Prince Edward Island’s Office of Immigration published the results of its latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on February 22, 2026. Although the invitations were issued on February 19, the full breakdown released on the 22nd confirms that 109 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams. The province maintained its 2026 policy of putting international graduates at the front of the queue. Graduates of the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College and Collège de l’Île again benefited from priority processing, provided they held job offers in sectors facing chronic shortages—health care, skilled trades and advanced manufacturing. In a departure from early-2020s practice, PEI explicitly excluded most sales-and-service occupations, arguing that labour gaps in those roles can be filled domestically. Under PEI’s EOI-based system, candidates require a minimum score of 65.
![Prince Edward Island PNP Draw Continues to Favour International Graduates]()
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However, officials confirmed that the effective cut-off for this draw rose to the mid-70s because nearly two-thirds of invited profiles had Canadian study experience or provincial work experience. Employers welcomed the move, saying it reduces onboarding time and helps retention, since graduates have already lived on the Island. For employers outside the Charlottetown-Summerside corridor, the province has introduced a new settlement bonus—CAD 2,500 paid to newcomers who accept positions in designated rural areas and remain there for 12 months. The Office of Immigration will monitor outcomes through mandatory newcomer surveys, with the data feeding directly into its 2027 allocation request to IRCC. Looking ahead, PEI reaffirmed its anticipated draw calendar (the next rounds are pencilled in for March 19 and April 16). Candidates have 60 days to submit complete applications; once nominated, they may apply for permanent residence via IRCC, which is currently processing PEI PNP cases in an average of eight months. Employers are advised to file Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemptions promptly to avoid gaps in work permit status.
Applicants who need help assembling their paperwork or securing related travel documents can turn to VisaHQ. The platform’s dedicated Canada page (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) guides users through visa options, provides document checklists and offers end-to-end application support—making the immigration process smoother for both principal applicants and accompanying family members.
However, officials confirmed that the effective cut-off for this draw rose to the mid-70s because nearly two-thirds of invited profiles had Canadian study experience or provincial work experience. Employers welcomed the move, saying it reduces onboarding time and helps retention, since graduates have already lived on the Island. For employers outside the Charlottetown-Summerside corridor, the province has introduced a new settlement bonus—CAD 2,500 paid to newcomers who accept positions in designated rural areas and remain there for 12 months. The Office of Immigration will monitor outcomes through mandatory newcomer surveys, with the data feeding directly into its 2027 allocation request to IRCC. Looking ahead, PEI reaffirmed its anticipated draw calendar (the next rounds are pencilled in for March 19 and April 16). Candidates have 60 days to submit complete applications; once nominated, they may apply for permanent residence via IRCC, which is currently processing PEI PNP cases in an average of eight months. Employers are advised to file Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemptions promptly to avoid gaps in work permit status.
