Prince Edward Island

What is the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program? (PEI PNP)

Comprising the island itself and surrounding isles, holds the distinction of being Canada’s smallest province. Known as "the birthplace of Canada," PEI hosted the "Charlottetown conference" in 1864, a pivotal event leading to the country’s formation. Renowned for its picturesque farmland, beautiful coasts, and a thriving economy centered around agriculture, tourism, and fishing, PEI offers a unique living experience.

The PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is designed to attract skilled immigrants who possess the expertise and experience targeted by the province. Successful candidates may receive a Prince Edward Island Provincial Nomination Certificate through this program, which enables them to apply for Canadian permanent residence with the Government of Canada.

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) was established in 2001 to attract and retain immigrants who can contribute to the province's economic growth and address labor market needs, ultimately fostering economic prosperity.

PEI PNP aims to draw immigrants with the skills, experience, and education suited to establish themselves successfully on the island. Since its inception, the program has significantly increased the number of immigrants welcomed by the province.

Prince Edward Island boasts the highest immigration rate per capita in Canada, reaching about 1.6 percent before the pandemic, compared to the national average of about 0.9 percent. It has consistently had the highest newcomer intake as a share of the population nationwide.

The province has witnessed a substantial increase in immigration numbers, with over 2,000 new immigrants arriving annually since 2015. This is a significant rise compared to less than 200 newcomers per year before the introduction of the PNP.

The PEI PNP, along with the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) introduced in 2017, has contributed to attracting more immigrants to the province. The AIP allows Atlantic provinces, including New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and PEI, to fill positions with foreign workers when local recruitment falls short.

PEI PNP includes one enhanced category, the PEI PNP Express Entry, and two base categories: Labour Impact and Business Impact. Enhanced categories are aligned with the federal Express Entry system, facilitating faster processing.

Most immigration streams under PNPs are base streams, not aligned with the Express Entry system. Nominees under these streams must apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

PEI Immigration Categories

If you're considering immigration to Prince Edward Island (PEI), you have three options to explore:

1. PNP Express Entry
2. Labour Impact Category

§  Skilled Worker Stream

§  Critical Worker Stream

§  International Graduate Stream

3. Business Impact Category

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Ø Prince Edward Island Express Entry Stream: Skilled Worker Requirements

If you are looking to obtain permanent residency through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), the PEI Express Entry nomination can significantly enhance your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply from the Federal Government.

Eligibility Criteria for PEI Express Entry Nomination

To qualify for a nomination through the PEI Express Entry, you must:

1. Meet the Requirements of One of the Federal Economic Immigration Programs:
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class
2. Create a Federal Express Entry Profile and be placed in the pool of candidates.

There are two pathways to permanent residency through the PEI Express Entry Category, depending on whether you have a job offer in PEI or not. Priority is given to applicants who are living and working in PEI.

Ø Prince Edward Island (PEI PNP) Labour Impact Category

Skilled Worker Stream Requirements

To qualify for the Skilled Worker Stream under the PEI PNP, you must:

• Have a full-time, long-term (permanent or minimum of 2 years) job offer from a PEI employer within an NOC skill level of O, A, or B.
• If currently employed by a PEI employer, possess a valid work permit.
• Have legal status in your country of residence.
• Be able to attend an interview at the Office of Immigration, Settlement, and Population if required.
• Have successfully completed at least 2 years of post-secondary education or diploma.
• Have relevant schooling or full-time work experience within the past 5 years.
• Meet the language requirements.
• Demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in PEI.
• Show sufficient financial resources and settlement supports, indicated by transferable funds, to cover immigration and travel expenses.

Critical Worker Stream Requirements

To qualify for the Critical Worker Stream under the PEI PNP, you must:

• Have a full-time, long-term (permanent or minimum of 2 years) job offer from a PEI employer within an NOC skill level of C or D in one of the following occupations: customer service representative, truck driver, labourer, food and beverage server, or housekeeping attendant.
• Have worked a minimum of 6 months full-time for a PEI employer.
• Possess a legal work permit.
• Have legal status in your country of residence.
• Have relevant schooling or full-time work experience within the past 5 years.
• Meet the language requirements.
• Be able to attend an interview at the Office of Immigration, Settlement, and Population if required.
• Demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in PEI.

International Graduate Stream Requirements

To qualify for the International Graduate Stream under the PEI PNP, you must:

• Have a permanent, full-time job offer in your field of study from a PEI employer at an NOC skill level 0, A, or B.
• Have worked a minimum of 6 months for the PEI employer.
• Possess legal status in Canada.
• Hold a valid post-graduate work permit.
• Be able to attend an interview at the Office of Immigration if required.
• Have completed at least a two-year diploma or degree program while studying full-time.
• Possess a valid diploma/degree from a recognized, accredited PEI university or college.
• Have graduated within the past two years from full-time study at an accredited PEI university or college.
• Be between 21 and 55 years of age.
• Have the English and/or French language ability to perform the job offered by a PEI employer.
• Demonstrate sufficient settlement supports and financial resources, including transferable funds, to cover immigration costs, travel expenses, and establish in PEI.
• Show a genuine intention to settle in Prince Edward Island.

Ø Prince Edward Island PNP (PEI PNP) Business Impact Category

100% Ownership Stream Requirements

To qualify for the 100% Ownership Stream, you must:

• Have a verifiable personal net worth of $600,000.
• Possess the skills, education, age, language ability, and experience necessary to operate a business in P.E.I.
• Invest at least $150,000 CAD in a business venture in P.E.I.
• Sign an escrow agreement that includes a deposit of $150,000 to be held by the province until the terms of the agreement are met.
• Have taken the IELTS within the past 2 years with a minimum band score of 4.0.
• Prepare a detailed business plan after visiting the province, explaining your intentions for settling in P.E.I. and actively managing the business venture.

Partial Ownership Stream Requirements

To qualify for the Partial Ownership Stream, you must:

• Meet all the requirements of the 100% Ownership Stream, with the following adjustments:
• Invest $150,000 CAD into a new or existing PEI business for a partial ownership interest of at least 33 1/3% of voting shares, or make a minimum investment of $1 million CAD.
• Apply to CIC for approval of a work permit for the PEI business that you intend to invest in and manage.
• Have a verifiable personal net worth of $600,000.
• Prepare a detailed business plan after visiting the province, explaining your intentions for settling in P.E.I. and actively managing the business venture.
• Have taken the IELTS within the past 2 years with a minimum band score of 4.0.

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