Prince Edward Island issues 181 invitations to apply for provincial nomination to workers in priority occupations
On August 20, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) invited 181 candidates to apply for provincial nomination.
The PEI PNP selected in-province workers employed in priority sectors and occupations identified as likely to have a high economic impact in Prince Edward Island.
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With this draw, the province has now conducted eight rounds of selections in 2026.
Draw details
In line with previous rounds, the PEI PNP issued invitations under two streams: Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry.
International students who graduated from one of the following three post-secondary institutions in the province received priority consideration:
- University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI);
- Holland College; and
- Collège de l’Île.
To have been selected in this draw, candidates needed to indicate in their Expression of Interest (EOI) profile that they were working in a sector or occupation being prioritized by the province.
This year, Prince Edward Island is targeting skilled workers in healthcare, trades, manufacturing, and “other key industries facing labour shortages.”
Here’s how the latest draw compares to previous selection rounds:
| Draw date | Invitations issued | Immigration categories targeted |
|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 | 26 | *Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry |
| February 19, 2026 | 109 | |
| March 20, 2026 | 101 | |
| April 16, 2026 | 127 | |
| May 21, 2026 | 113 | |
| June 18, 2026 | 182 | |
| July 16, 2026 | 195 | |
| August 20, 2026 | 181 |
*The Labour Impact category is made up of three streams: Skilled Worker, Critical Worker, and International Graduate.
All eight of Prince Edward Island’s selection rounds this year have featured the same selection criteria.
When publishing draw results, the PEI PNP does not disclose the specific occupations targeted in each draw or provide a breakdown of invitations by stream.
The province’s latest draw took place in accordance with its anticipated invitation schedule for 2026, which provides tentative dates for when draws are expected to take place.
Seven of the eight draws held so far have taken place exactly as scheduled, with the March 20 round representing the only deviation from its listed March 19 date.
As of the August 20 draw, the PEI PNP has issued a total of 1,034 invitations to apply for provincial nomination over the course of 2026.
In contrast with 2025, this year the PEI PNP has yet to issue any invitations through its Business Impact Category, which provides a pathway for entrepreneurs looking to settle in the province.
The PEI PNP’s upcoming selection rounds
This year, the PEI PNP intends to hold a total of 12 provincial immigration draws, at a rate of one per month.
Selections typically take place mid-month.
There are four more selection rounds expected to take place by year’s end, on the following dates:
- September 17.
- October 15.
- November 19.
- December 17.
While Prince Edward Island lists specific dates in its invitation schedule, it makes clear that these are intended for “general informational purposes only.”
The PEI PNP may conduct draws earlier, later, or in addition to those listed on its invitation schedule.
That said, the province has generally kept to its published draw schedule, doing so for eight of 11 draws held in 2025 and seven of eight held so far this year.
How to be considered for the PEI PNP’s next draw
Foreign nationals wishing to immigrate to Prince Edward Island through the PEI PNP must first register with the province’s official immigration portal and submit an EOI profile.
Each candidate profile receives a score and is ranked against other candidates based on alignment with the following factors:
- Proficiency in either English or French;
- Education, including level, field, and location of study;
- Work experience and skills that correspond with in-demand occupations or priority sectors;
- How closely a candidate’s background corresponds with PEI’s current labour market needs; and
- Employment potential, such as having a PEI job offer and/or previous Canadian work experience.
Each month, the province selects higher-ranking candidates with stronger prospects for economic establishment and invites them to apply for provincial nomination.
Selected candidates must submit a complete application within 30 days.
Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination certificate, and can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence (PR).
If the federal government approves their PR application, applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), which they can use to complete the landing process.
- Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
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