Prince Edward Island (PEI) has announced its anticipated Invitation to Apply (ITA) schedule for 2026 under the Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). Published on January 7, 2026, this schedule stands out as uniquely transparent, since PEI remains the only Canadian province or territory to publicly share planned draw dates in advance.
The PEI PNP plans to hold 12 Expression of Interest (EOI) draws throughout 2026, generally occurring once per month around the mid-month period. These draws invite candidates from the EOI pool to apply for provincial nomination, targeting labour market needs through streams like Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry.
Here is the tentative 2026 draw schedule:
| Draw Number | Date of Draw |
| 1 | January 15, 2026 |
| 2 | February 19, 2026 |
| 3 | March 19, 2026 |
| 4 | April 16, 2026 |
| 5 | May 21, 2026 |
| 6 | June 18, 2026 |
| 7 | July 16, 2026 |
| 8 | August 20, 2026 |
| 9 | September 17, 2026 |
| 10 | October 15, 2026 |
| 11 | November 19, 2026 |
| 12 | December 17, 2026 |
The province emphasizes that this schedule is for general informational purposes only. Draws may occur earlier or later than listed, and PEI could conduct additional or multiple draws in a month if required. In 2025, for example, the program ran three unexpected "surprise" draws beyond its planned dates.
The number of invitations issued and the specific candidates targeted will vary each time. Selections depend on PEI's 2026 nomination allocation from the federal government, current labour market demands, priority sectors, and occupations. Priority areas for 2026 have not yet been announced (in 2025, they focused on healthcare, trades, and manufacturing).
A key difference from other provinces is that EOI profiles in PEI remain active for only six months from submission. Candidates should submit their profile as soon as they meet stream requirements and keep it updated. If it expires, a new one must be created to remain eligible.
In 2025, PEI conducted 14 draws (including the surprises) and issued 1,609 ITAs, mostly through Labour Impact and Express Entry categories, with heavy emphasis on in-province workers and international graduates from select institutions. Only one invitation went to the Business Impact category.
This predictable yet flexible schedule helps prospective immigrants plan effectively. Those interested in immigrating to PEI should monitor official updates, as the program adapts to economic priorities and federal allocations.
