In Canada, the last few months have been very favorable for internationals wanting to live in Prince Edward Island (PIE), as the province has invited 2307 applicants with 2253 expressions of interest for the Work and Express Entry routes, as well as 54 for Business. This is a result seen in this 2024, but the projection for 2025 is better because the provincial nomination programs are expected to surpass the Express Entry route as the primary way to enter Canada. This data fills us with joy because, as immigration consultants at Immiland Canada, we have seen many changes that are impacting the dynamics of entering the country and our clients want to receive friendlier announcements, that is why I wrote this article that talks about the benefits of heading the compass to the most welcoming island in Canada to achieve permanent residency: Prince Edward Island or PEI.

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Prince Edward Island: a province for permanent residency

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The IRCC welcomes all foreigners from around the world who wish to live, study or work in the country, as it is aware of the valuable contribution they make to the economy, however, the requirements to apply for permanent residency are quite specific and the applicant must comply with them to the fullest. Now, this beautiful province is known for offering a very affordable permanent residency plan through its provincial nomination program. Let's see why, below.

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What is the PEI Provincial Nomination Program (PEI PNP) and how does it work?

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This program is an immigration plan with more than two decades of implementation designed to attract and retain foreigners who are able to help meet the economic needs of the province and its labor market.

In order for the region to achieve the economic prosperity it requires, it is necessary for these foreigners to stabilize and work continuously in the province, which is why it is more accessible to apply for permanent residency.

The PEI PNP focuses on immigrants with skills, experience and education. This provincial program selects people based on their intention to live and work on PEI in areas of greatest need, as well as their economic capacity to settle on the island.

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Why is it easier to apply for permanent residency in PEI?

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Because the province requires a workforce of people who have completed high school, but may not have a university education, or their level of English is minimal, CBL 4 (or IELTS) and not 5 or 6 as required for other provinces. This makes for more flexibility in processing applicants' applications. In short, if you are not a technician or professional and have a job offer in PEI, then you are eligible for permanent residency. However, you must have demonstrable experience in the area of work you are applying for.

To compare your English level for free, check this link.

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What is the Occupations in Demand Program?

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Among the various provincial nomination options offered by Prince Edward Island is the In-Demand Occupations option, a program that allows Island employers to fill specific positions that they cannot fill through the local labour market; this stream can be used to recruit talent from within and outside of Canada. 

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Who is eligible for the PEI PNP?

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All those applicants who have a full-time permanent job offer on PEI, and whose NOC/TEERS is on this list:

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• NOC 33102 (Nursing aides, attendants and patient service associates).
• NOC 73300 (Transport truck drivers).
• NOC 75110 (Construction trades helpers and laborers). 
• NOC 65310 (Light cleaners).
• NOC 95109 (Other workers in processing, manufacturing and utilities).
• NOC 75101 (Material Handlers).
• NOC 94140 (Process control and operators of food and beverage processing machines).
• NOC 94141 (Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers).

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In the following IRCC link, you can consult the NOC of your profession. 

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What are the requirements to apply?

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The applicant must have the following:

• The offer of employment in PEI.
• A minimum of one year of full-time work experience in the field indicated in your offer.
• Age between 18 and 59 years old.
• High school diploma.
• A minimum level of English or French IELTS/CLB 4 and prove it through a test accepted by IRCC (these language tests are valid for 2 years after the date of the test result).
• Enough money to cover your stay, immigration payments, travel, etc., for both you and your family. These funds must be proven through legitimate documentation.
• Demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in the province.

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Note: these are the minimum requirements to apply, remember that the PEI province will review each case and select the best profiles, therefore, if your English level is higher than IELTS/CLB 4 and/or if you have studies as a technician in the field for which you have the job offer, you will have a better chance of being selected, 

Even so, what is important is that under this option people who get a job offer outside of Canada, in their home country, can apply for permanent residence before entering the country.

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What can you do if the PEI employer applies and you do not yet have permanent residency?

In this case, you may opt for a closed or interim work permit for you to travel to Canada and start working with your employer until your permanent residency is granted. 

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How to participate in the PEI PNP?

The first thing to do is to make sure you meet the above requirements.

• Learn more about the Workforce Application Guide.
• Create your profile in the Expression of Interest System.
• Verify the account.
• Complete the profile.
• Once you receive the invitation, you will receive an e-mail with your file number and instructions on how to send it.
• Then, you and your employer must fill out the application forms.

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Other advantages of the PEI PNP

In addition to permanent residency, the applicant may travel with his or her partner, spouse or common-law spouse and children under 22 years of age.

If you want to secure a job offer, speaking French at an intermediate level will give you a better chance of being hired.

From the moment you are nominated, you must submit your application for permanent residence to the IRCC along with your provincial nomination certificate.

At Immiland, we provide innovative information to help you travel safely, responsibly and legally to Canada. If you have questions about your immigration case, contact a consultant at info@immilandcanada.com and we will be happy to assist you. Find out about employers and job openings here. 

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 If you want to level your English or French language to have a more competitive profile, we invite you to visit Planeta Immiland Education. Currently, we have a course focused 100% on the Express Entry English level. 

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With love,

Immiland

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