The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

Introduction Of Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island, also known as PEI, is the smallest province in Canada consisting of the island itself and several surrounding isles. It is considered ‘the birthplace of Canada’ due to the famous ‘Charlottetown conference’ held in PEI in 1864, which led to the country’s formation. Known for its lush farmland and stunning coasts, PEI’s economy thrives on agriculture, tourism, and fishing industries.

What is PEI PNP?

The PEI PNP, short for Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, was established in 2001 to attract and retain skilled immigrants who can contribute to the province’s economic and labor market needs. Under this program, eligible candidates can receive a Prince Edward Island Provincial Nomination Certificate, which allows them to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Government of Canada.

With the aim of achieving economic prosperity, the PEI PNP targets individuals with the necessary skills, experience, and education who are likely to establish themselves on the island. This has resulted in an increase in the number of immigrants being welcomed to the province. In fact, PEI has the highest number of immigrants per capita in Canada, with an immigration rate of 1.6%, compared to the national rate of 0.9%.

Every year since 2015, PEI has welcomed over 2,000 new immigrants, a significant increase from less than 200 per year before the launch of the PNP. This can be attributed to the success of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) introduced in 2017, which allows employers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces to hire foreign workers for positions that could not be filled by local candidates.

The PEI PNP offers three categories for immigration: the PEI PNP Express Entry,

Labour Impact, and Business Impact categories. When a category is in sync with the federal Express Entry system, it is referred to as ‘enhanced’. The Express Entry system is utilized by Canada to oversee permanent residence applications for its primary economic class immigration programs.

For candidates in the Express Entry pool, a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to determine their eligibility. Regular Express Entry draws take place where the highest-scoring individuals are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Furthermore, individuals who are nominated through an enhanced provincial program, such as the PEI PNP Express Entry, are awarded an additional 600 points on their CRS score. This guaranteed increase ensures that they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next draw. The nomination is also reflected on their Express Entry profile.

The majority of immigration streams under PNPs are base streams, which indicates that they are not aligned with the Express Entry system. Therefore, candidates who are nominated through a provincial program must apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Immigration Categories Of PEI PNP

There are three options available for those interested in immigrating to Prince Edward Island: 

• The PEI PNP Express Entry
• The Labour Impact Category
• The Business Impact Category. 

The PEI PNP Express Entry is for individuals with a valid Express Entry profile who possess skills that align with the current labor market needs of the province and wish to reside and work in PEI. 

The Labour Impact Category is designed for skilled workers and international graduates who possess the necessary skills and experience required in PEI’s labor market. This category is further divided into three streams: 

• Skilled Worker
• Critical Worker, 
• International Graduate. 

Lastly, the Business Impact Category caters to individuals looking to invest in a PEI business. This category enables you to live in PEI on a work permit while familiarizing yourself with the business you intend to invest in, before obtaining a provincial nomination.

The PEI PNP Express Entry Category

Are you interested in applying for the Prince Edward Island (PEI) Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) through the Express Entry system? 

If so, it is important to know the requirements, application process, and timeline for this program.

Firstly, it is important to note that a job offer is not required for the PEI PNP through Express Entry. However, there is an application fee of CAD $300 and the processing time is approximately 6 months.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this program, you must have following requirements

• An Express Entry profile and meet the requirements of one of the three federal economic class immigration programs: 
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). 
• Additionally, if you hold a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) or a spousal open work permit, your PGWP must have at least four months validity at the time of submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI). 
• You must also have studied outside of PEI (or be a spouse of someone who studied outside PEI) and have at least nine months of work experience under a PEI employer.

Application Process

• The first step to applying for the PEI PNP through Express Entry is to create a profile in the Prince Edward Island Expression of Interest (EOI) system. 
• You will be asked multiple questions and must provide accurate information. You can go back and update your profile at any time.
• Based on the information provided in your EOI, you will be given a point score according to the selection system points grid. The maximum score you can receive is 100 points. 
• During regular draws, the province invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for a provincial nomination. If you are invited, you will receive an email notification.
• If you are invited to apply, you will need to complete the application forms and have your employer complete the employer forms. Your application must be submitted within 60 days.
• If your application is successful, you will receive a provincial nomination.
• You must then accept the nomination through your Express Entry account.
• You will likely receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.

Labour Impact Category

Designed specifically for experienced employees and foreign students, this segment focuses on fulfilling the labor needs of Prince Edward Island. By offering opportunities for skilled workers, essential workers, and international graduates, it presents a wide range of options for individuals to make significant contributions to the economic growth of the province.There is a CAD $300 application fee for this category and processing time is typically six months or less.The Labour Impact Category comprises three distinct streams: 

• Skilled Worker Stream
• Critical Worker Stream
• International Graduate Stream. 

General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must fulfill the following minimum requirements.

• Applicants should be between the ages of 21 and 59
• Have a full-time permanent or at least two-year job offer in an eligible position from a PEI employer
• Possess sufficient financial resources to settle in PEI and have the intention to reside in the province. 
• Must also meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement of 4.

The Skilled Worker Stream

This stream is designed for individuals who have been hired or identified by a PEI employer and are currently working or have a job offer in the province. 

Eligible applicants must work in a skilled profession, possess relevant experience, and have at least a post-secondary degree or diploma. 

Additional Requirement For Eligibility

• Must have a National Occupational Classification (NOC) level of 0, A, or B
• Applicants must possess a minimum of a two-year post-secondary degree or diploma
• A minimum of two years of full-time work experience within the past five years is required
• If you currently reside in Canada, you must hold a valid work permit
• If you reside outside Canada, you must have legal status in your country of residence.

The Critical Worker Stream

This stream is for workers who have already been hired by a PEI employer and are seeking permanent residence sponsorship from their employer. This stream is open to individuals working in semi-skilled or unskilled professions. 

Additional Requirement For Eligibility

• The available job options are limited to the following roles: 

1. Truck driving
2. Customer service
3. Labor work
4. Food and beverage service, or housekeeping. 

• The candidate must have been employed by a PEI employer for a minimum of six months on a full-time basis. 
• They must also possess a valid Canadian work permit and have completed at least high school education. 
• Additionally, they should have either two years of relevant work experience or relevant education within the past five years.

The International Graduate Stream

This stream caters to recent graduates from recognized accredited universities and colleges in Prince Edward Island who have been hired by a PEI employer. Eligible applicants must work in a skilled profession related to their field of study.

Additional Requirement For Eligibility

• To be eligible for the job, the individual must meet the National Occupational Classification (NOC) requirements at level 0, A or B. 
• They must also have a minimum of six months working experience with the PEI employer in a field that aligns with their education. 
• Additionally, a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit is required
• Individuals must have completed a post-secondary degree or diploma from an eligible learning institution in PEI.

Application Process

• To be considered for one of the Labour Impact streams , you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. 
• Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you will need to create and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. 
• The information you provide in your profile will be used to determine your score on the selection system points grid.
• PEI conducts regular provincial draws and invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for a provincial nomination. 
• If you are selected, you will have 60 days to submit your application and all required supporting documents. 
• Upon successful completion, you will receive a provincial nomination which you can then use to submit a complete application for Canadian permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Business Impact category

The sole category within the Business Impact program is the Work Permit Stream. This option is available to individuals looking to invest in a business in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Applicants will be required to start working in Canada and gain a thorough understanding of the business while on a work permit. 

Upon completion, they may apply for a PEI provincial nomination for permanent residence. 

Application fees for this stream are set at CAD $10,000. However, in the event of a declined or withdrawn application prior to an interview, a partial refund of CAD $7,500 will be issued. The processing time for this stream is no longer than 6 months.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be considered for the Work Permit Stream, applicants must meet a set of minimum requirements. These include;

• Being between 21 and 59 years of age
• Possessing a minimum net worth of CAD $600,000
• Having at least a secondary education
• Possessing transferable management skills or business ownership experience
• Meeting the required language proficiency level of CLB 4.
• Individuals who apply for this stream are required to have the intention to reside and work in PEI. 
• They must also actively manage the proposed business from within the province. 
• Furthermore, the business must meet all other additional requirements set by the government of PEI.

Application Process

• Determine your eligibility for the Work Permit Stream.
• Create a profile on the PEI Expression of Interest system.
• Provide necessary information while completing your profile. Your profile will remain active for six months.
• You can make changes to your profile before receiving an invitation to apply.
• If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply via email with further instructions.
• You will have 60 days to submit your application.
• Complete the application package, gather supporting documents, and pay the CAD $10,000 application fee.
• Submit your application in person, by courier, or by mail to the Office of Immigration at the given address.
• If your application is approved, you will be invited for an in-person interview to discuss your business proposal and plan.
•  After the interview, you must sign a Performance Agreement and may receive a letter of support from PEI, which can be used to apply for a work permit with IRCC.
•  After receiving your work permit, you must move to PEI within 30 days and report to the PEI Office of Immigration.
• You will be assigned a Settlement Officer who will assist you with establishing and operating your business. They will also regularly check in with you for progress reports.
• If you meet all conditions of the Performance Agreement and other requirements, you will be nominated by PEI.
• After nomination, you can apply for permanent residence in Canada with IRCC.

Conclusion

The PEI PNP shines as a guiding light in the intricate tapestry of Canadian immigration, providing a multitude of avenues for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to obtain permanent residency. With a strong focus on aligning with provincial goals and stringent eligibility requirements, the program is poised to open doors for hopeful immigrants and help them thrive in the stunning landscape of Prince Edward Island. Begin your voyage now and discover the limitless potential that awaits in Canada’s tiniest province.

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