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Dear future neighbour,

Prince Edward Island held its latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) selection on August 21, 2025, issuing 132 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry categories. No invitations were issued in the Business Work Permit (Entrepreneur) stream in this round.

Who PEI Prioritized in this Round

This draw continued PEI’s 2025 focus on candidates already contributing to the provincial labour market. Invitations were extended to individuals working in occupations and priority sectors with high economic impact, with international graduates from UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île receiving explicit priority.

Why the Province Is Targeting Specific Sectors

Throughout 2025, the Office of Immigration has emphasized skilled workers in healthcare, trades, and manufacturing as top priorities, given the province’s acute labour shortages. PEI has also stated that sales and service occupations are currently not prioritized for invitations—an important consideration for applicants assessing their eligibility.

Year-to-Date Picture

Including the August 21 draw, PEI has issued 792 invitations in 2025, of which 791 were through Labour Impact/Express Entry and only 1 through the Business Work Permit stream (on June 19, 2025, minimum points 150 for Business). This highlights the very selective stance PEI has adopted toward entrepreneur invitations in 2025.

See below summary of 2025 PEI PNP Draws

How to Qualify for PEI’s Streams

1. Labour Impact Category

Designed for individuals with a full-time, long-term job offer from a PEI employer, this stream suits those who are already working or have secured employment in the province. To qualify, candidates typically need:

• A permanent job offer from a PEI employer in an in-demand occupation.

• Relevant work experience and credentials.

• Language proficiency (CLB 4 or higher in English or French).

• Sufficient financial resources to settle in PEI.

This pathway is especially favorable for applicants already living and contributing to the province’s economy.

2. PEI Express Entry Category

This stream aligns with the federal Express Entry system, giving candidates a chance to enhance their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score with a provincial nomination worth 600 additional points. To qualify, applicants must:

• Have a valid Express Entry profile in one of the federal programs (FSW, FST, or CEC).

• Demonstrate skills and experience that meet PEI’s labour needs.

• Show a genuine connection to PEI—such as current employment, prior study, or family ties in the province.

PEI favors candidates who are already in the province and filling critical labour shortages.

3. Business Work Permit (Entrepreneur) Stream

While only one invitation has been issued so far in 2025, entrepreneurs can still apply if they:

• Meet the minimum points threshold (150 in June’s draw).

• Intend to establish or purchase a business in PEI.

• Demonstrate net worth and investment capacity, along with management experience.

What This Means for Applicants

• In-province presence is crucial. Applicants already living, studying, or working in PEI are being consistently prioritized.

• Targeting shortage sectors matters. Aligning your career path with healthcare, trades, and manufacturing can significantly improve nomination chances.

• Entrepreneur opportunities are very limited. Candidates in the Business stream should prepare for a highly competitive process.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com