PEI Invites 181 Workers in Latest Provincial Nominee Draw

Prince Edward Island invited 181 candidates to apply for provincial nomination in its latest immigration draw, held on August 20, 2026.

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, or PEI PNP, focused on people already working in the province in priority sectors and occupations expected to support PEI’s economy.

The draw was the province’s eighth selection round of 2026 and continued the same approach used throughout the year.

Priority Workers Targeted

Invitations were issued through the Labour Impact category and PEI Express Entry.

The Labour Impact category includes the Skilled Worker, Critical Worker and International Graduate streams.

International graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College and Collège de l’Île received priority consideration in the latest round.

To be considered, candidates needed to indicate in their Expression of Interest, or EOI, profile that they were working in an occupation or sector currently prioritized by the province.

PEI has said its 2026 immigration focus includes skilled workers in healthcare, trades, manufacturing and other key industries facing labour shortages.

The province does not publish the exact occupations selected in each draw or provide a breakdown of invitations by stream.

More Than 1,000 Invitations Issued This Year

With the August 20 draw, PEI has now issued 1,034 invitations to apply for provincial nomination in 2026.

The province issued 26 invitations on January 15, followed by 109 in February, 101 in March, 127 in April, 113 in May, 182 in June and 195 in July.

All eight draws this year have focused on Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry candidates.

Unlike in 2025, PEI has not issued invitations through its Business Impact Category so far this year. That category provides an immigration pathway for entrepreneurs.

Four More Draws Expected

PEI plans to hold 12 provincial immigration draws in 2026, generally at a pace of one per month.

Four rounds remain on the tentative schedule: September 17, October 15, November 19 and December 17.

The province says the dates are for general informational purposes and may change. Draws can take place earlier, later or in addition to the published schedule.

Seven of PEI’s eight 2026 draws have taken place on their scheduled dates. The March draw occurred on March 20 instead of March 19.

How Candidates Enter the PEI PNP Pool

Foreign nationals interested in the PEI PNP must register through the province’s immigration portal and submit an EOI profile.

Candidates receive a score based on factors including English or French ability, education, work experience, skills, alignment with PEI labour market needs and employment potential. A PEI job offer and previous Canadian work experience can also affect ranking.

The province selects higher-ranking candidates considered well positioned to establish themselves economically in PEI.

Candidates who receive an invitation must submit a complete provincial nomination application within 30 days.

Those approved receive a provincial nomination certificate and can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence. If the federal application is approved, the applicant receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence to complete the landing process.