Prince Edward Island (PEI) has made a big change to its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). From January 24, 2025, foreign workers can only apply through this program if they have jobs in healthcare, construction, or manufacturing. This means that if you work in any other sector, you will have to explore different immigration options.
Why is PEI Limiting the AIP?
- The Canadian government has reduced the number of PR spots available for economic immigration.
- The demand for AIP has increased significantly.
- PEI wants to focus on high-demand jobs that benefit its economy.
Who Can Apply for PR Through the AIP?
To be eligible, you must:
✔ Have a job offer from a designated employer in healthcare, construction, or manufacturing.
✔ Get your job offer endorsed by PEI.
✔ Have at least one year of work experience OR a two-year degree from an Atlantic province.
✔ Meet the language requirements (CLB 4 or 5 depending on the job level).
✔ Have enough settlement funds for yourself and your family.
How to Apply for PR Through AIP?
- Get a job offer from a designated employer in PEI.
- Create a settlement plan to show how you’ll adjust to life in PEI.
- Get the job offer endorsed by PEI’s immigration office.
- Apply for PR through the federal government.
Note: If your job is not in healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, you’ll need to look at other immigration programs.
Alternative PR Pathways for PEI
If you don’t qualify for the AIP, don’t worry! Here are other ways you can still move to PEI:
1. Express Entry
This is Canada’s main immigration system for skilled workers. You need to:
- Qualify under one of three federal programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (for those with Canadian work experience)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (for skilled workers outside Canada)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (for trade workers)
- Submit a profile into the Express Entry pool.
- Get a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Tip: The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of getting an ITA. Having strong French skills or working in an in-demand job can improve your score!
2. PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
If Express Entry is too competitive, you can try PEI’s PNP program, which offers several streams:
- Critical Worker Stream (For NOC TEER 4 & 5 jobs)
- Intermediate Experience Stream (For NOC TEER 4 jobs)
- International Graduate Stream (For PEI university graduates)
- Skilled Worker Stream (For NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 & 3 jobs)
- Occupations in Demand Stream (For specific high-demand jobs like truck drivers, nurse aides, and construction workers)
If PEI nominates you through its PNP program, you will either:
- Get 600 extra CRS points (if applying through Express Entry), or
- Get a certificate of nomination, which allows you to apply for PR directly.
Bonus: PEI will issue you a work permit support letter so you can work while your PR application is being processed.
1. What happens if I already applied under the AIP for a different sector?
If your application was submitted before January 24, 2025, it will still be processed. If not, you will need to explore other pathways.
2. Can I still work in PEI if I don’t qualify for AIP?
Yes! You can apply for a work permit through other federal programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP).
3. Is it easier to get PR through Express Entry or the PEI PNP?
It depends on your profile. Express Entry is faster but competitive. If your CRS score is low, PEI PNP might be a better option since it can give you 600 additional points.
4. Do I need a job offer to apply for PEI PNP?
Yes, most PNP streams require a job offer from a PEI employer, except for some categories that target entrepreneurs or high-skilled workers.
5. How do I find a designated employer for AIP?
You can check PEI’s official list of designated employers on their government website. These employers are approved to hire foreign workers.
Final Thoughts
PEI’s new immigration rules mean that only healthcare, construction, and manufacturing workers can use the AIP. But don’t worry—there are still many other ways to immigrate to PEI! Whether it’s through Express Entry, PEI PNP, or a work permit, you still have a strong chance to make PEI your new home.
Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today!
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.