Prince Edward Island (PEI) is one of the Canadian provinces with the most attractive immigration policies. With a peaceful lifestyle, a growing economy, and flexible immigration pathways, PEI is an ideal destination for those seeking long-term settlement. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the PEI Provincial Nominee Program, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the benefits of becoming a resident in this province.
What is the Prince Edward Island Immigration Program?
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) is a joint initiative by the Government of Canada and the PEI provincial government, designed to attract entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and international graduates to live, work, and build their careers in the province. In addition to the business stream for entrepreneurs (Work Permit Stream), PEI also offers a variety of immigration pathways for skilled workers, including:
- Critical Worker Stream
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in PEI
- Intermediate Experience Stream
- International Graduate Stream
- Occupations in Demand Stream
- Skilled Worker in PEI Stream
- Skilled Workers Outside Canada Stream
- PEI Express Entry
Business and Investment Immigration to PEI – Work Permit Stream
The Business Work Permit Stream is one of the key immigration programs in Prince Edward Island (PEI), attracting international entrepreneurs to Canada to live, work, and develop their businesses. This stream issues a Work Permit that allows investors and their families to move to PEI and operate a business before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR).
Program Requirements
Requirements in Vietnam:
- Age between 21–59
- Minimum education: High school diploma
- At least 3 years of experience in business ownership or senior management
- Minimum English or French language proficiency: CLB 4 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0)
- Proof of legally obtained net assets of at least CAD 600,000 (approximately VND 11 billion), including spousal asset
- Clean criminal record and good health
Requirements in Canada:
- Minimum investment of CAD 150,000 (approximately VND 2.7 billion) in a PEI business within 12 months after arriving with a Work Permit
- Maintain operating expenses of at least CAD 75,000 (approximately VND 1.4 billion) in the first year
- Employ at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident on a full-time basis
- Reside in PEI for at least 274 days per year to be eligible to apply for PR
Processing Time
- Receive Work Permit within approximately 15 weeks after submitting your application
- PR application to be processed approximately 24 months after the business meets all required conditions
Application Fee
- Application fee: CAD 10,000 (refundable)
Limitations
- Requires experience in business ownership or senior management
- Must reside and actively manage the business in PEI for at least 9 months each year
- The business must operate effectively to support the PR application
- Assets must be verified by a designated provincial third party
- Selection points thresholds tend to increase, requiring higher scores to receive an invitation to apply
PEI Immigration Pathways for Skilled Workers
Critical Worker Stream
The Critical Worker Stream is designed to attract intermediate-skilled foreign workers who are already working full-time in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Administered by the provincial government, this stream helps local employers fill urgent labor needs in specific occupations.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 18–59
- Minimum education: High school diploma
- Language: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French
- Full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a PEI employer in a TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupation
- At least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience with the same PEI employer
- Valid work permit and legal status in Canada
- Within the last 5 years: at least 2 years of relevant work experience or related education
- Sufficient funds and a clear intention to permanently settle in PEI
Processing Times:
- Permanent Residence (PR): Approximately 24 months
- Work Permit: Around 15 weeks after submission
Application Fee:
- CAD 300 (non-refundable)
Limitations:
- Relevant work experience required
- Mostly low-skilled occupations
- High competition due to strong demand in PEI
- Dependent on employer sponsorship
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in PEI
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal initiative designed to attract international workers to the four Atlantic provinces, including PEI. The program offers a pathway to PR for eligible individuals who receive a job offer from a designated employer in PEI.
Eligibility – Outside Canada (e.g. from Vietnam):
- Age: 22+
- Education: Minimum high school diploma
- Language: Minimum CLB 4 (equivalent to IELTS General – Listening 4.5, Speaking 4.0, Writing 4.0, Reading 3.5)
- At least 1 year of full-time relevant work experience
- Proof of settlement funds: Minimum CAD 3,327 per person
- Clean police record and good health
Eligibility – In PEI:
- Job offer from a designated employer
- Minimum 1-year employment, wage from CAD 14.5/hour (~CAD 2,400/month)
Processing Times:
- PR: Around 10 months
- Work Permit: ~15 weeks
Fees:
- No provincial endorsement fee
- CAD 230 for Work Permit (payable to IRCC if applicable)
Limitations:
- Annual quota limits from the federal government
- High competition in high-demand sectors
- As of now, PEI only accepts AIP applications for healthcare, construction, and manufacturing roles
- Truck drivers (NOC 73300) are currently ineligible under AIP in PEI
Note: Starting January 24, 2025, PEI will only accept new endorsements for occupations in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. Applicants in other sectors are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) under the PEI PNP instead.
Intermediate Experience Stream
This stream is intended for foreign nationals with intermediate-level experience currently working in PEI, offering a clear pathway from a work permit to permanent residence.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 18–59
- Education: Minimum high school diploma
- Job offer: Full-time, long-term or minimum 2-year offer from a PEI employer in a TEER 4 occupation
- Work experience:
- At least 6 months full-time employment in Canada under an LMIA-based work permit
- At least 2 years of full-time experience or related training in the last 5 years
- Language: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4
- Sufficient settlement funds and intention to settle in PEI
- Clean police record and good health
Processing Times:
- PR: ~21 months
- Work Permit: ~15 weeks
Application Fee:
- CAD 300 (non-refundable)
Limitations:
- Must have experience relevant to the occupation
- Jobs are primarily low-skilled
- Competitive due to high applicant volume
- Requires employer sponsorship
International Graduates Stream
This stream targets international students who have graduated from public institutions in PEI, helping them transition to PR and contribute to the province’s workforce.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 18–59
- Graduated from a public post-secondary institution in PEI
- Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Job offer: Full-time, long-term or at least 2 years from a PEI employer
- Language requirements:
- TEER 0, 1, 2, 3: Language ability as required by employer
- TEER 4, 5: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4
- Proof of sufficient funds
- May be asked to attend an interview with a provincial officer
- Clean police record and good health
Processing Time:
- PR: ~21 months
Application Fee:
- CAD 300 (non-refundable)
Limitations:
- Only available to graduates of PEI institutions
- Competitive due to limited spaces
- Requires employer sponsorship
Occupations in Demand Stream
This stream is part of the PEI PNP and focuses on attracting workers for in-demand, low-skilled occupations to address labor shortages in the province.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 18–59
- Education: Minimum high school diploma
- Language: CLB/NCLC 4 or higher
- Job offer: Full-time, long-term position in one of the following NOC codes:
- NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates
- NOC 73300 – Transport truck drivers
- NOC 75110 – Construction trades helpers and laborers
- NOC 65310 – Light duty cleaners
- NOC 95109 – Manufacturing laborers
- NOC 75101 – Material handlers
- NOC 94140 – Food processing machine operators
- NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters
- At least 1 year of relevant full-time experience in PEI
- Meet settlement fund requirements
- Intent to live in PEI long term
- Clear criminal record and good health
Processing Time:
- PR: ~21 months
Application Fee:
- CAD 300 (non-refundable), payable by Mastercard, Visa, or debit card
Limitations:
- Relevant work experience required
- Focused on low-skilled roles
- High competition
- Must be sponsored by a PEI employer
Skilled Worker in PEI Stream
The Skilled Worker in PEI Stream targets high-skilled foreign workers who wish to live and work permanently in Prince Edward Island. This stream provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residence (PR) through provincial nomination, enabling long-term settlement and eventual citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 18–59
- Education: Minimum post-secondary diploma or certificate
- Language: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French, or as assessed by the employer
- Job Offer: Full-time, non-seasonal employment (at least 2 years) from a PEI employer in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
- Work Experience: Minimum 2 years of full-time relevant experience within the past 5 years
- Valid work permit in Canada
- Proof of sufficient settlement funds
- Clean criminal record and good health
- Clear intent to settle permanently in PEI
Processing Time:
- PR application: Approximately 21 months
- Work Permit: About 15 weeks from submission
Application Fee:
- CAD 300 (non-refundable)
Limitations:
- High competition due to the large number of applicants
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Intake may vary depending on labor market needs and provincial quotas
- Occupations in sales and customer service may not be prioritized at this time
Skilled Workers Outside Canada
The Skilled Workers Outside Canada stream offers skilled foreign nationals the opportunity to live and work in Canada, especially in Prince Edward Island, based on provincial labor needs. Eligible applicants may receive a provincial nomination and apply for permanent residence (PR), supporting their long-term integration and pathway to citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 18–59
- Education: Minimum post-secondary diploma or certificate
- Language: CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in English or French, or language ability as assessed by the employer
- Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time relevant work within the past 5 years
- Job Offer: Full-time, non-seasonal employment (minimum 2 years) from a PEI employer in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
- The employer must be approved by the PEI government prior to submission
- Residency: Valid work permit in Canada (if currently in Canada), or proof of sufficient settlement funds
- Health & Security: Meet medical and background check requirements
- Clear intent to permanently settle in PEI
Processing Time:
- Work Permit: Approximately 15 weeks
- PR application: Approximately 21 months
Application Fee:
- Subject to PEI and federal application fees
- Application fee is non-refundable
Limitations:
- High competition among similarly qualified candidates
- Employer sponsorship required
- Provincial immigration priorities may change depending on labor demand
- Certain occupations (e.g., sales and services) may not currently receive invitations
- PEI currently prioritizes sectors like healthcare, IT, trades, and childcare
PEI Express Entry
The PEI Express Entry stream offers a fast and efficient route to permanent residence for skilled workers who meet federal economic immigration program requirements. Applicants who receive a provincial nomination may be prioritized in the federal Express Entry pool.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must meet the eligibility criteria of one of the following federal immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Have a valid Express Entry profile
- PEI prioritizes candidates who are living and working in the province
- If using a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) or open work permit (e.g., as a spouse), applicants must:
- Have at least 9 months of continuous, full-time work experience in PEI
- Have at least 4 months remaining on the work permit at the time of submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Processing Time:
- PR application: Approximately 7 months
- Work Permit: Approximately 6–8 months
Application Fee:
- CAD 300 (non-refundable)
Limitations:
- Relevant work experience required
- Many roles are in low-skilled sectors
- High competition among candidates in the Express Entry pool
- Employer sponsorship often required
Benefits of Immigrating to Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is considered one of the most attractive destinations in Canada for immigrants, offering a high quality of life and a stable economic environment. With supportive policies from the provincial government, PEI provides many compelling advantages for newcomers, including:
- Attractive business opportunities with reasonable costs: Entrepreneurs can purchase or invest in businesses in PEI with relatively low capital requirements and benefit from fast processing times.
- Skilled labor force and advanced education system: PEI boasts a well-educated and experienced workforce, along with a modern educational system, offering excellent opportunities for both work and study.
- Strategic location with international access: The province’s location enables easy access to domestic and international markets, supporting trade and business development.
- Exceptional quality of life: Immigrants and their families can enjoy access to public healthcare, education, and social services on par with Canadian citizens.
- Special incentives and support from the PEI government: The provincial nominee program offers relatively fast processing, allowing newcomers to quickly settle and grow their careers in Canada.
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- Highly qualified and experienced team: Licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) with over 15 years of experience in the immigration field.
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Contact Phan Immigration today via hotline: 078 208 4466 to receive in-depth consulting for Prince Edward Island immigration and find the most suitable pathway for you!
Frequently Asked Questions about the PEI Immigration Program (FAQ)
Am I required to live in Prince Edward Island after being approved for immigration?
Yes. You must reside and operate your business in Prince Edward Island for the duration of your investment commitment, or at least until you receive your Permanent Residence (PR).
What benefits do family members of PEI business applicants receive?
The PEI immigration program allows the main applicant to receive a Work Permit to manage the business in Canada. The spouse of the applicant can apply for an Open Work Permit, offering flexible employment opportunities. Children under 22 years old are granted Study Permits, allowing them to attend public schools free of charge up to the end of high school. Additionally, the whole family will receive free public healthcare, just like Canadian citizens.
Can I receive a provincial nomination from PEI (PEI PNP) without a job offer?
Yes. Candidates can receive a nomination from the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) without a job offer through the Express Entry stream or the PEI Business Investment stream.
The PEI PNP offers multiple immigration pathways, including Express Entry and Business Investment, which are specifically designed for applicants without a job offer from a PEI employer.
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) presents an excellent opportunity to build a new life in Canada with a clear process, supportive policies, and a high standard of living. Whether you are a skilled worker, entrepreneur, or international graduate seeking permanent residency, PEI provides a suitable pathway to help you achieve your goal.
Contact Phan Immigration today to seize your opportunity to immigrate to one of the most livable provinces in Canada!
