Maple News reports that Prince Edward Island (PEI) is revising its approach to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), now restricting eligibility to foreign workers in just three key sectors: healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. Starting January 24, 2025, applications for provincial endorsement under the AIP will only be accepted for workers in these fields.
The PEI Office of Immigration announced that it will no longer accept endorsement applications from employers or workers in other sectors under the AIP, effectively closing this popular route to permanent residency (PR) for a significant portion of foreign talent. Foreign nationals currently working in sectors outside the approved list will need to explore alternative immigration pathways if they wish to settle permanently in the province.
Employers in PEI who wish to hire international workers in industries beyond the three supported sectors will now have to consider other federal or provincial immigration streams, or rely on temporary work permits. The change is part of PEI’s strategy to address local labor shortages and meet immediate economic needs by prioritizing sectors with critical demand.
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal-provincial initiative designed to attract skilled foreign workers and international graduates to Canada’s Atlantic provinces—PEI, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. To qualify, applicants must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces, meet educational and language benchmarks, and fulfill requirements related to work experience and settlement funds.
Eligibility also depends on the nature of the job offered. Higher-skilled occupations under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system’s TEER 0 or 1 levels require a post-secondary credential, while TEER 2–4 occupations require at least a high school diploma. Language proficiency ranges from Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 to 5 depending on the job level. Additionally, candidates must either have one year of full-time work experience or have completed a two-year post-secondary program in an Atlantic province.
Although the AIP remains operational across all four Atlantic provinces, PEI’s narrowed focus means prospective immigrants looking to settle there must now align their employment plans with those three key industries. The change suggests PEI is taking a more targeted approach to immigration in an effort to support critical sectors facing persistent staffing shortages.
Maple News will continue to monitor PEI’s immigration strategy and provide updates on evolving pathways to permanent residency in Canada’s provinces.