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PEI PNP Conducts Surprise Invitation Round for International Graduates
In an unexpected move this week, Prince Edward Island conducted a surprise draw through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). The province invited international graduates under the Labour and Express Entry streams, marking a notable deviation from its usual draw schedule.
The invitations were issued to graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College, and Collège de l’Île, all of whom are currently living and working in the province. This decision reflects PEI’s continued efforts to retain skilled talent who have already demonstrated strong integration into its labour market through local study and employment.
Draw Highlights
The October 27 draw resulted in 159 invitations being issued to eligible candidates. By targeting international graduates, the province aims to strengthen its labour force with individuals who possess both Canadian education and work experience.
So far this year, the PEI PNP has issued 1,240 invitations across its various draws.
PEI PNP Application Process
Similar to other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada, candidates interested in immigrating to Prince Edward Island must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. Based on their qualifications, experience, and alignment with PEI’s labour needs, top-ranked candidates are invited to apply for provincial nomination.
Those who receive a provincial nomination can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. While the processing time varies depending on both the province and IRCC, candidates in Express Entry–aligned streams often benefit from faster application processing.
PEI’s Invitation Schedule
Prince Edward Island is one of the few provinces that publishes a public Invitation to Apply (ITA) schedule for its PNP draws. While this schedule can be adjusted according to labour market needs, it provides transparency and predictability for candidates waiting in the EOI pool.
The October 27 draw stands out as it occurred outside the regular schedule and marked the second PEI PNP draw within a single month, signaling an accelerated approach to meeting provincial workforce demands.
According to the PEI Office of Immigration, the published schedule serves as a general guide and does not guarantee timing or selection. However, this off-schedule draw suggests that the province is proactively increasing its intake of skilled immigrants to address immediate labour shortages.
How the Expression of Interest System Works
The PEI PNP Expression of Interest system ranks candidates based on multiple selection criteria, including:
- Language skills: Proficiency in English or French.
- Education: Level and place of education, with preference for PEI institutions.
- Work experience: Relevance to in-demand sectors.
- Strategic alignment: Fit with PEI’s current economic priorities.
- Employment prospects: Presence of a valid job offer or prior Canadian work experience.
Candidates who achieve higher scores and demonstrate strong settlement potential are more likely to receive invitations for nomination.
A Proactive Step Toward Retaining Skilled Talent
The unplanned draw underscores Prince Edward Island’s flexible and responsive immigration strategy. By focusing on international graduates who have studied and built careers locally, the province strengthens its economic foundation and enhances long-term retention of skilled workers.
This latest initiative highlights PEI’s continued commitment to selecting candidates who not only meet labour market needs but also have a clear path to successful settlement and community integration in the province.