In a recent and unexpected move, the province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) conducted an unplanned draw through its Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), inviting a select group of international graduates to apply for provincial nomination. This surprise draw came as a deviation from the province’s regular and publicly announced schedule, which typically governs the timing of invitations for candidates in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams.
Special Focus on International Graduates
The latest draw specifically targeted international graduates from key post-secondary institutions in the province, including the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College, and Collège de l'Île. These graduates were required to be currently living and working in Prince Edward Island, demonstrating their integration into the local community and labour market.
By prioritizing these candidates, the province aims to retain skilled talent who have already adapted to PEI’s economy and culture, thereby contributing directly to the province’s long-term growth and workforce sustainability.
PEI PNP Draw Results
On October 27, 2025, PEI conducted a draw under the Labour and Express Entry streams, issuing 159 invitations to eligible candidates. The focus was on graduates actively employed within the province—individuals who not only possess Canadian education credentials but also hands-on local work experience.
This targeted approach reflects PEI’s ongoing commitment to addressing its labour shortages by selecting candidates who have strong ties to the province. Local education and employment are considered vital indicators of an applicant’s ability to settle successfully and make meaningful contributions to PEI’s economic and social development.
So far in 2025, the PEI PNP has issued a total of 1,240 invitations to apply (ITAs) across its various immigration streams, underscoring the province’s steady efforts to attract and retain skilled immigrants.
Understanding the PEI PNP Process
Like other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada, the PEI PNP operates through an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This process allows candidates to submit their profiles into a pool, where they are assessed and ranked based on several factors such as education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability.
Once selected from the EOI pool, candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination. If their application is approved, they are granted a nomination certificate from the PEI government. This nomination significantly strengthens their Express Entry profile, giving them an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points—effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence (PR) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The overall processing time may vary but typically spans 12 months or longer, depending on both the province’s and IRCC’s timelines. Enhanced or Express Entry-aligned streams, such as PEI’s Labour Impact Category, tend to have faster processing times, making them particularly attractive for eligible candidates.
PEI’s ITA Schedule and the Significance of This Draw
Prince Edward Island is unique among Canadian provinces for publishing a public ITA schedule, which provides transparency and predictability for potential applicants. This schedule outlines when draws are expected to take place and which streams may be targeted.
However, the October 27, 2025 draw broke from this announced schedule, marking the second draw in a single month—a rare occurrence and a sign that the province is ramping up its intake of skilled immigrants. While the Office of Immigration clarifies that the schedule serves only as a guideline and not a guarantee, this deviation suggests that PEI may be accelerating its nomination process to meet growing labour market demands.
This proactive approach signals that the province is prioritizing the retention of international graduates and skilled workers, particularly those already contributing to local industries.
How the PEI Expression of Interest (EOI) System Works
The PEI Expression of Interest (EOI) system is designed to identify and rank candidates based on their potential to integrate and succeed within the province. Each candidate’s profile is evaluated across multiple factors, including:
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Language Proficiency: Demonstrated fluency in English or French.
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Education: Level, field of study, and institution where education was obtained.
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Work Experience: Relevance of previous employment to in-demand sectors within PEI.
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Strategic Priorities: Alignment with the province’s current labour market and economic needs.
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Employment Prospects: Existing job offers in PEI or relevant Canadian work experience.
Candidates with the highest scores and strongest local ties are more likely to receive an invitation to apply for nomination. This ensures that selected applicants not only fill labour shortages but also integrate seamlessly into the community and contribute to the island’s socio-economic stability.
Final Thoughts
The Prince Edward Island PNP’s latest surprise draw highlights the province’s agile response to evolving labour needs. By focusing on international graduates already residing and working in the province, PEI is taking strategic steps to retain skilled talent and build a stronger, more sustainable local workforce.
For aspiring immigrants, this draw serves as a reminder that staying informed and maintaining strong connections to the province—through study, work, and community engagement—can significantly enhance their chances of receiving an invitation under the PEI PNP.
If you’re planning to study, work, or settle in Canada, especially in Prince Edward Island, now is the time to assess your eligibility and prepare a competitive Express Entry or PNP profile.
