Prince Edward Island invites 195 candidates in priority sectors to apply for provincial nomination
On September 17, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) issued 195 invitations to apply for provincial nomination.
The PEI PNP targeted workers employed in occupations and priority sectors with a strong economic impact in PEI, in line with previous draw patterns.
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Those who are granted a provincial nomination can move forward with an application for Canadian permanent residence (PR). After applying for PR, provincial nominees may also be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
Draw details
Invitations were issued through two PEI PNP pathways: *Labour Impact (base) and PEI Express Entry (enhanced).
Priority consideration was given to international students who graduated from one of three designated post-secondary institutions in PEI:
- University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI);
- Holland College; and
- Collège de l’Île.
*The Labour Impact Category is made up of three streams: Skilled Worker, Critical Worker, and International Graduate.
To receive an invitation in this draw, candidates had to indicate in their Expression of Interest (EOI) profile that they were employed in an occupation or sector being prioritized by the province, and that they possess a post-secondary credential from one of the qualifying institutions.
For 2026, the PEI PNP has identified healthcare, trades, manufacturing, and “other key industries facing labour shortages” as areas of focus for skilled worker selection, according to its “Expression of Interest Draws” web page.
The province's published draw results do not specify the occupations targeted or break down invitation totals by stream.
Following this latest round, Prince Edward Island has conducted a total of nine provincial immigration draws over the course of 2026, all of which featured the same selection criteria.
In contrast with 2025, the PEI PNP has yet to conduct a 2026 selection through its Business Impact Category, which is intended for entrepreneurs seeking to establish themselves in the province.
As of September 17, the province has issued 1,229 invitations to apply for provincial nomination to Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry candidates.
Those invited to apply have 30 days to submit a complete application to the PEI Office of Immigration, after which their invitation will expire.
Labour Impact candidates who successfully obtain a provincial nomination and subsequently apply for PR may, if they are in Canada and otherwise eligible, benefit from a temporary federal measure in effect since June 9, 2026, which allows base PNP applicants to apply for a BOWP months sooner by waiving the requirement to first receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for their PR application.
The PEI PNP’s upcoming selection rounds
The PEI PNP intends to conduct 12 provincial immigration draws in 2026, with one draw scheduled per month.
PEI’s latest selection round was held on the date outlined in the anticipated ITA schedule for 2026, which provides tentative dates for when draws are expected to occur.
Three selection rounds remain on the calendar following the September 17 draw:
- October 15;
- November 19; and
- December 17.
While the province provides specific dates in its invitation schedule, it notes that these are intended for “general informational purposes only.” It may hold rounds earlier, later, or in addition to those listed.
PEI has nevertheless remained closely aligned with its published draw schedule, holding eight of 11 rounds on the listed dates in 2025 and eight of nine so far this year, with only the March selection occurring one day later than planned.
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