Prince Edward Island (PEI) Prioritizes Key Sectors in Atlantic Immigration Program

Prince Edward Island (PEI) has implemented new conditions on its participation in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), focusing on specific sectors to address labor market demands. As of January 24, 2025, the PEI Office of Immigration will only endorse AIP applications for foreign nationals working in:

• Healthcare
• Construction
• Manufacturing

This policy change means that foreign nationals working in any other sectors will need to pursue alternative pathways to permanent residence (PR) in PEI. Similarly, employers outside these designated sectors will have to utilize other work permit programs to hire foreign workers. Here's a breakdown of key information

Getting PR through the AIP

To be eligible for the AIP, applicants must meet several criteria, including:

• Having a job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province.
• Having the job offer endorsed by the province.
• Meeting minimum education requirements.
• Demonstrating language proficiency.
• Having relevant work experience or education.
• Possessing sufficient settlement funds.

Alternative PR pathways

Individuals who do not qualify for the AIP under the new restrictions can explore the following options:

• Express Entry:
  • This federal system manages applications for the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
  • Candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
  • A high CRS score increases the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
• PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
  • This program allows PEI to nominate individuals who meet its specific labor market needs.
  • A provincial nomination can significantly increase the chances of federal PR approval.
  • PEI's PNP streams include:
    • Critical Worker.
    • Intermediate Experience.
    • International Graduate.
    • Skilled Worker.
    • Occupations in Demand.
  • All PEI PNP streams have requirements for:
    • Qualifying job offer.
    • Work experience.
    • Education.
    • Language proficiency.
    • Settlement funds.

Reasons for the change

The decision to limit the AIP to specific sectors is driven by:

• Increased demand for immigration.
• A reduction in federal immigration allocations.
• The need to focus on labor shortages in key sectors.
• The Federal government has reduced the amount of AIP spaces for 2025.

This shift in PEI's immigration strategy reflects the need to balance labor market demands with available immigration spaces. It also follows a trend seen in other Atlantic provinces, where similar sector-specific restrictions are being implemented.

Also read-

Canada Express Entry Changes 2025- Significant Changes announced in Express Entry Categories

Canada Unveils Eligibility for New Pathways to Permanent Residency for Home Care Workers

Northwest Territories Nominee Program Reopens with Adjusted Allocations for 2025

AAIP Latest Draws in February 2025- Alberta Invites 212 Skilled Workers Across Five Streams

To know more and apply for Canada PR visa in 2025, through most appropriate Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you may get in touch with our trusted Canada migration expert at Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar