PEI PNP’s First Draw of 2025: Focus on Healthcare Professionals

Prince Edward Island’s Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) kicked off 2025 by holding its first draw of the year, inviting healthcare sector candidates to apply for permanent residence. This draw issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through two main pathways: the Labour Impact Category and the PEI PNP Express Entry stream.

Highlights of the January 24 Draw

On January 24, 2025, PEI PNP extended 22 ITAs to healthcare candidates who were either currently working in the province or had job offers in PEI’s healthcare industry. While the cut-off score for this draw wasn’t disclosed, it’s clear that PEI continues to prioritize skilled professionals in high-demand sectors. The program didn’t provide a detailed breakdown of how these ITAs were split between the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams.

Eligibility for PEI PNP Express Entry

To qualify for PEI’s Express Entry stream, candidates must first have an active Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and meet the criteria of at least one federal economic immigration program—either the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Additionally, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) holders need:

• A work permit valid for at least four months when submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Educational credentials from outside PEI (or be the spouse/partner of a PEI sponsor).
• At least nine months of work experience with a PEI employer.

Labour Impact Category Eligibility

The Labour Impact Category includes three streams: the Skilled Worker Stream, the Critical Worker Stream, and the International Graduate Stream. General requirements for candidates include:

• A full-time, permanent job offer (or at least a two-year job offer) from a PEI employer in an eligible role.
• Meeting settlement fund requirements.
• A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least 4.
• Being between 21 and 59 years old.
• Intent to live and work in PEI.

Each of these streams also has its own specific criteria that applicants must meet.

Trends in PNP Allocations for 2025

According to Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-27, overall targets for Provincial Nominee Program admissions have been significantly reduced. In 2024, the PNP allocation was 110,000 permanent residency admissions, but for 2025, this number has been cut in half to 55,000. This change is expected to influence the number of ITAs that PNPs across the country can issue in the coming year.