As of January 24, 2025, Prince Edward Island (PEI) has introduced sector-specific restrictions for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Foreign nationals seeking permanent residency (PR) through the AIP in PEI must now be employed in one of three sectors: healthcare, construction, or manufacturing.
The PEI Office of Immigration has ceased accepting endorsement applications for workers in other industries. This policy shift means that individuals working outside these sectors must explore alternative immigration pathways to settle in the province.
How to Apply for PR Through the AIP
Eligible candidates must follow these steps to apply for PR through the AIP:
- Obtain a settlement plan—this helps applicants integrate into the community.
- Secure provincial endorsement—the employer facilitates this process.
- Submit a PR application to the federal government once the job offer is endorsed.
Since PEI no longer endorses job offers outside the three specified sectors, applicants in other fields will need to consider different PR routes.
Eligibility Requirements for the AIP
The AIP provides a direct PR pathway for foreign workers and international graduates looking to settle in Canada’s Atlantic provinces—PEI, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province.
- Obtain provincial endorsement for the job offer.
- Meet educational requirements, which include:
- A one-year post-secondary credential for NOC TEER 0 or 1 occupations.
- A high school diploma for NOC TEER 2, 3, or 4 occupations.
- Demonstrate language proficiency:
- CLB 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
- CLB 4 for TEER 4 occupations.
- Have at least one year of work experience, or a two-year post-secondary credential earned in an Atlantic province.
- Show proof of settlement funds based on family size.
With PEI restricting AIP endorsements to healthcare, construction, and manufacturing, workers in other sectors will need to explore alternative PR pathways.
Alternative Pathways to Permanent Residence in PEI
For foreign workers and employers affected by the new restrictions, the following immigration pathways remain available:
1. Express Entry
The Express Entry system is a federal immigration pathway for skilled workers. Candidates must meet the criteria for at least one of three programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Express Entry system and enter a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) pool. Higher CRS scores increase the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. Since Express Entry is highly competitive, candidates with strong profiles—such as high language proficiency or work experience in priority sectors—have better chances of selection.
2. PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
For those unable to qualify for the AIP or Express Entry, the PEI PNP provides an alternative route to PR. Provincial nomination either grants 600 additional CRS points (if aligned with Express Entry) or a nomination certificate (for base PNP programs).
Eligible candidates aged 18 to 59 can apply under these PEI PNP streams:
- Critical Worker – for TEER 4 or 5 occupations.
- Intermediate Experience – for TEER 4 occupations.
- International Graduate – for PEI postsecondary institution graduates.
- Skilled Worker – for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
- Occupations in Demand – for workers in high-demand fields such as:
- Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 33102).
- Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300).
- Construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110).
- Light-duty cleaners (NOC 65310).
- Other labourers in manufacturing and utilities (NOC 95109).
- Material handlers (NOC 75101).
- Food and beverage processing operators (NOC 94140).
- Industrial butchers and meat cutters (NOC 94141).
PEI PNP candidates must meet requirements related to job offers, work experience, education, language proficiency, and settlement funds. Successful applicants receive a work permit support letter while their PR application is processed.
What This Means for PEI Employers and Immigrants
With this new restriction, employers outside healthcare, construction, and manufacturing must rely on other pathways to bring in foreign workers. Meanwhile, skilled workers in restricted sectors must reassess their PR strategies and explore Express Entry or the PEI PNP to secure their future in Canada.
For the latest updates on Canada’s immigration policies and PR pathways, follow The Canada Time. Stay informed about changing regulations, draw results, and expert insights into Canadian immigration.
