Maple News reports that Prince Edward Island (PEI) conducted an unexpected Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on October 27, 2025, deviating from its planned Invitation to Apply (ITA) schedule. The draw specifically targeted international graduates currently living and working in the province.
A total of 159 invitations were issued to eligible candidates through the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams of the PEI PNP. These candidates include recent graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College, and Collège de l’Île. Their existing job placements and strong ties to the local labour market were key factors in their selection.
This surprise draw underscores PEI’s ongoing strategy to retain international talent with Canadian post-secondary credentials and local work experience. By tapping into a pool of individuals already contributing to the province, PEI aims to address local labour shortages and ensure long-term settlement success.
So far in 2025, the PEI PNP has issued a total of 1,240 invitations across various streams. This latest round reflects the province’s willingness to remain flexible in its immigration intake strategy to respond to changing labour market needs.
For those seeking to immigrate through the PEI PNP, the process begins with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. Selected candidates receive an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination. If nominated, applicants may then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence (PR).
Candidates nominated through the Express Entry-aligned stream benefit from expedited PR processing times, giving them a competitive advantage under Canada’s broader immigration system. However, processing timelines can still vary based on application volumes and IRCC capacity.
One distinguishing feature of PEI’s immigration program is its public draw schedule. Few provinces in Canada offer a posted timeline for PNP draws, making PEI’s transparency a model appreciated by prospective immigrants.
This surprise draw signals that while PEI usually adheres to its posted schedule, the province may adjust its approach strategically to meet urgent labour market demands.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments in PNP draws and provide timely updates for international students, workers, and immigrants interested in pathways to Canadian permanent residence.