Prince Edward Island (PEI) is one of the top provinces in Canada with an attractive immigration policy. With a peaceful living environment, a growing economy, and flexible immigration policies, PEI has become an ideal choice for those seeking permanent residency. This article will help you understand the Prince Edward Island immigration program, including eligibility requirements, the approval process, and the benefits of becoming a resident of PEI.
Introduction to Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the smallest province in Canada in terms of both area and population, located on the eastern coastline. According to the Q1/2025 Population Report from the PEI government, the province’s population reached 180,029 people as of April 1, 2025.
Renowned for its peaceful natural landscapes, mild climate, and high quality of life, PEI is also the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation and is connected to the mainland by the nearly 13 km long Confederation Bridge. The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, with potato farming being particularly prominent. With its flexible immigration policies, PEI is an attractive destination for newcomers.
What is the Prince Edward Island Immigration Program?
The Prince Edward Island (PEI) Immigration Program is an initiative developed by the Government of Canada and the provincial government of PEI to attract entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and international students to live, work, and build careers in the province. In addition to the investment program for entrepreneurs (Work Permit Stream), PEI offers several other immigration pathways for skilled workers, including:
- Immigration for workers in essential industries (Critical Worker Stream)
- The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in PEI
- The Intermediate Experience Stream for workers with mid-level experience
- Immigration for international graduates from PEI (International Graduates Stream)
- Immigration based on occupations in demand in PEI (Occupations in Demand Stream)
- Skilled Worker in PEI Stream
- Skilled Workers Outside Canada Stream
- Immigration through the PEI Express Entry system
Popular Immigration Programs under the PEI PNP
Entrepreneur and Investment Immigration Program (Work Permit Stream)
The Entrepreneur and Investment Immigration Program in Prince Edward Island (PEI) is one of the key programs designed to attract international entrepreneurs to Canada to live, work, and develop their businesses. This program offers a work permit, allowing the investor and their family to come to PEI to operate their business before they become eligible to apply for permanent residence (PR).
Eligibility Criteria
Requirements in Vietnam:
- Age between 21 and 59 years old.
- Minimum high school graduation.
- At least 3 years of management or business ownership experience.
- English or French language proficiency of at least CLB 4 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0).
- Proof of legal assets of at least 600,000 CAD (~11 billion VND), including assets of the spouse.
- Clear criminal record and good health.
Requirements in Canada:
- Invest at least 150,000 CAD (~2.7 billion VND) in a business in PEI within 12 months after entering Canada on a Work Permit.
- Maintain a minimum business operation cost of 75,000 CAD (~1.4 billion VND) in the first year.
- Hire at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident for a full-time position.
- Reside at least 274 days per year in PEI to be eligible for PR application.
Processing Time:
- Receive Work Permit within approximately 15 weeks from the application submission.
- PR application processing is expected to take from 24 months after the business meets the requirements.
Application Fee:
- Application fee: 10,000 CAD (refundable).
Restrictions:
- Required management or business ownership experience.
- Must spend at least 9 months per year living and operating the business in PEI.
- The business must maintain proper operations to ensure a convincing immigration application.
- Assets must be evaluated by a designated agency in the province.
- The score required for selection is increasing, and higher points are needed to receive an invitation to apply.
Immigration for Critical Workers (Critical Worker Stream)
The Critical Worker Immigration Program in Prince Edward Island (PEI) is designed to attract skilled workers in mid-level occupations who are currently employed full-time in PEI. This program, implemented by the provincial government of PEI, aims to help local businesses fill labor shortages in high-demand sectors.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 18 – 59 years old.
- Education: Minimum high school graduation.
- Language Proficiency: CLB/NCLC 4 or equivalent.
- Job Offer: Full-time (non-seasonal) job offer from a business in PEI in mid-level occupations (TEER 4 or TEER 5).
- Work Experience: At least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience with a business in PEI.
- Work Permit: Must hold a valid work permit and be legally residing in Canada.
- Experience or Education: At least 2 years of full-time work experience or relevant education within the last 5 years.
- Financial Requirements: Sufficient financial resources to live in PEI and demonstrate the intention to settle permanently in the province.
Processing Time:
- Permanent Residency (PR) Processing Time: 24 months.
- Work Permit Visa Processing Time: 15 weeks from the submission of the application.
Application Fee:
- Application Fee: 300 CAD (non-refundable).
Restrictions:
- Requires relevant work experience.
- Positions mainly consist of general labor roles.
- High competition due to the large demand for workers in PEI.
- Dependent on employer sponsorship.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in PEI (Prince Edward Island)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an initiative launched by the Government of Canada to attract international workers to live and settle permanently in the four Atlantic provinces, including Prince Edward Island (PEI). The program provides workers with an opportunity to become Permanent Residents (PR) of Canada by obtaining a job offer from an employer in PEI.
Eligibility Criteria
Requirements in Vietnam:
- Age: 22 years or older.
- Minimum high school graduation.
- English proficiency: CLB 4 (equivalent to IELTS General: Listening 4.5, Speaking 4.0, Writing 4.0, Reading 3.5).
- At least one year of full-time work experience (within the last 5 years) in a related field.
- Sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses for the first year in Canada (minimum $3,327 CAD per person).
- Clear criminal record and good health.
Requirements in PEI:
- Receive a job offer from a designated employer in PEI.
- Work for a minimum of one year with a wage of at least $14.5 CAD/hour (~$2,400 CAD/month, ~$28,000 CAD/year).
Processing Time:
- Permanent Residency (PR) applications are expected to be processed within approximately 10 months.
- Work Permit visa processing time from submission is around 15 weeks.
Application Fee:
- No application fee for the Endorsement process from the province.
- If a work permit is needed during the PR waiting period, workers must apply for a work permit with a fee of 230 CAD to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Restrictions:
- The number of applications processed each year is limited due to federal government allocation.
- High competition among applicants, especially in high-demand sectors.
- Currently, PEI only accepts applications for healthcare, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Other sectors must apply through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Applications from heavy truck drivers (NOC 73300) are not accepted through the AIP in PEI.
Note:
- Starting from January 24, 2025, PEI will only accept new endorsement applications for workers in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Qualified candidates in other sectors are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for consideration under the Provincial Nominee Program.
- Other Atlantic provinces, such as Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick, also implement AIP with similar processes to support skilled workers and international students
Intermediate Experience Stream
The Intermediate Experience Stream in Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a pathway that offers foreign workers the opportunity to work and settle in Canada. Through this program, candidates can apply for a work permit (Work Permit) and progress towards permanent residency (PR), paving the way for future Canadian citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 – 59 years old.
- Education: Minimum high school graduation (THPT).
- Job Offer: A full-time, permanent job offer or a job offer of at least 2 years from an employer in PEI in TEER 4 occupations.
- Work Experience:
- At least 6 months of full-time work in Canada with a work permit based on a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- At least 2 years of full-time work experience or related education within the last 5 years.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 on a test from an IRCC-recognized organization.
- Financial Requirements: Sufficient funds to live in PEI and demonstrate the intent to settle permanently in the province.
- Other Requirements: Clean criminal record and good health.
Processing Time
- Permanent Residency (PR) Processing Time: Approximately 21 months.
- Work Permit Visa Processing Time: 15 weeks from the submission date.
Application Fee
- Application Fee: 300 CAD (non-refundable).
Restrictions
- Requires work experience relevant to the occupation.
- Positions are primarily in general labor.
- High competition due to a large number of applications.
- Dependent on employer sponsorship.
International Graduates Immigration Stream
The International Graduates Immigration Program in Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a pathway that offers international students who have completed their studies in PEI the opportunity to apply for permanent residency (PR). The program focuses on helping businesses in PEI attract high-quality labor, enabling international workers to settle permanently in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 – 59 years old.
- Education: Graduate from a public educational institution in PEI.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Must hold a valid PGWP.
- Job Offer: Full-time, permanent job offer, or a job offer of at least 2 years from an employer in PEI.
- Language Proficiency:
- TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 occupations: Must meet the employer’s language requirements.
- TEER 4, 5 occupations: Must have a language certificate with a minimum CLB/NCLC 4.
- Financial Requirements: Sufficient financial resources to live and settle in PEI.
- Additional Requirements: May be required to attend an interview with a provincial official.
- Other Requirements: Clean criminal record and good health.
Processing Time
- Permanent Residency (PR) Processing Time: Approximately 21 months.
Application Fee
- Application Fee: 300 CAD (non-refundable).
Restrictions
- Only for applicants who have graduated from an institution in PEI.
- High competition due to a large number of applications.
- Dependent on employer sponsorship.
Immigration Through Occupations in Demand in PEI (Occupations in Demand Stream)
The Occupations in Demand immigration program in Prince Edward Island (PEI) is part of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), offering general laborers the opportunity to receive Permanent Residency (PR) and settle permanently in Canada. This program supports individuals with experience in fields facing labor shortages, providing a pathway to Canadian citizenship.
Occupations in Demand Program – Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 – 59 years old.
- Education: Minimum high school graduation.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4.
- Job Offer: Full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in PEI in one of the following occupations:
- NOC 33102: Nurses, nursing assistants, and patient service workers.
- NOC 73300: Truck drivers.
- NOC 75110: Construction laborers.
- NOC 65310: Cleaning staff.
- NOC 95109: Manufacturing and processing laborers.
- NOC 75101: Material handlers.
- NOC 94140: Food processing machine operators.
- NOC 94141: Meat and poultry processing workers.
- Work Experience: At least one year of full-time work experience in a related field in PEI.
- Financial Requirements: Must meet financial requirements for settlement in PEI.
- Intent to Settle: Must demonstrate the intention to settle permanently in PEI.
- Other Requirements: Clean criminal record and good health.
Processing Time
- Permanent Residency (PR) Application: Approximately 21 months.
Application Fee
- Application Fee: 300 CAD (non-refundable) when invited to apply.
- Payments can be made via Mastercard, Visa, or debit card.
Restrictions
- Requires relevant work experience in the specified occupations.
- The program primarily focuses on general labor roles.
- High competition due to the large number of applications.
- Dependent on employer sponsorship in PEI.
Skilled Worker Immigration Program in PEI
The Skilled Worker in PEI program is an opportunity for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Prince Edward Island (PEI). This program helps workers obtain permanent residency (PR) through provincial nomination, providing a pathway for long-term settlement and potential Canadian citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 – 59 years old.
- Education: Minimum post-secondary education.
- Language Proficiency: English/French language skills must meet at least CLB/NCLC 4 or be evaluated by the employer.
- Job Offer: Full-time, non-seasonal job offer (minimum two years) from an employer in PEI in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
- Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience within the last 5 years.
- Work Permit: A valid work permit for Canada.
- Financial Requirements: Sufficient funds to settle in PEI.
- Other Requirements: Clean criminal record and good health.
- Intent to Settle: Must demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in PEI.
Processing Time
- Permanent Residency (PR) Application Processing Time: Approximately 21 months.
- Work Permit Visa Processing Time: 15 weeks from submission.
Application Fee
- Application Fee: 300 CAD (non-refundable).
Restrictions
- High competition due to the large number of applications.
- Dependent on employer sponsorship.
- Acceptance of applications may vary depending on labor demand and the province’s quotas.
- Certain occupations in the service and sales sectors may not be prioritized for processing at this time.
Skilled Workers Outside Canada Program
The Skilled Workers Outside Canada program is an immigration pathway for skilled workers from abroad, providing them with the opportunity to work and settle in Canada. This program targets candidates whose expertise aligns with the labor needs of the provinces, particularly Prince Edward Island (PEI). Once the eligibility criteria are met, workers can be granted Permanent Residency (PR), paving the way for long-term settlement and eventual Canadian citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Workers Outside Canada Program
- Age: 18 – 59 years old.
- Education: Minimum post-secondary education.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 (English or French) or language proficiency as assessed by the employer.
- Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time work experience within the last 5 years.
- Job Offer: A full-time, non-seasonal job offer (minimum 2 years) from an employer in PEI in skilled occupations (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3). The employer must be approved by the province before the candidate submits their application.
- Residency Status: Valid work permit in Canada (if already in Canada) or sufficient financial resources to settle in PEI.
- Health & Criminal Record: Must meet health requirements and have no criminal record.
- Intent to Settle: Must demonstrate the intention to settle permanently in PEI.
Processing Time
- Work Permit: Approximately 15 weeks from the submission of the application.
- Permanent Residency (PR): Estimated processing time is 21 months.
Application Fee
- Fees for processing applications are set by both the province and the federal government.
- Non-refundable application fee for the provincial nomination application.
Restrictions
- High competition due to a large number of similar applications.
- Dependent on employer sponsorship, as a job offer from a PEI-based business is required.
- Immigration policies may change based on the labor needs of the province.
- Occupations not prioritized may not be considered for nomination. Currently, PEI prioritizes fields such as healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and childcare, while sectors like sales and services may not receive an invitation to apply.
Immigration Through the PEI Express Entry System
The PEI Express Entry System is a fast and efficient pathway for skilled workers to settle in Prince Edward Island (PEI). The program allows candidates who meet the requirements of the Federal Economic Immigration Program to receive Permanent Residency (PR) quickly.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility for one of the federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Express Entry Registration: Must have a registered profile in the federal Express Entry system and be placed in the candidate pool.
- PEI Preference: PEI prioritizes candidates who are currently living and working in the province.
- For candidates using a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or open work permits of spouses from an employer outside of PEI:
- At least 9 months of full-time, continuous work experience in PEI.
- At least 4 months remaining on the work permit when submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI).
Processing Time
- Permanent Residency (PR) Processing Time: Approximately 7 months.
Application Fee
- Application Fee: 300 CAD (non-refundable).
Restrictions
- Requires relevant work experience.
- The majority of positions are in general labor.
- High competition due to a large number of applications.
- Dependent on employer sponsorship in PEI.
Advantages of Choosing to Settle in Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is one of the ideal destinations for those looking to settle in Canada, thanks to its high-quality living environment and stable economic development opportunities. With support from the local government, PEI offers several attractive benefits for immigrants, including:
- Attractive Business Opportunities with Reasonable Costs: Investors can buy or invest in businesses in PEI with low capital requirements and fast processing times for applications.
- High-Quality Workforce and Advanced Education System: PEI boasts a skilled workforce and an advanced education system, ensuring the best opportunities for learning and working.
- Strategic Location with Easy International Market Connectivity: With its strategic location, PEI provides favorable conditions for trade and business development in global markets.
- Ideal Living Environment with Exceptional Quality: Immigrants and their families enjoy social benefits, healthcare, and education rights equal to those of Canadian citizens.
- Special Support Policies and Benefits from the PEI Government: The immigration program has a quick processing time, providing immigrants with favorable conditions to settle and develop their careers.
Receive Trusted and Dedicated Immigration Consultation for Prince Edward Island at Phan Immigration
Phan Immigration is a professional immigration consultancy, licensed by the Government of Canada, offering safe and effective immigration solutions for those wishing to settle in Prince Edward Island. With a team of experienced experts, we are committed to accompanying you on your journey to build a new life in Canada.
Why Choose Phan Immigration:
- Highly Skilled and Experienced Team: Licensed by the Canadian Immigration Consultants Regulatory Council (CICC) with over 15 years of experience in the immigration field.
- Comprehensive and Personalized Services: We provide support from short-term visas to long-term settlement programs, ensuring the most suitable pathway for each client.
- Strong Network of Partners in Canada: We are connected with immigration lawyers, economic lawyers, and local businesses, facilitating a smooth settlement process for our clients.
- Commitment to Transparency and Accountability: We provide clear information, offer dedicated support, and ensure a transparent consultation and application process.
Contact Phan Immigration now via our hotline: 078 208 4466 for in-depth Prince Edward Island immigration consultation and to choose the most suitable immigration pathway for you!
Frequently Asked Questions about the PEI Immigration Program (FAQ)
Do I have to live in Prince Edward Island after immigrating?
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 Residency (PR).
What benefits do the family members of an investor in PEI receive?
Spouses can apply for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work freely for any employer. Children under 22 years old are eligible for a Study Permit to attend public school free of charge. The entire family is entitled to free healthcare, similar to 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 system or the PEI Entrepreneur Investment Stream.
The Prince Edward Island (PEI) Provincial Nominee Program offers excellent opportunities to build a new life in Canada with a clear process, attractive support policies, and a high-quality living environment. Whether you are a skilled worker, investor, or international student looking to settle permanently, PEI provides the right pathway to achieve your goals. Contact Phan Immigration today to seize the opportunity to settle in one of the most desirable provinces in Canada!
