Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the smallest province in Canada. Despite its size, it is one of the most popular destinations for prospective immigrants due to its riches in natural beauty, history, and Canadian culture.
Prince Edward Island has excellent schools, almost no pollution or traffic, and is the home of the historic Charlottetown Conference of 1864 which eventually led to the nation’s formation. In addition to being the birthplace of the confederation, the province has an exceptionally high quality of life and is very popular among tourists, thanks to its fantastic beaches, top-rated golf course, and many cultural attractions.
Known as one of the safest and closest knit communities in Canada, it is easy to see why people from around the world want to live and work in Prince Edward Island. The easiest way for a foreign national to immigrate to PEI is under Canada’s Express Entry immigration system. Here’s what you need to know about the Prince Edward Island PNP (or PEI PNP in short), and its immigration streams.
What Is the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program
The PEI PNP (Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program) is a program created for foreign workers to help the province’s economy by filling in in-demand jobs.
The program is divided into three main categories.
Below are the 7 Canadian immigration streams under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program:
Prince Edward Island Express Entry Stream
The Canada Express Entry System allows the province of Prince Edward Island to attract potential immigrants for their provincial nominee program. The province can send a “Notification of Interest” to people whose Express Entry profiles match the criteria the province is seeking.
Individuals nominated for Canadian immigration by the PEI PNP will receive enough points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System to more or less be assured of an invitation during the next draw. Once given an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residence, it does not take long to get accepted for PEI immigration, seeing as Express Entry processes applications in six months or less.
Not every applicant will be accepted into the Prince Edward Island PNP through the Express Entry System. Candidates must have skills that meet current PEI labor needs. These requirements vary over time as labor needs change in the province. Candidates are encouraged to investigate the current needs of PEI before applying for the Express Entry System. If nominated through a PEI Express Entry stream, potential immigrants can apply for residency through Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s online system which is much faster.
| Prince Edward Island Express Entry Stream Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Yes |
| Connection to Province | No |
| Job Offer | No |
| Language Proficiency | Express Entry Requirements (CLB 7 for FSWP and CEC; CLB4 for FSTP) |
| Level of Education | Express Entry Requirements (tertiary qualification, high school and/or job-specific training or on-the-job-training) |
| Work Experience | Express Entry Requirements (1 year for FSWP and CEC; 2 years for FSTP) |
| Age | Express Entry Requirements |
| Income/Settlement Funds | Yes |
| Average Processing Time | 6 months |
Prince Edward Island Critical Workers Stream
The PEI Critical Worker Stream is employer-driven, allowing Island employers to fill low-skilled positions that they are unable to fill through the local job market. You can apply to immigrate to Canada through this stream if you are currently working in PEI with the exception of trucking-sector employers who may be recruited from other provinces within Canada.
| Prince Edward Island Critical Workers Stream Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | No |
| Connection to Province | Yes, work experience |
| Job Offer | Yes in NOC C or D |
| Language Proficiency | Minimum of CLB 4 or above |
| Level of Education | Secondary School |
| Work Experience | Have worked a minimum of six months full-time for a PEI employer |
| Age | 18-59 |
| Income/Settlement Funds | Yes |
| Average Processing Time | 18 months |
Skilled Worker in Prince Edward Island Stream
You can apply for a nomination for permanent residency through the Skilled Worker in PEI Stream if you are currently employed by an Island employer. The Skilled Worker stream is employer-driven, allowing Island employers to fill high-skilled positions that they are unable to fill through the local job market.
| Skilled Worker in Prince Edward Island Stream Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | No |
| Connection to Province | Yes, work experience |
| Job Offer | Yes in NOC O, A, or B |
| Language Proficiency | Minimum of CLB 4 or above |
| Level of Education | Post-Secondary Diploma or Degree |
| Work Experience | Have at least two years of full-time work experience in the past five years |
| Age | 18-59 |
| Income/Settlement Funds | Yes |
| Average Processing Time | 18 months |
Skilled Workers Outside Canada Stream
You can apply for a nomination for permanent residency through the Skilled Worker Outside Canada Stream of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) if you have a job offer from an Island employer. The PEI Skilled Worker stream is employer-driven, allowing Island employers to fill high-skilled positions that they are unable to fill through the local job market.
| Skilled Workers Outside Canada Stream Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | No |
| Connection to Province | No |
| Job Offer | Yes in NOC O, A, or B |
| Language Proficiency | Minimum of CLB 4 or above |
| Level of Education | Post-Secondary Diploma or Degree (2-years) |
| Work Experience | Have at least two years of full-time work experience in the past five years |
| Age | 18-59 |
| Income/Settlement Funds | Yes |
| Average Processing Time | 18 months |
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is aimed at skilled and semi-skilled individuals looking to move permanently to one of the four Atlantic provinces, in this case namely Prince Edward Island.
There are three programs within the pilot, namely:
- Atlantic International Graduate Program – for international graduates who have just graduated from a Prince Edward Island Institute.
- Atlantic High Skilled Program – for skilled professionals with at least one year of experience and an accredited foreign degree or diploma.
- Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program – for semi-skilled workers with at least one year of experience, the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma, and industry-specific training.
International Graduate Stream
You can apply for a nomination for permanent residency through the International Graduate Stream of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), if you graduated from a publicly-funded PEI post-secondary institution. The International Graduate stream is employer-driven, allowing Island employers to fill positions that they are unable to fill through the local job market.
| International Graduate Stream Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | No |
| Connection to Province | Yes, education |
| Job Offer | Yes, a minimum of 2-years |
| Language Proficiency | Minimum of CLB 4 or above |
| Level of Education | Post-Secondary Diploma or Degree obtained in PEI |
| Work Experience | No |
| Age | 18-59 |
| Income/Settlement Funds | Yes |
| Average Processing Time | 18 months |
Business Start-Up and Entrepreneurship
Work Permit StreamIf you are interested in immigrating to Prince Edward Island and would like to invest in and run a business, you may be eligible for a nomination for permanent residency through the Work Permit Stream of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). This stream is for foreign nationals with business ownership or extensive management experience who would like to move to PEI to start their business, and eventually become a permanent resident.
| Work Permit Stream Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $600, 000 |
| Connection to Province | No |
| Language Proficiency | Minimum of CLB 4 or above |
| Level of Education | Secondary School |
| Work Experience | Have transferable management skills and past employment or business ownership experience; |
| Age | 21-59 |
| Performance Agreement | Yes |
What is a Performance Agreement?
It is an agreement that specifies what requirements you need to meet to get a PN from the province. These requirements are the:
- Reports and watching of guidelines;
- Reports of investments and when they occurred;
- The amount you invested; and
- Requirements of both pre and post nomination
Please note that if you:
- Buy 100% of the company you must hand in a Sale Agreement; or
- Buy 33.33% of the company you must hand in an Investment Agreement
Buy or Sell a PEI Business An online business platform available on the Prince Edward Island Provincial website to connect people looking to buy or sell an existing business in PEI.
FAQ 1: Does Prince Edward Island PNP require a job offer?
For those wanting to immigrate to PEI but do not have a job lined up, the good news is that the PEI Express Entry stream allows you to apply without a job offer from a PEI employer.
In other words, PEI will accept applicants whose skill set is in-demand with the right work experience that aligns with PEI’s labour needs. If the applicant meets the criteria of PEI’s labour force needs, the candidate will most likely receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
You could qualify for a provincial nomination via the PEI PNP Express Entry stream if you meet the requirements of one of the following Express Entry programs:
- *Federal Skilled Worker Program;
- *Federal Skilled Trades Program; or
- *Canadian Experience Class
Have a Federal Express Entry profile
Do you meet the eligibility requirements above? Before going further, you need to read the Workforce Application Guide. You can find all relevant information here.
FAQ 2: Is it easy to get PR in Prince Edward Island?
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program has two parts to it:
- Business Impact
- Labour Impact
There are two easy methods to apply for for permanent residency through the PEI PNP:
- The first method is through the Express Entry stream of the Prince Edward Island PNP which allows for applicants to become a Canadian permanent resident in approximately 6 – 8 months. If you’re applying outside of the Express Entry system, the application can be made via the PEI office of immigration. Once accepted by PEI PNP, the applicant should have an Express Entry profile for potential nomination.
- The second method is through the PNP PEI where the applicant creates an Express Entry profile and creates an Expression of Interest to immigrate to PEI on the system. In turn, PEI PNP will get in touch with the candidate via Express Entry to invite them to apply for the PNP.
Feel free to visit the provincial website to find out more. Click here to find out how you can get a permanent residence in PEI.
FAQ 3: What is the average cost of living in Prince Edward Island?
If you’re thinking about immigrating to Prince Edward Island (PEI) for a better cost of living, you’re looking at $1,409 according to LivingCost.org. This means that the cost of living is 1.14 times less than the average cost of living in many of Canada’s big cities, making it reasonably low. For an extensive overview on the cost of living in Prince Edward Island, feel free to click here.
If you think that Canada is the perfect place for you, but you do not know where to start, just sign up here and we will help start your
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Immigration FAQ’s
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:
- Provincial Nomination;
- Offer of employment;
- Core capital factors;
- Your common-law partner or spouse;
- Skill transferability;
- Previous Canadian study experience;
- Siblings in Canada; and
- French and English Ability
Provincial Nomination (600 Points)
600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Job Offers (50-600 Points)
A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.
Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)
These take into account your level of education, for example:
- Certificate;
- Diploma; or
- Degree
If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.
Language (150 Points)
Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.
Work Experience
The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.
You must:
- Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class
You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:
- You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
- You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program
You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:
- Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
- Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205
If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.
There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:
- Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
- Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The following factors affect your eligibility:
Work Experience
You must:
- Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
- Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
- Have received payment for your work;
- Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
- Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
- Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC
Language Ability
You must:
- Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
- Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
- You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
- Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply
Education
You must:
- Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
- Have completed foreign credentials; or
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC
Proof of Funds
You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:
- You are working in Canada; or
- You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Additional Factors to Be Considered
- Age;
- Valid job offers; and
- Adaptability
This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
- Meet the language requirements for English and French;
- Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
- Have work experience within the past 5 years;
- Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
- Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
- A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority
Skilled Work Experience
These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.
| Group Number | Job Description |
|---|---|
| 72 | Industrial, construction or electrical trades |
| 73 | Equipment operation and maintenance |
| 82 | Technical and supervisors in:
|
| 92 | Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators |
| 632 | Cooks and chefs |
| 633 | Bakers and butchers |
Education
You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:
- Foreign qualifications;
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
- A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree
Language Ability
- Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
- The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
- Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.
Be assessed by the province or territory
Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.
| Job Description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:
- Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
- Have completed foreign credentials
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.
| Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed | Job Level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have language levels need for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.
| Job description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:
- have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
- have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
- completed foreign credentials
Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in:
- the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
- the language tests
| Canadian Language Benchmark score needed | Job level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:
- Read;
- Speak;
- Listen; and
- Write
Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.
Principal Applicant
When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.
Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.
Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.
Inadmissibility
You may be inadmissible if you are:
- Considered a security risk;
- Lied about information in your application or interview;
- Have ties to organised crime;
- Can’t support yourself financially;
- Have terrible financial health;
- Committed a crime outside of Canada;
- Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
- Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live
Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.
These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points
- Age (max 110 points);
- Education (max 150 points);
- Language proficiency (max 160 points);
- Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
- Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
- Additional Factors (max 600 points)
A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:
- A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
- A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.
If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.
