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Dear future neighbour,

Prince Edward Island is making a bold statement about its immigration goals. On June 18, 2026, PEI quietly broke its own record for the year, sending out 182 invitations in a single draw to candidates hoping to secure a provincial nomination.

The invitations went out through two pathways:

• The Labour Impact category and
• The PEI Express Entry stream

Both focus on people already living and working in the province, particularly in occupations and sectors that PEI’s economy needs most. International graduates from three specific post-secondary institutions were also given priority consideration:

1. The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
2. Holland College
3. Collège de l’Île

See below how this draw compares to all the ones that have taken place in 2026 so far:

The upward trend is hard to miss. From just 26 invitations in January to 182 in June, the province has clearly been ramping things up. As of the June 18 draw, PEI has now issued a total of 658 invitations to apply since the start of this year.

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What does the Labour Impact category actually cover?

The Labour Impact category has three streams under it:

1. The Skilled Worker Stream
2. The Critical Worker Stream
3. the International Graduate Stream

Each targets a slightly different type of candidate, but they all tie back to the same goal which is filling gaps in PEI’s labour market with people who are already contributing to the local economy.

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When is the next draw happening?

PEI has already published its anticipated draw schedule for the rest of the year. Six more draws are planned, roughly one each month:

• July 16
• August 20
• September 17
• October 15
• November 19
• December 17

It’s worth noting that these dates are tentative as the province can hold draws earlier, later, or even schedule additional ones outside of this timetable. That said, PEI has been fairly consistent with sticking to its schedule. In 2025, eight out of eleven draws fell on the announced dates, and this year, five of the six draws so far have followed the plan.

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How can you get considered for an invitation?

To be in the running, you first need to create a profile on PEI’s official immigration website and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). From there, the province’s Office of Immigration reviews each profile and ranks candidates based on a points system that looks at several things:

• Your English or French language skills
• Your educational background and field of study
• Your work experience: especially if it ties into industries or roles PEI is prioritizing
• How well your profile aligns with the province’s current labour market goals
• Whether you hold a valid job offer in PEI or have prior work experience in Canada

Candidates with stronger profiles and clearer ties to PEI’s economic needs tend to have a better shot at receiving an invitation. And if you do get selected, you’ll have 30 calendar days to submit your full application which is down from the previous 60-day window, so having your documents ready in advance is important.

Once nominated by PEI, you can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

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Your Path to Canada Could Be Closer Than You Think: Let’s Figure It Out Together

Whether you’re eyeing Prince Edward Island’s Provincial Nominee Program or exploring other routes like Express Entry, work permits, postgraduate work permits, spousal sponsorship, visitor visas, super visas, citizenship applications, or school admissions – the right guidance can make all the difference. Our team is here to help you understand your options, assess your eligibility, and take the next step with confidence. Book your consultation today

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