Prince Edward Island’s First PNP Draw of 2025: Key Updates and Insights

PEI PNP Kicks Off 2025 with Healthcare-Focused Draw

Prince Edward Island has conducted its first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of the year, inviting candidates from the healthcare sector through the Labour Impact Category and PEI PNP Express Entry stream. A total of 22 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, reinforcing the province’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare workforce.

Summary of the PEI PNP Draw

• Date: January 24, 2025

• Categories: Labour Impact / Express Entry

  
  

• Total Invitations Issued: 22

• Minimum Score: Not disclosed

• Eligibility: Candidates must have been working in PEI’s healthcare sector or hold valid job offers in the province.

  
  

While the PEI PNP did not disclose a breakdown of invitations within the Labour Impact category, the focus remains on filling critical labour gaps in the province.

Eligibility for PEI PNP Express Entry Stream

Candidates applying under the PEI PNP Express Entry stream must:

• Have an active Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

• Be eligible for one of the following federal economic programs:

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• PGWP or SOWP holders must:

  • Have at least four months of validity on their work permit at the time of Expression of Interest (EOI) submission.

  • Possess an education credential from outside PEI or be sponsored by a spouse/common-law partner.

  • Have at least nine months of work experience with a PEI employer.

Understanding Base vs. Enhanced PNPs

• Base PNPs: Candidates apply directly to a province and receive a provincial nomination if they meet eligibility requirements. These are not aligned with Express Entry.

• Enhanced PNPs: Candidates apply through the Express Entry pool, and a nomination adds 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA in the next federal draw.

Labour Impact Category: Who Qualifies?

The Labour Impact Category under the PEI PNP includes three distinct streams:

1. Skilled Worker Stream

2. Critical Worker Stream

3. International Graduate Stream

To qualify, candidates must:

• Be 21 to 59 years old.

• Have a full-time, permanent job offer (or at least a two-year contract) from a PEI employer.

• Meet provincial settlement fund requirements.

• Show intent to reside in PEI.

• Attain a minimum CLB 4 for language proficiency.

Key Trends Impacting PNPs in 2025

According to the 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan, PNP admissions allocations will be reduced in 2025, significantly affecting the number of invitations issued throughout the year. Key statistics include:

• 2024 PNP allocation: 110,000 permanent residency admissions.

• 2025 PNP allocation: 55,000 admissions (a 50% reduction).

With fewer spots available, competition for PNP nominations is expected to be more intense in 2025, making strategic planning crucial for prospective applicants.