The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) allows Prince Edward Island to nominate foreign nationals for Canadian permanent residence based on the province's economic and labour market needs. Nominees then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to finalize their permanent residence.
PEI uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system and publishes its draw schedule in advance. The province conducts regular monthly draws, with candidates selected based on their EOI scores and provincial labour market priorities. For 2026, PEI is prioritizing candidates in healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, and other critical industries, as well as graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College, and Collège de l'Île.
Program streams
Labour Impact Category
For foreign nationals who have a job offer from a PEI employer.
| Stream | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Stream | Workers with a full-time, long-term job offer in a skilled occupation (typically TEER 0–3) from a PEI employer. Generally requires at least two years of relevant work experience and a post-secondary credential. |
| Critical Worker Stream | Workers in intermediate-skilled positions (typically TEER 4–5) in occupations experiencing documented labour shortages. Requires at least six months of full-time work experience with the supporting PEI employer and minimum language proficiency of CLB 4. |
| International Graduate Stream | Recent graduates of eligible PEI post-secondary institutions (UPEI, Holland College, Collège de l'Île) who have a job offer in the province. Graduates of PEI institutions are consistently prioritized in draws. |
Business Impact Category
| Stream | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| Work Permit Stream | Entrepreneurs who intend to own and actively manage a business in PEI while on a work permit, with the goal of applying for permanent residence after a minimum one-year business operation period. Generally requires a minimum personal net worth of $600,000, a minimum investment of $150,000, age between 21 and 59, and minimum CLB 4 language proficiency. Applicants must complete a net worth verification by a designated third-party verifier before a formal application is accepted. |
Express Entry Category
| Stream | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| PEI Express Entry | Candidates with an active federal Express Entry profile (under Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class) who meet PEI's eligibility requirements. Priority is frequently given to candidates who are already living and working in PEI. |
How to apply
Submit an EOI
Create a profile through the PEI Office of Immigration's online system.
Receive an invitation
PEI conducts regular monthly draws and issues invitations based on EOI scores and provincial priorities. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee a draw invitation.
Submit a full application
Once invited, submit the complete application with required documents within the specified deadline.
Receive a Certificate of Nomination
Approved candidates receive a provincial nomination.
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
Submit the federal PR application. Express Entry nominees are typically invited to apply federally within a short period after provincial nomination.
Processing times
Processing times vary by stream. Skilled worker and Express Entry stream files generally take several months from application to a nomination decision. Business stream files take longer due to the work permit and business operation phase. PEI publishes current processing estimates through its Office of Immigration; confirm timelines at princeedwardisland.ca/immigration before advising applicants.
Related links
- Nova Scotia PNP - New Brunswick PNP - Newfoundland and Labrador PNP - Ontario PNP
--- *Sources: Government of Prince Edward Island, princeedwardisland.ca Office of Immigration pages, current as of July 2026. Draw schedules and selection priorities are updated regularly; confirm current draw dates and eligibility requirements through the official PEI immigration website before advising applicants.*