In the first draw of February, Prince Edward Island has made a significant move by extending 78 invitations to skilled worker Canada immigration candidates. These invitations, which were distributed through the Labour Impact and Express Entry Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) streams, highlight the province’s commitment to attracting talent in key sectors and supporting its economic growth.
Sectors in Focus
The recent draw targeted individuals employed in six critical sectors: Healthcare, Construction, Manufacturing, Food Processing, Agriculture, and Early Childhood Education. By directing invitations to these areas, Prince Edward Island is strategically addressing its labor market needs and ensuring that crucial industries have the skilled workforce required to thrive.
PEI PNP Immigration Draw Overview
The table below illustrates the details of the most recent draw:
| Date | Category | Invites Issued | Minimum Score |
| 01-02-2023 | Labour Impact/Express Entry | 78 | N/A |
Since implementing the Expression of Interest system in early 2018, PEI has conducted monthly draws to attract skilled workers from a range of fields. There was some interruption due to COVID-19; however, PEI has recovered robustly with an impressive increase in invites from 1,853 in 2022 to 2,423 in 2023.
A Close Look at PEI’s Express Entry Stream
The PEI Express Entry category aligns with federal programs to nominate individuals from the federal Express Entry Pool. Receiving a provincial nomination from PEI can significantly enhance a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by 600 points, leading to a greater likelihood of obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian immigration. This stream offers pathways for candidates both with and without job offers.
Prince Edward Island Labour Impact Category: Skilled Worker Stream
The Skilled Worker Stream is tailored for those who already possess an employment offer from a business within Prince Edward Island. Candidates must fulfill several criteria such as having completed post-secondary education and meeting language proficiency standards. Here is a summary of the requirements:
- A full-time employment offer within NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2 or 3;
- A minimum of 14 years of formal education;
- Age between 21 and 55;
- At least two years of full-time work experience within the last five years;
- Language proficiency in English or French;
- Adequate settlement funds;
- An intention to reside in Prince Edward Island.
This concerted effort by Prince Edward Island not only bolsters its labor force but also signals its welcoming stance for skilled workers worldwide. As more provinces adopt similar targeted immigration strategies, Canada further solidifies its reputation as a key destination for global talent seeking new opportunities.
Critical Worker Stream: Pathway to Resolving Labour Shortages in PEI
This stream offers a pathway for international workers already in Prince Edward Island (PEI), who are employed in vital in-demand roles, to address immediate labour shortages. Foreign workers positioned in PEI and engaged in key occupations may be considered for nomination. The essential qualifications for candidates under this stream include:
- Possession of a full-time job offer from a PEI-based employer, specifically in occupations classified as critical, including:
- Truck drivers
- Customer service representatives
- General laborers
- Food and beverage servers
- Housekeeping attendants
- A minimum of six months’ employment history with the business extending the job offer
- Holding of a valid Canadian work permit at the time of application;
- Completion of secondary education equating to at least 12 years of formal schooling;
- An age range requirement from 21 to 55 years;
- Accumulation of at least two years’ worth of full-time work experience within the last five years;
- Proficiency in English or French to a basic level as a minimum requirement;
- Access to adequate settlement funds that can ensure a smooth transition into PEI;
- A clear intention to reside and establish oneself within Prince Edward Island.
Applicants meeting these criteria can strengthen the local workforce and contribute to the province’s economic growth by filling critical roles.
