Prince Edward Island prioritizes international graduates in first PNP draw of 2026

On January 15, 2025, Prince Edward Island held its first selection round of 2026 in accordance with its anticipated Invitation to Apply (ITA) schedule.

The province targeted candidates with ties to the province, with priority given to international student graduates from select designated learning institutions (DLIs).

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Draw results

This week, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) extended a total of 26 ITAs to in-province individuals through two immigration categories:

• Labour Impact*; and
• PEI Express Entry.

*The Labour Impact category consists of the Skilled Worker Stream, Critical Worker Stream, and International Graduate Stream.

Individuals living and working in Prince Edward Island in priority sectors and occupations with high “economic impact” were the focus of this draw. The Atlantic province’s 2026 priority sectors remain the same as they were in 2025: healthcare, trades, and manufacturing.

Of these individuals, international student graduates of the following DLIs were further prioritized:

• University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI).
• Holland College; and
• Collège de l’Île.

Many of Prince Edward Island’s 2025 immigration draws had the same selection parameters, indicating this pattern is evidently likely to continue throughout 2026.

For comparison purposes: In 2025, the PEI PNP’s first draw of the year saw 22 invitations issued to individuals working or with confirmed job offers in PEI in the healthcare sector.

When will Prince Edward Island’s next draws occur?

If the province adheres to its anticipated ITA schedule, candidates can expect the next three draws to likely take place on February 19, March 19, and April 16.

However, the province notes that these dates are not set in stone, as they are tentative and for “general informational purposes only.” Draws may occur before, after, or even in addition to the dates listed above.

There is a good chance that Prince Edward Island will stick to its listed dates, however, as it did so for eight of its 11 draws in 2025.

For a full snapshot of Prince Edward Island’s draw schedule for the entirety of 2026, visit our dedicated article.

How to be considered for Prince Edward Island’s next draw

To enter the running for an ITA, foreign nationals must first create an account on PEI’s official website and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

The province’s EOI system identifies and ranks applicants who are best positioned to contribute to the local economy and labour market. Profiles are scored based on several selection factors, including: 

• Language: Proficiency in English or French;
• Education: Level of education, field of study, and location of studies;
• Skills and work experience: Ties to high-demand industries and roles;
• Strategic priorities: How closely the profile matches PEI’s current labour market priorities; and
• Employment prospects: Indicators such as a valid job offer in PEI and/or prior work experience in Canada.

Applicants who earn higher EOI scores—and demonstrate strong settlement potential—are more likely to be invited to apply for nomination. 

 

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