Prince Edward Island (PEI) has taken another step in supporting its workforce needs and immigration goals by holding its fourth Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of 2025. The province invited 168 eligible candidates through its Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry pathways. This draw, held on April 17, 2025, focused primarily on individuals who are already living and working in PEI, particularly those employed in priority sectors such as healthcare, trades, and manufacturing.
The Immigration Professional is committed to helping newcomers understand and navigate opportunities like the PEI PNP. If you’re looking to settle in Canada through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs, Book Your Canadian immigration Consultation with us today.
Who Received Invitations in PEI PNP April 2025 Draw?
The 168 invitations issued during this draw were extended through two immigration pathways:
- Labour Impact Category
- PEI Express Entry stream
Both streams prioritized individuals who have already built their lives in PEI and are contributing to the province’s economic growth. In particular, candidates who have lived and worked in PEI for at least one year were given priority consideration. This emphasis reflects the province’s focus on retaining international graduates and skilled professionals who have already begun integrating into the local economy.
Targeted Sectors in April PEI PNP Draw
The PEI Office of Immigration has consistently identified high-demand sectors and used its PNP draws to fill local labour gaps. For this draw, the targeted industries were:
- Healthcare
- Trades
- Manufacturing
Candidates working in these sectors were more likely to receive invitations. The Immigration Professional helps candidates determine if their occupation aligns with these critical sectors.
Eligibility for PEI Labour Impact Category
The Labour Impact Category includes three distinct streams:
- Skilled Worker Stream
- Critical Worker Stream
- International Graduate Stream
To be eligible for this category, applicants must:
- Be between 21 and 59 years old
- Have a full-time, permanent job offer (or a minimum two-year contract) from an eligible PEI employer
- Show proof of sufficient settlement funds
- Meet a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 4 or higher
Beyond these general criteria, each stream within the Labour Impact Category has its own specific requirements, tailored to the candidate’s background and job type. At The Immigration Professional, we help applicants match their experience with the correct stream.
Who Qualifies for PEI Express Entry?
To be eligible for nomination under the PEI Express Entry stream, candidates must have a valid Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This means being eligible for one of the federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
In addition to meeting federal criteria, PEI imposes province-specific requirements on certain applicants. For example, individuals holding Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) from outside PEI or Spousal Open Work Permits based on a partner’s studies in another province must:
- Have at least 9 months of continuous work with a PEI employer
- Have at least 4 months remaining on their current work permit when submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
At The Immigration Professional, we can assess your eligibility and guide you in preparing your profile for the PEI EOI system.
Expression of Interest (EOI) System for PEI PNP
To be considered for the PEI PNP, candidates must submit an EOI through the province’s online portal. Here’s how it works:
- Create a profile in the EOI system
- Ensure all required documents are accurate and verifiable
- EOIs remain valid for up to six months
- Only one active EOI profile is permitted per applicant
Once submitted, your profile is scored based on factors like age, education, language ability, and work experience. Those with the highest scores in priority occupations or sectors may receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
BooK Your Canadian immigration Consultation with The Immigration Professional to increase your chances of receiving an invitation in upcoming draws.
Focus on International Graduates
PEI’s April draw placed a spotlight on graduates from three post-secondary institutions:
- University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
- Holland College
- Collège de l’Île
These institutions are seen as critical partners in developing a skilled local workforce. International students who have graduated from these schools and are working in the province have a clear advantage in PEI’s immigration selection process.
PEI’s 2025 Immigration Performance So Far
As of this fourth draw in 2025, PEI has issued a total of 401 Invitations to Apply through its Provincial Nominee Program. The province has focused exclusively on two categories:
- Labour Impact Category
- PEI Express Entry stream
This targeted approach helps PEI retain talent that’s already contributing to its economic and social fabric.
If you’re interested in applying for permanent residence through PEI, The Immigration Professional can help you understand your eligibility and assist with the application process. Book Your Canadian immigration Consultation to get started.
