Prince Edward Island issues 109 invitations in February 2026 draw
Prince Edward Island conducted its latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) selection round on February 19, 2026, continuing its scheduled series of draws for the year. The province maintained its focus on attracting candidates with existing ties to the island and alignment with priority labour sectors.
The most recent draw placed particular attention on international graduates from provincial educational institutions, reflecting ongoing efforts to address workforce needs across critical industries.
- 109 invitations were issued through Labour Impact and Express Entry streams.
- Priority given to candidates connected to Prince Edward Island or key economic sectors.
- Healthcare, trades, and manufacturing identified as primary focus areas.
- International graduates from three designated learning institutions were highlighted.
- Sales and service occupations not included in this selection round.
- Next scheduled draws expected on March 19 and April 16, 2026.
Overview of the February 2026 provincial draw
The Office of Immigration for Prince Edward Island confirmed that 109 invitations to apply were issued under the Labour Impact and Express Entry pathways. These pathways enable provincial authorities to nominate candidates for permanent residence who can address local labour demands and contribute to economic development.
According to the province, the latest round continued targeting occupations in sectors experiencing persistent workforce shortages. These include healthcare services, skilled trades, and manufacturing—areas that have seen consistent demand through previous draws.
Emphasis on international graduates
International graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and Collège de l’Île were given additional consideration in this draw. The province’s strategy aims to retain skilled talent trained locally and to strengthen the long-term labour market through post-graduation immigration pathways.
By prioritizing graduates from designated learning institutions, the province continues a trend observed across several provincial nominee programs in Canada, including programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, which also supports retention of local graduates through targeted streams.
Anticipated schedule for upcoming draws
Prince Edward Island has outlined a projected schedule for its invitation rounds throughout 2026. Following the February draw, further rounds are tentatively set for March 19 and April 16, with subsequent draws expected monthly until December.
While these dates are subject to change, the province notes that the schedule provides general planning information for potential candidates and employers. The upcoming draws are currently planned for the following dates:
- March 19, 2026
- April 16, 2026
- May 21, 2026
- June 18, 2026
- July 16, 2026
- August 20, 2026
- September 17, 2026
- October 15, 2026
- November 19, 2026
- December 17, 2026
Provincial priorities and labour needs
Prince Edward Island continues to align its immigration targets with economic and demographic priorities. The province’s nominee program supports both employers seeking skilled workers and international graduates seeking permanent residency opportunities within the province.
The government has reiterated that sectors such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing remain critical for sustaining economic growth. At the same time, draws have not recently included sales and service occupations, reflecting a narrower focus on high-demand skill areas.
Workforce Program Selector Tool
The province operates a Workforce Program Selector Tool, which helps prospective immigrants understand the various workforce pathways available through the PEI PNP. The tool asks candidates a short series of questions about age, education, work experience, and employment offers in order to outline possible eligibility under specific streams.
Officials emphasize that the tool serves as an informational resource to guide prospective applicants through the province’s immigration framework. For complete eligibility and application details, candidates are referred to the official Workforce Application Guide provided by the provincial government.
Background on the PEI Provincial Nominee Program
Established to address regional labour shortages and attract skilled workers, the Prince Edward Island PNP operates several pathways for permanent residency nominations. The Labour Impact and Express Entry categories are among its most active components, each designed to align with federal immigration processes while meeting local needs.
Under the Express Entry category, candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool can receive a nomination from the province, significantly enhancing their overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The Labour Impact category, meanwhile, covers skilled workers and critical workers employed or offered employment by PEI-based employers.
Public relevance and economic impact
This latest draw underscores Prince Edward Island’s focus on stabilizing its labour market amid national competition for skilled workers. The prioritization of graduates from local institutions is part of a broader strategy to retain skilled professionals educated within the province, reinforcing workforce continuity and regional economic resilience.
With the next draw expected in March 2026, the province continues to align immigration activities with its forecasted schedule, providing transparency for employers and prospective nominees alike.
Further updates on the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program and related immigration developments across Canada will continue to be monitored as part of ongoing coverage of provincial immigration trends.