Prince Edward Island (PEI) has introduced new restrictions to its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), limiting eligibility to workers in only three sectors: healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.
As of January 24, 2025, the PEI Office of Immigration will no longer accept endorsement applications from workers in other industries. Foreign nationals working outside these three sectors must now explore alternative immigration pathways to obtain permanent residency (PR) in PEI. Similarly, employers in PEI looking to hire foreign workers in other fields must use different immigration programs.
What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The AIP is a key pathway for foreign workers and international graduates who want to settle in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces: PEI, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Nova Scotia. It offers a route to permanent residency, provided candidates meet specific eligibility criteria.
To qualify for the AIP, applicants must:
- Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province.
- Obtain endorsement from the province.
- Meet the education requirement: at least a one-year post-secondary credential for NOC TEER 0 or 1 occupations or a high school diploma for NOC TEER 2, 3, or 4 jobs.
- Have sufficient work experience (one year) or a two-year post-secondary credential earned in an Atlantic province.
- Demonstrate language proficiency: CLB 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations and CLB 4 for TEER 4 occupations.
- Provide proof of settlement funds based on family size.
The recent policy change in PEI means that even if a foreign worker meets all these criteria, they must also belong to one of the three approved sectors—healthcare, construction, or manufacturing—to be eligible for the AIP in PEI.
Applying for Permanent Residency Through the AIP
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you must complete the following steps:
- Obtain a settlement plan – This outlines how you plan to integrate into the local community.
- Secure provincial endorsement – The PEI government must approve your job offer before you can proceed.
- Submit a PR application – Once endorsed, you can apply for permanent residency through the federal government.
Since PEI is now restricting endorsements to three industries, workers in other fields must consider alternative PR pathways.
Alternative Immigration Pathways for PEI
If you do not qualify under the new AIP restrictions, you may still have options to obtain permanent residency in PEI. These include:
1. Express Entry System
Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing skilled worker applications for PR. To apply through Express Entry, candidates must meet the requirements of one of three federal programs:
- Canadian Experience Class – For individuals with work experience in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program – For skilled professionals with work experience outside Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program – For skilled trades workers.
Candidates enter a pool where they receive a score based on education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. Those with high scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
2. PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
The PEI PNP allows the province to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency based on local labor market needs. PEI has several PNP streams:
- Critical Worker Stream – For NOC TEER 4 or 5 jobs.
- Skilled Worker Stream – For NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs.
- Intermediate Experience Stream – For TEER 4 workers with PEI job experience.
- International Graduate Stream – For PEI post-secondary graduates.
- Occupations in Demand Stream – For workers in in-demand fields such as nursing aides, truck drivers, and construction laborers.
A provincial nomination from PEI significantly boosts an Express Entry candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.
Why Did PEI Limit AIP to Three Sectors?
The PEI government made this decision due to increased demand for PR applications and a reduction in immigration spaces allocated by the federal government. Canada’s 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan reduced available spots for economic immigration programs, with AIP allocations dropping from 6,500 in 2024 to 5,000 in 2025.
To address the local labor market’s most pressing needs, PEI has chosen to prioritize healthcare, construction, and manufacturing jobs under AIP. Other Atlantic provinces have implemented similar policies—New Brunswick, for example, now limits AIP endorsements to healthcare, construction, and education.
Next Steps for Foreign Workers and Employers in PEI
Foreign workers in sectors outside healthcare, construction, and manufacturing should explore Express Entry or the PEI PNP for permanent residency options. Employers who need foreign talent in other industries must utilize different work permit programs or PNP streams to meet their hiring needs.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or need guidance on immigration pathways, Schedule a Free Consultation with a licensed immigration professional.
