PEI Surprises Graduates with Special Immigration Draw

Prince Edward Island surprised many this week by holding an unplanned immigration draw. The province usually follows a fixed schedule for its draws under the Labour and Express Entry streams of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). However, this week’s draw came without notice, catching many by surprise.

The draw focused on international graduates who studied at the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île. All invited graduates are currently living and working in the province.

Details of the Draw

The draw took place on October 27, 2025. The province issued 159 invitations to international graduates through the Labour and Express Entry streams. Officials selected candidates who showed strong ties to the local job market through their studies and work experience in the province.

This move highlighted the province’s ongoing effort to retain skilled talent who already contribute to local communities and industries. So far in 2025, Prince Edward Island has issued 1,240 invitations under the PEI PNP.

How the Process Works

Those who want to apply through the PEI PNP first create an online profile in the province’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system. The EOI system ranks candidates based on several factors, such as education, language skills, work experience, and job offers in the province.

When a candidate’s profile matches provincial priorities, they receive an invitation to apply for nomination. After the province approves the nomination, the candidate can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

The full process can take more than a year, depending on processing times at both the provincial and federal levels. Applicants under the Express Entry-aligned streams usually receive faster results because their nominations are directly linked to the federal system.

Breaking from the Schedule

Prince Edward Island is one of the few provinces that shares its Invitation to Apply (ITA) schedule publicly. This schedule helps candidates know when to expect draws and gives them a better idea of when they might be selected.

However, the October 27 draw broke from this schedule. It was also the second draw of the month—something that has not happened so far in 2025.

Officials explained that while the published schedule offers guidance, it is not guaranteed. The latest draw shows that the province may be speeding up its efforts to bring in new permanent residents to meet growing labour needs.

Why the EOI System Matters

The EOI system helps PEI identify the people most likely to settle and succeed in the province. It focuses on candidates who have studied or worked locally and can fill gaps in key sectors.

By prioritizing international graduates already living on the Island, PEI strengthens its workforce while helping newcomers build long-term careers and roots in the community.