PEI Concludes 2025 Immigration Draws with Focus on Local Talent

Prince Edward Island has wrapped up its provincial immigration activity for 2025 with a final round of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP).

The selection round, held on December 15, 2025, targeted individuals already contributing to the province’s economy—particularly skilled workers employed in PEI and international graduates educated within the province.

Who Was Selected in the Final Draw

In this draw, PEI issued 166 invitations for provincial nomination. The province emphasized candidates whose employment and education align with sectors considered economically valuable to PEI.

Priority was given to:

• Skilled workers currently employed by PEI-based employers
• International graduates from designated local institutions, including:
  • University of Prince Edward Island
  • Holland College
  • Collège de l’Île

Invitations were issued through two main pathways:

• Labour Impact Category
• PEI Express Entry Category

A Consistent Selection Strategy in 2025

This draw followed a familiar pattern seen throughout the year. Approximately 62% of PEI’s immigration draws in 2025 focused on in-province workers and graduates from the same three designated institutions.

If PEI continues to follow its planned draw calendar, this round marks the final draw of the year. The province generally conducts one draw per month and only departed from this schedule once in 2025, when it held two draws in October.

Total Invitations Issued This Year

Over the course of 2025, PEI conducted 13 draws, issuing a total of 1,596 invitations for provincial nomination.

Nearly all invitations were issued through:

• Labour Impact streams
• PEI Express Entry streams

Only one invitation was issued under the Business Impact – Work Permit stream during the entire year.

How Candidates Can Prepare for 2026

To be considered for future PEI PNP draws, candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province. EOIs are ranked using a points-based system that evaluates how well candidates meet PEI’s labour market needs.

Key assessment factors include:

• English or French language proficiency
• Level and relevance of education
• Work experience in in-demand sectors
• Alignment with PEI’s economic priorities
• Employment prospects in PEI, including job offers or prior Canadian experience

EOI profiles remain valid for six months, after which candidates must submit a new profile to stay eligible.

Looking Ahead

The PEI Office of Immigration has consistently prioritized occupations in healthcare, skilled trades, and childcare. Whether these priorities will continue into 2026 remains to be seen as the province adjusts its immigration strategy for the new year.

Candidates who receive an ITA will be required to submit a complete provincial application within 30 days.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!