Prince Edward Island (PEI) has once again placed international graduates at the centre of its immigration strategy. On February 19, 2026, the province issued 109 invitations to apply (ITAs) under its Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) through the Labour Impact and Express Entry pathways. The results, published on February 22, confirm that PEI is maintaining a clear and consistent focus on candidates who already have strong ties to the island and who can immediately contribute to sectors facing labour shortages.
This latest draw follows the same targeted approach seen in earlier 2026 rounds. Invitations were extended primarily to candidates working in occupations and priority sectors identified by the PEI Office of Immigration as having high economic impact. These include healthcare, trades, manufacturing, and other industries experiencing ongoing labour shortages. At the same time, the province placed additional emphasis on international graduates who studied at designated learning institutions (DLIs) located in PEI.
The three institutions whose graduates received priority in this draw are:
- University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
- Holland College
- Collège de l’Île
This continued preference for local graduates reflects PEI’s strategy of retaining talent that has already invested time and resources in the province’s education system. By prioritizing these candidates, the province aims to fill critical roles while supporting long-term community integration and economic growth.
Importantly, the draw also sent a clear message about sectors that are currently deprioritized. Individuals working in sales and service occupations were generally not invited in this round, reinforcing PEI’s focus on high-impact, in-demand fields rather than broad-based invitations.
Looking ahead, the province has published its anticipated Invitation to Apply schedule for the remainder of 2026. If PEI adheres to this calendar, the next draws will take place on:
- March 19, 2026
- April 16, 2026
- May 21, 2026
- June 18, 2026
- July 16, 2026
- August 20, 2026
- September 17, 2026
- October 15, 2026
- November 19, 2026
- December 17, 2026
The province stresses that these dates are for planning purposes only and do not guarantee that a draw will occur on any given day or that every stream will be included. Processing times and final decisions remain subject to application volumes and program capacity.
For prospective applicants, PEI offers a helpful starting point: the Workforce Program Selector Tool. This short online survey asks about age, education, work experience, and current job offers (if any) to suggest which PEI PNP streams might be the best fit. While the tool is only suggestive and not a formal assessment, it provides a quick, user-friendly way to explore options. The province recommends that candidates who receive a positive indication should then carefully review the official PEI Workforce Application Guide before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) or full application.
The February 19 draw marks the second PNP selection round of 2026 and underscores PEI’s commitment to a steady, predictable nomination schedule. With a relatively modest population and a focused labour market, the province continues to use its nominee allocations efficiently—targeting workers and graduates who can make an immediate contribution while building long-term roots on the island.
International graduates who have studied at UPEI, Holland College, or Collège de l’Île, as well as skilled workers already employed in healthcare, trades, or manufacturing in PEI, now have a strong window of opportunity. Those who meet the criteria are encouraged to prepare their profiles, monitor upcoming draw dates, and ensure all supporting documents align with the latest program requirements.
As Canada’s smallest province by population, PEI continues to demonstrate how a targeted, transparent provincial nominee program can effectively address local labour needs while offering clear pathways to permanent residence for the right candidates.
