FAQs for the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

FAQ – Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program

In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) in Canada and some important information to consider if you are applying under this program for permanent residency in Canada. The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program is an economic immigration program that assists the province of Prince Edward Island to meet its labour market needs. If you feel as though you would be eligible to apply under this program, I suggest you read our article on “Basics of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program in Canada.

Q: What is the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)?

A: The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) is a program that allows skilled foreign nationals to be nominated by the province of Prince Edward Island in order to fill any provincial economic and labour market needs. This program also facilitates the province of Prince Edward Island to nominate skilled foreign nationals with adequate work experience and who qualify under the provincially established criteria to work in Prince Edward Island and obtain permanent residency.

Q: How does the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) work?

A: The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) has five different pathways that you may pursue, which are:

• PEI Express Entry
• Skilled Workers Outside Canada
• Critical Workers
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot for Employers-Designation
• 100% Ownership Stream

For more information pertaining to these pathways please kindly read our article “Basics of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program.”

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the Critical Worker Stream?

A: In order to be eligible under the Critical Worker stream, a skilled foreign national must:

• Have a minimum score of 50 on the Labour Impact Self-Assessment
• Have a full-time and long-term valid job offer from a Prince Edward Island employer in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level C or D in any of the following occupations: customer service representative; truck driver; labourer; food & beverage server; or housekeeping attendant.
• Have at least six months of full-time work experience from the PEI employer.
• Have a valid work permit and, in turn, legal status in Canada.
• Attend an interview at the Office of Immigration (if requested).
• Have at least a secondary school education (or the equivalent).
• Be between 21 and 59 years old.
• Acquire a minimum of two years of full-time work experience or relevant education experience in the last 5 years.
• Provide a valid language test result obtained within the last 2 years (CELPIP, IEKTS and/or TEF).  A minimum standard of Canadian Language Benchmark of 4 must be obtained in each of the four categories (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
• Have sufficient funds to pay all immigration costs (including travel expenses) for themselves and any accompanying family members to be able to establish themselves in PEI.
• Demonstrate an intention to settle and reside in PEI.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the PEI Express Entry Stream?

A: In order to be eligible under the PEI Express Entry Stream, a skilled foreign national must:

• Meet and satisfy all of the eligibility requirements in at least one of the Federal Economic Immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program; the Federal Skilled Trades Program; or, the Canadian Experience Class.
• Create and register a Federal Express Entry Profile and enter the pool of eligible candidates

Q: How can I increase my chances of being nominated through the PEI PNP?

A: This is a common question that many foreign nationals have when applying through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program. The chances of being nominated significantly increase if you are already established and working in PEI; you must have proper authorization, i.e. a work permit. Additionally, if you have family members that also live in PEI, this will also increase your chances of being nominated. Alternatively, if you have at least one year of work experience or have previously studied in an educational institution in PEI, this will also increase your chances. If you are so fortunate to have all of the aforementioned factors, then your chances of being nominated will be quite high.

Q: How do I become a designated employer through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot for Employers-Designation?

A: In order to be eligible as a PEI employer and participate in this specific Pilot, you must:

• Desire to hire a full-time, international foreign worker (non-seasonal)
• Be in good standing with the provincial as well as the federal standards and legislation in coordination with the program guidelines
• Demonstrate that you are well-prepared to meet the settlement needs of the foreign national and any of their accompanying family members and you must commit and agree to do so
• Understand and commit to the reporting requirements of this program

Contact Akrami & Associates

Should you have any further questions or feel confused or unclear about how to apply for the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, it is important to ask all questions you may have and discuss your concerns. By talking to immigration professionals about your concerns, this will ease your worries and assist with the PEI PNP application process. Many immigration applications are difficult to pursue on your own and it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients obtain permanent residency through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program and are now happily living in PEI. If you believe that you may be eligible to apply to the PEI PNP, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advice.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!