PEI Targets Priority Workers and Graduates in New Draw

Prince Edward Island has issued 114 new invitations to immigration candidates in its fifth provincial draw of 2026.

The draw took place on May 21 through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, also known as the PEI PNP. The province invited candidates through two streams: Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry.

The invitations went to people already working in Prince Edward Island in jobs and sectors the province considers important to its economy. PEI also gave priority to international graduates from three local post-secondary institutions: the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College and Collège de l’Île.

Same selection focus used all year

Prince Edward Island has now held five immigration draws in 2026. For each draw, the province has used the same selection approach, focusing on workers in priority sectors and occupations with strong economic value.

The province has also stayed close to its expected invitation schedule. Four of the five draws have happened on the exact dates listed in advance. The only exception was the March draw, which took place on March 20 instead of the originally listed March 19 date.

PEI remains the only Canadian province or territory that publicly releases its annual draw schedule ahead of time. This gives immigration candidates a clearer idea of when they may have a chance to receive an invitation.

So far this year, PEI has invited 477 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination.

Invitation numbers in 2026

The first draw of the year took place on January 15 and included 26 invitations. The province then issued 109 invitations on February 19, followed by 101 invitations on March 20. Another 127 invitations were sent on April 16, before the latest 114 invitations on May 21.

If PEI follows its planned schedule, the next draws are expected on June 18 and July 16, 2026. However, the province says those dates are shared for general information only and are not guaranteed.

How candidates can be considered

People who want to immigrate through the PEI PNP must first create an account on the province’s website. They must then submit an Expression of Interest, or EOI, so the province can assess their profile.

PEI’s Office of Immigration reviews candidates based on how likely they are to meet local economic and labour market needs. The province looks at several factors, including English or French language ability, education level, field of study, where the education was completed, work experience and skill level.

The province also considers whether a candidate matches urgent labour needs. Other employment factors may help as well, such as having a job offer in PEI or previous work experience in Canada.

Candidates can check their profile status by logging into the EOI system. Any updates appear on their home screen.Those who receive an invitation now have 30 calendar days to submit a full application for provincial nomination. This is shorter than the previous 60-day deadline. After receiving a provincial nomination, candidates can apply to the federal government for permanent residence.