Maple News reports that Prince Edward Island conducted its first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of 2021 on January 21, issuing a total of 211 invitations for permanent residence through its immigration streams.
Of the total invitations issued, 196 were sent to candidates under the Express Entry and Labour Impact categories. Another 15 invitations were extended to candidates in the Business Impact category, who needed a minimum score of 80 to receive an invitation in this draw.
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) allows the province to nominate individuals who align with its labor market needs. The Express Entry stream is particularly noteworthy because it is an enhanced PNP stream, integrated with the federal Express Entry system. This system manages the intake of economic class immigrants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
Candidates in the Express Entry system are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on their age, work experience, education, and language proficiency. An additional 600 CRS points are awarded to those nominated by a province, greatly improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
To be considered for a PEI nomination, Express Entry candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and register in the PEI PNP system. The EOI submissions are scored based on a points grid unique to Prince Edward Island, and top-ranking profiles are invited in monthly draws.
PEI’s Labour Impact category targets skilled workers and critical workers already employed by a PEI employer, while the Business Impact category focuses on entrepreneurs planning to invest and manage a business on the island.
Maple News notes that PEI continues to be one of the smaller but active provinces in leveraging Canada’s PNP system to address local economic demands. With multiple draws scheduled throughout the year, the province remains a promising destination for skilled workers and entrepreneurs aiming to secure permanent residence in Canada.