PEI PNP holds its first PNP draw of 2026

On 15/01/2025, Prince Edward Island held the first selection round of 2026 under the province’s expected Invitation to Apply (ITA) schedule.

The province targeted candidates with a connection to the province, with priority given to international students graduating from selected Designated Learning Institution (DLI) .

Assess your eligibility for the enhanced PNP streams.

Draw results

This week, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) issued a total of 26 ITAs to individuals in the province through two immigration categories:

• PEI PNP Labour Impact; and
• PEI Express Entry.

The PEI PNP Labour Impact category comprises the Skilled Worker stream, the Critical Worker stream and the International Graduate stream.

Individuals living and working in Prince Edward Island in priority sectors and occupations of high “economic impact” were the focus of this draw. The Atlantic province’s priority sectors for 2026 remain the same as in 2025: health care, skilled trades and manufacturing.

Among these individuals, international students graduating from the following DLIs are given further priority:

• University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI);
• Holland College; and
• Collège de l’Île.

Many of Prince Edward Island’s 2025 immigration draws used the same selection parameters, suggesting the pattern is likely to continue throughout 2026.

For comparison: in 2025, the PEI PNP’s first draw of the year saw 22 invitations issued to individuals working, or holding a confirmed job offer, in PEI’s health care sector.

When will Prince Edward Island’s next draws take place?

If the province follows its expected ITA schedule, candidates can expect the next three draws to take place on 19/02, 19/03 and 16/04.

The province notes, however, that these dates are not fixed, as they are indicative and provided only “for general information purposes”. Draws may take place before or after the dates listed above, or in addition to them.

There is a strong likelihood that Prince Edward Island will keep to the listed dates, however, as the province did so for eight of its 11 draws in 2025.

For a full picture of Prince Edward Island’s draw schedule for the whole of 2026, candidates can consult our dedicated article.

How to be considered for Prince Edward Island’s next draw

To join the ITA pool, foreign nationals must first create an account on PEI’s official website and submit an expression of interest (EOI).

The province’s EOI system identifies and ranks the candidates best placed to contribute to the local economy and labour market. Profiles are scored against a number of selection factors, including:

• Language: proficiency in English or French;
• Education: level of education, field of study and place of study;
• Skills and work experience: links to in-demand sectors and roles;
• Strategic priorities: how well the profile matches PEI’s current labour market priorities; and
• Employment prospects: indicators such as a valid job offer in PEI and/or previous Canadian work experience.

Candidates with higher EOI scores—and who demonstrate strong settlement potential—are more likely to be invited to apply for nomination.