Prince Edward Island Prioritizes International Graduates in Its First PNP Draw of 2026

Prince Edward Island has started 2026 with a clear focus on retaining international graduates who already have strong ties to the province. On January 15, 2026, the province conducted its first Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of the year, in line with its anticipated Invitation to Apply (ITA) schedule.

This draw continued PEI’s approach of selecting candidates who are living and working in the province, especially those who studied locally and are contributing to key sectors of the economy.

Overview of the January 2026 PEI PNP Draw

In this draw, Prince Edward Island issued a total of 26 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program. Invitations were issued under two categories:

• Labour Impact
• PEI Express Entry
  
  

The Labour Impact category includes three streams:

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

Candidates living and working in PEI, particularly in sectors with high economic value, were the main focus of this round.

Priority Sectors Remain Unchanged for 2026

Prince Edward Island has confirmed that its priority sectors for 2026 remain the same as in 2025. These sectors include:

• Healthcare
• Skilled trades
• Manufacturing
  
  

Applicants working in these fields, especially those already employed in PEI, had a stronger chance of being selected.

International Graduates Given Special Preference

Within this draw, international graduates received additional priority, especially those who completed their studies at PEI-based designated learning institutions (DLIs). Graduates from the following institutions were specifically highlighted:

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

This mirrors the selection pattern seen throughout 2025, suggesting that PEI will continue to favor international graduates who studied and settled locally throughout 2026.

How This Draw Compares to 2025

For context, PEI’s first PNP draw in 2025 issued 22 invitations, primarily targeting candidates working in the healthcare sector or holding confirmed job offers in the province.

The similarity between the 2025 and 2026 selection criteria indicates a consistent and predictable nomination strategy focused on labour market needs and long-term retention.

Expected Dates for Upcoming PEI PNP Draws

If Prince Edward Island follows its planned ITA schedule, the next draws are expected to take place around:

• February 19, 2026
• March 19, 2026
• April 16, 2026
  
  

However, the province has clarified that these dates are tentative and provided for general guidance only. Draws may occur earlier, later, or in addition to these dates.

That said, PEI followed its published schedule for 8 out of 11 draws in 2025, making it likely that the province will broadly stick to these timelines.

How to Be Considered for the Next PEI PNP Draw

To be eligible for a PEI PNP invitation, candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through PEI’s official online system.

The EOI system ranks applicants based on their potential to contribute to PEI’s economy and workforce. Profiles are assessed using factors such as:

• Language ability in English and/or French
• Education, including level, field of study, and where studies were completed
• Skills and work experience, especially in high-demand occupations
• Alignment with PEI’s strategic priorities
• Employment prospects, such as a valid job offer in PEI or Canadian work experience
  
  

Applicants with higher EOI scores and strong settlement potential are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply for provincial nomination.

Final Takeaway

Prince Edward Island’s first PNP draw of 2026 confirms the province’s continued commitment to international graduates, particularly those educated in PEI and working in priority sectors. For international students and workers already in the province, this consistent approach offers a clear and realistic pathway toward Canadian permanent residence.