Maple News reports that Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) has released the results of its scheduled immigration draw held on April 15, 2021. A total of 156 invitations were issued through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), marking another step in the province’s effort to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs aligned with its economic needs.
Of the total invitations, 140 were extended to candidates in the Express Entry and Labour Impact streams, two pathways designed to meet labor shortages and attract candidates with skills and experience in demand on the Island. The remaining 16 invitations were issued under the Business Impact category, where candidates needed to meet a minimum point threshold of 75 to qualify.
As Maple News previously reported, the PEI PNP operates within the broader framework of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces and territories to nominate immigration candidates based on regional economic demands. Many of these streams are linked to Canada’s federal Express Entry system, enabling provinces to select candidates who are already part of the federal economic immigration pool.
The Express Entry stream under PEI PNP is classified as an “enhanced” PNP, meaning it is directly connected to the federal Express Entry system. This platform manages three main immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates in the Express Entry pool receive scores based on criteria such as age, education, language ability, and work experience.
Candidates nominated through the PEI PNP gain an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in a subsequent federal Express Entry draw. To be eligible for PEI’s nomination, candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile to the province for consideration.
The latest draw aligns with Canada’s broader immigration strategy. While immigration to P.E.I. and other regions has dipped due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, the federal government remains committed to boosting immigration levels. Canada aims to welcome over 80,000 new immigrants through PNPs in 2021 to meet its ambitious immigration targets.
This latest PEI draw demonstrates the province’s continued commitment to addressing local labor market gaps and supporting economic growth through targeted immigration pathways.