PEI PNP’s First Draw of 2025 Successfully Held

On January 24, 2025, Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) successfully held its first draw of the year, focusing primarily on healthcare sector candidates. The draw issued a total of 22 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through two immigration pathways: the Labour Impact Category and the PEI PNP Express Entry stream.

To be considered for this draw, candidates must have already been working in the healthcare sector in Prince Edward Island or hold a job offer in the province’s healthcare industry. The cutoff score for the draw was not made public, and the breakdown of invitations by specific streams within the Labour Impact Category was not disclosed.

PEI PNP Draw Results Overview:

Eligibility Requirements for PEI PNP Express Entry

To qualify for the PEI PNP Express Entry stream, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Have an Express Entry profile in the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) system;
• Be eligible for at least one of the following federal economic immigration programs:
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC);
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP); or
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP);
• Candidates with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) must meet additional conditions:
• Have at least four months of validity remaining on their work permit at the time of submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI);
• Hold an education credential from outside of Prince Edward Island, or be the spouse or common-law partner of a sponsor;
• Have at least nine months of work experience with a PEI employer.

Eligibility Requirements for the Labour Impact Category

The Labour Impact Category is an economic immigration category under PEI PNP, which includes three streams:

• Skilled Worker Stream
• Critical Worker Stream
• International Graduate Stream

To be eligible for the Labour Impact Category, candidates must:

• Meet the requirements for one of the three streams;
• Be between the ages of 21 and 59;
• Have a full-time, permanent job offer or at least a two-year job offer from a PEI employer for an eligible position;
• Meet the provincial settlement fund requirements;
• Have the intention to reside in Prince Edward Island;
• Meet at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 for language requirements.

Macro Trends: Changes in Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program

According to the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) admissions allocations will be significantly reduced in 2025. The target for permanent resident admissions through PNP in 2025 is set at 55,000, down from the 110,000 target in 2024. This reduction will affect the number of invitations that PNPs can issue throughout the year.

The federal government has determined the total number of permanent residency admissions for 2025, which will be distributed among the respective PNPs across provinces and territories. This means that Prince Edward Island and other provinces may face more intense competition and pressure regarding resource allocation.

Conclusion

With the changing immigration policies in Canada for 2025, Prince Edward Island’s focus on supporting the healthcare sector provides new opportunities for relevant candidates. However, due to broader policy adjustments, future immigration opportunities will be influenced by multiple factors. For those interested in applying for PEI PNP, staying updated on the latest policy changes and ensuring they meet the eligibility criteria will be crucial for successfully receiving an immigration invitation.