Latest Draw Details
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program issued 129 invitations through the Labour and Express Entry category on September 19, marking the province's ninth draw of the year.
This draw targeted candidates employed in key economic sectors. Priority consideration was given to applicants including:
- Skilled workers employed by PEI employers
- International graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
- International graduates from Holland College
- International graduates from Collège de l'Île
This strategy reflects the province's emphasis on the local labour market and educational institutions, aiming to retain talented workers who have already established connections within the province.
PEI PNP Priority Sectors for 2025
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program is currently focusing on the following high-demand sectors facing labour shortages:
Primary Priority Areas
- Healthcare Sector - Nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals
- Trades Sector - Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other skilled trades
- Manufacturing Sector - Production line technicians, quality control specialists, and related positions
Other Consideration Areas
Beyond these three core sectors, the province indicates that other key industries facing labour shortages may also be considered, though specific sectors were not disclosed.
Non-Priority Areas
Notably, candidates currently working in non-priority sectors (such as sales and service) will not be receiving invitations to apply at this time.
Candidate Ranking Criteria
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to rank candidates, with assessment criteria based on the likelihood that applicants can meet the province's economic and labour market needs.
Scoring Considerations
The system comprehensively evaluates one or more of the following factors:
- Language Proficiency - Level of proficiency in English and/or French
- Educational Background - Academic credentials and field of study
- Work Experience - Years of experience in relevant industries and skill level
- Labour Market Alignment - How well the applicant's skills match provincial needs
- Other Employment-Related Factors - Such as whether the applicant holds a job offer in Prince Edward Island
This scoring system is designed to ensure that invited candidates have the greatest potential for successful settlement and employment in Prince Edward Island.
Policy Context: Strategic Adjustment Under Allocation Cuts
In 2025, the Canadian federal government significantly reduced provincial nomination allocations for all provinces and territories.
In response to this challenge, multiple provinces and territories, including Prince Edward Island, have adjusted their nomination strategies to concentrate limited allocations on the most urgently needed industries and occupations.
This explains why Prince Edward Island has particularly emphasized high-demand sectors such as healthcare, trades, and manufacturing this year, and why invitations to non-priority sectors have been suspended. Through this targeted selection approach, the province aims to maximize satisfaction of actual local labour market needs while operating under constrained allocations.
Implications for Applicants
Individuals interested in immigrating through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program should note the following:
- Work experience in priority sectors (healthcare, trades, manufacturing) will significantly increase chances of receiving an invitation
- Obtaining a job offer from a PEI employer is an important advantage
- International graduates from Prince Edward Island institutions have a distinct advantage
- Improving English or French language proficiency can help boost EOI scores
- Applicants in non-priority sectors may need to wait longer or consider alternative immigration pathways
As provincial nomination allocations continue to tighten across provinces, applicants need to pay closer attention to the specific needs and priority areas of their target province and develop more targeted immigration plans.
