Maple News reports that on April 17, 2025, Prince Edward Island held its fourth Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of the year, issuing 168 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under its Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry streams. The draw specifically targeted candidates already living and working in the province, particularly in high-demand sectors.
Priority was given to individuals who have been employed in the province for at least one year, reflecting PEI’s immigration strategy of retaining skilled local talent. In addition, recent international graduates from Prince Edward Island’s post-secondary institutions—including the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île—were also prioritized.
Current labor shortages in sectors such as healthcare, trades, and manufacturing have driven the province to target specific skill sets. This aligns with PEI’s broader economic goals of filling critical workforce gaps with individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to living and working on the island.
The Labour Impact Category, under which the majority of invitations were issued, is designed for individuals with job offers from eligible PEI employers. It comprises three streams: Skilled Worker, Critical Worker, and International Graduate. Candidates under this category must be between 21 and 59 years old, have a permanent or long-term job offer, show sufficient settlement funds, and meet a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 4.
Applicants must also meet the specific criteria for the stream to which they apply. For instance, the Skilled Worker Stream typically targets professionals in occupations requiring post-secondary education, while the International Graduate Stream supports recent graduates with PEI-based job offers.
This provincial draw reflects Prince Edward Island’s strategic focus on immigration as a means of long-term economic stability—targeting those who are not only skilled but also well-integrated into the local community.
With ongoing demand in essential industries, future draws are likely to continue targeting workers who are already contributing to the province’s economy. This creates an advantageous pathway for temporary residents and international graduates looking to transition to permanent residency.
As PEI moves forward with its 2025 immigration targets, local experience and alignment with labor market needs remain key selection factors for PNP candidates.