Application Process:

Step 1: Assess Eligibility:

Review the minimum requirements and ensure you meet them to qualify for the PEI PNP Express Entry category.

Step 2: Create EOI Profile:

Start by creating a profile in the Prince Edward Island Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Provide accurate information and answer the questions correctly.

Step 3: Point Calculation:

Based on the details provided in your EOI profile, you will be assigned a point score using the selection system points grid. The maximum score is 100 points.

Step 4: Invitation to Apply:

During regular draws, the province invites candidates with the highest scores to apply for a provincial nomination. If you are invited, you will receive an email notification.

Step 5: Complete Application Forms:

Once invited, complete the required application forms. Additionally, ensure your employer completes the employer forms as necessary. You will have 60 days to submit your application.

Step 6: Provincial Nomination:

If your application is successful, you will receive a provincial nomination from Prince Edward Island. Accept the nomination through your Express Entry account.

Step 7: Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence:

With your provincial nomination, you are likely to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw. This brings you closer to your goal of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

Labour Impact Category

The Labour Impact Category offered by the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) provides three streams for individuals seeking employment opportunities and permanent residency in Prince Edward Island:

1. Skilled Worker Stream:

This stream is designed for individuals who have been identified or hired by a PEI employer. To be eligible, applicants should either be currently working in PEI or have a job offer from a PEI employer. Qualified applicants should possess relevant experience, work in a skilled profession, and hold at least a post-secondary degree or diploma.

2. Critical Worker Stream:

The Critical Worker Stream targets individuals who have already been hired by a PEI employer and whose employer wishes to sponsor them for permanent residence. Eligible applicants can work in semi-skilled or unskilled professions, contributing to the workforce needs of PEI.

3. International Graduate Stream:

The International Graduate Stream is designed for recent graduates from recognized accredited universities and colleges in Prince Edward Island. Applicants must have secured employment with a PEI employer in a skilled profession directly related to their field of study.

Application Fee:

CAD $300

Processing Time:

6 months or less

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be between 21 and 59 years old.
• Requires a full-time permanent job offer or at least a two-year job offer from a PEI employer in an eligible position.
• Must have sufficient funds to settle in PEI.
• Must have the intention to reside in PEI.
• Must meet the language requirements of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 4.
• Additional Requirements:

Skilled Worker Stream:

• • • Requires a job offer with a National Occupational Classification (NOC) level of 0, A, or B.
    • Must hold at least a two-year post-secondary degree or diploma.
    • Requires a minimum of two years of full-time work experience within the past five years.
    • Must have a valid work permit if currently residing in Canada.
    • Must have legal status in the country of residence if residing outside Canada.

Critical Worker Stream:

• • • Requires a job offer in one of the eligible positions: truck driver, customer service representative, labourer, food and beverage server, or housekeeping attendant.
    • Must have worked at least six months full-time for the PEI employer.
    • Requires a valid work permit in Canada.
    • Must have at least a high school education.
    • Requires a minimum of two years of work experience or relevant education within the past five years.

International Graduate Stream:

• • • Requires a job offer with a National Occupational Classification (NOC) level of 0, A, or B.
    • Must have worked for at least six months for the PEI employer in a position directly related to the individual’s education.
    • Requires a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit.
    • Must have graduated and received a post-secondary degree or diploma from an eligible PEI learning institution.

Application Process:

• Determine your eligibility for one of the Labour Impact streams.
• Create and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) profile.
• Your EOI profile will be scored based on the selection system points grid.
• Provincial draws are regularly held to invite the highest-scoring candidates to apply for a provincial nomination.
• If you receive an invitation, you have 60 days to submit your application and provide all required supporting documents.
• Upon successful application, you will receive a provincial nomination.
• Use your nomination certificate to submit a complete application for Canadian permanent residence to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

Business Impact Category

The Business Impact Category within the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program offers a single stream known as the Work Permit Stream.

Work Permit Stream:

• This stream is designed for individuals who are interested in investing in a business in PEI.
• Applicants are required to start working in Canada and gain knowledge about the business while holding a work permit.
• Following this period, they can apply for a PEI provincial nomination, leading to permanent residence.

Application Fee:

CAD $10,000 (In case your application is declined or withdrawn prior to the interview stage, a refund of CAD $7,500 will be provided.)

Processing Time:

Approximately 6 months or less.

Minimum Requirements:

• Age: Applicants must be between 21 and 59 years old.
• Net Worth: A minimum net worth of CAD $600,000 is required.
• Education: Applicants must possess at least a secondary education.
• Skills and Ownership: Transferable management skills or business ownership experience are necessary.
• Language Proficiency: Meeting the minimum language requirements of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 is mandatory.
• Residency Intent: Applicants must demonstrate their intention to reside and work in PEI.
• Active Business Management: It is essential to actively manage the proposed business from within the province.
• Business Requirements: Your business must also fulfill additional requirements as set forth by the program.

Application Process:

• Ensure your eligibility for the Work Permit Stream within the Business Impact Category.
• Create a profile in the PEI Expression of Interest (EOI) system, providing the required information. Your profile remains active for six months.
• You can make changes to your profile before receiving an invitation to apply.
• If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply via email, along with further instructions. You have 60 days to submit your application.
• Complete the application package, including the necessary forms and supporting documentation. Pay the application fee of CAD $10,000.
• Submit your application in person, by courier, or by mail to the Office of Immigration at the provided address.
• If your application is approved, you will be invited for an in-person interview to discuss your business proposal and plan.
• Submit a signed Performance Agreement and potentially receive a letter of support from PEI.
• Use the letter of support to apply for a work permit with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Move to PEI and report to the PEI Office of Immigration within 30 days of arrival.
• Receive support from a Settlement Officer who will assist you in establishing and operating your business, maintaining regular communication for progress reports.
• If you meet the conditions of the Performance Agreement and fulfill other requirements, you will receive a provincial nomination from PEI.
• With the provincial nomination, you can apply for Canadian permanent residence through IRCC.