Prince Edward Island issues new invitations to immigration candidates in May 16 draw

Prince Edward Island invited 106 immigration candidates in its Express Entry, Labour Impact and Business Impact categories to apply to the province's nominee program in a draw held May 16.

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) allows the province to nominate a set number of economic immigration candidates who match local labour market needs.

Of the 106 invitations issued, a total of 92 went to candidates who have registered an Expression of Interest with the PEI PNP in its Express Entry Category or the various streams of its Labour Impact Category.

The Express Entry Category is linked to the federal Express Entry system, which manages the pool of candidates for Canada's three Federal High Skilled economic-class immigration categories — the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience Class.

Find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool

Express Entry candidates must register a separate Expression of Interest with the PEI PNP in order to be considered for a nomination from the province.

Candidates are issued a score out of 100 based on factors such as education, skilled work experience and proficiency in English or French, among other factors.

A job offer in PEI is not required, but the PEI PNP says preference is given to candidates who are living and working in the province.

Qualified candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for a provincial nomination through regular draws from the PEI PNP's EOI pool.

Express Entry candidates nominated by the PEI PNP receive an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which effectively guarantees an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence in a subsequent Express Entry draw.

The PEI PNP did not specify how many of the 90 invitations issued through the Labour Impact Category went to Express Entry candidates, nor did it provide the minimum score required to receive an invitation in the May 16 draw.

The Labour Impact Category consists of three streams — Skilled Worker, Critical Worker and International Graduate.

Those nominated through the three Labour Impact streams have their applications for Canadian permanent residence processed by Canada's federal department of immigration outside the Express Entry system.

Business Impact invitations

Of the 14 Business Impact: Work Permit Stream candidates invited, the lowest score was 107.

This tied the previous draw held April 18 for the lowest cut-off score so far in 2019.

PEI's Business Impact: Work Permit Stream is for individuals interested in owning and operating a business in the province.

Candidates who are invited to apply to the PEI PNP and whose application is approved obtain a temporary work permit to establish their business.

If the conditions of the Performance Agreement with the Government of Prince Edward Island are met, business applicants may apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Prince Edward Island's next Expression of Interest draw is scheduled for June 20, 2019.

According to a recent report, PEI has recorded the fastest population growth among Canada's Atlantic provinces, with immigration playing a key role.

Find out if you are eligible for immigration to Canada