The PEI Express Entry is a pathway to permanent residency in Canada, facilitated through the PEI PNP. Unlike many other Express Entry-aligned PNP streams, this does not require candidates to have a job offer. Instead, candidates are evaluated based on how well their skills and work experience meet the labour needs of PEI. This program is designed to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to the economic growth and development of Prince Edward Island.
Table of Contents
- PEI Express Entry Eligibility Criteria
- Prince Edward Island Express Entry Points Grid
- PEI Express Entry FAQs
PEI Express Entry Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for nomination through the PEI Express Entry, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Federal Economic Immigration Programs: Applicants must meet the requirements of at least one of the following Federal Economic Immigration programs:
2. Federal Express Entry Profile: Applicants must create a Federal Express Entry Profile and be placed in the pool of candidates. Profiles can be created at any time through IRCC.
3. Provincial Prioritization: Prince Edward Island prioritizes invitations issued through Express Entry for applicants who are currently working and living in the province with an eligible PEI employer.
Additional Requirements for Specific Work Permits: If an applicant holds a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and graduated from an institution outside of PEI, or has a spousal open work permit as a result of their spouse’s study permit from an institution outside of PEI, they must:
- Show nine months of continuous full-time work experience with the PEI employer supporting their immigration.
- Have at least four months remaining on their work permit at the time of submission of their Expression of Interest.
PEI Express Entry Points Grid
PEI PNP uses a comprehensive Points Grid to assess and score candidates applying through the Express Entry stream. The Points Grid considers core factors such as age, language proficiency, education, skilled work experience, and adaptability. Each factor is assigned a maximum point value, with candidates’ total scores determining their ranking and nomination likelihood.
| Factors | Express Entrywith a Job Offer | Express Entrywithout a Job Offer |
| Age | 20 | 20 |
| Language | 20 | 20 |
| Education | 15 | 15 |
| Work Experience | 15 | 20 |
| Employment | 15 | 10 |
| Adaptability | 15 | 15 |
| Maximum Points | 100 | 100 |
Age
Candidates are awarded points based on their age category, with younger applicants typically receiving higher scores to reflect their potential contribution to the labour market.
| Age | Express Entry with a Job Offer | Express Entry without a Job Offer |
| 18-24 | 7 | 7 |
| 25-29 | 20 | 20 |
| 30-44 | 15 | 15 |
| 45-49 | 10 | 10 |
| Over 49 | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum Points | 20 | 20 |
Language Proficiency
Language proficiency is evaluated based on language test results. Proficiency in English or French, as demonstrated through standardized tests, is essential for effective communication in the workplace and integration into the local community.
| CLB / NCLC | Express Entry with a Job Offer | Express Entry without a Job Offer |
| 9 or 10 | 20 | 20 |
| 8 | 15 | 15 |
| 7 | 10 | 10 |
| Below 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum Points | 20 | 20 |
Education
Candidates earn points based on their highest level of education completed. Higher education levels, such as master’s degrees or PhDs, often result in more points, highlighting the importance of advanced education in the selection process.
| Education | Express Entry with a Job Offer | Express Entry without a Job Offer |
| Master’s or PhD | 15 | 15 |
| Bachelor’s degree of minimum three years | 12 | 12 |
| Post‐secondary diploma of minimum one year | 10 | 10 |
| Secondary school graduate | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum Points | 15 | 15 |
Work Experience
Candidates with extensive work experience, especially in relevant fields, are likely to receive higher scores, emphasizing the value of practical experience in the assessment process.
| Work Experience | Express Entry with a Job Offer | Express Entry without a Job Offer |
| More than 6 years | 15 | 20 |
| 4 – 6 years | 15 | 15 |
| 2 – 4 years | 10 | 10 |
| 1 – 2 years | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum Points | 15 | 20 |
Employment
Points for employment are awarded for factors like having a job offer in PEI related to education or working in a permanent position in the province with a valid work permit. Candidates with secure employment arrangements are likely to score higher in this category.
| Employment | Express Entry with a Job Offer | Express Entry without a Job Offer |
| Have a permanent position in the province with a valid work permit | 5 | – |
| Job offer in PEI related to education | 5 | – |
| Foreign qualification verified with PEI regulated body apart from ECA | 5 | 5 |
| Minimum of 1 year of continuous full‐time work experience in the province | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum Points | 15 | 10 |
Adaptability
Adaptability considers candidates’ ability to settle successfully in Prince Edward Island. Points are awarded for factors like having close family members in PEI, owning residential property in the province, or graduating from a recognized PEI post-secondary institution, demonstrating an applicant’s potential for successful integration and long-term settlement.
| Adaptability | Express Entry with a Job Offer | Express Entry without a Job Offer |
| Have one or more immediate family members residing in PEI continuously for a minimum of 12 months.They must hold either permanent residency or Canadian citizenship. | 5 | 5 |
| Either spouse or common‐law partner or dependent child has CLB/NCLC 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Has a residential property in PEI for a minimum of 12 consecutive months | 5 | 5 |
| Graduated from a recognized PEI post-secondary institution | 5 | 5 |
| Either spouse or common‐law partner has a minimum of 3 years of work experience in the last 5 years | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum Points | 15 | 15 |
The PEI Express Entry stream offers a valuable pathway to Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers with in-demand occupations in Prince Edward Island PNP. By aligning with the federal Express Entry system, the program grants a significant CRS boost to qualifying candidates. The stream assesses applicants based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, employment, and adaptability.
PEI Express Entry FAQs
1. What is PEI Express Entry?
A. PEI Express Entry stream lets you apply for a provincial nomination from Prince Edward Island if you’re already in the federal Express Entry pool. This nomination boosts your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the Express Entry draw.
2. How does PEI Express Entry work?
A. For PEI Express Entry, you’ll need to create a profile in the EOI system, complete your application, and wait for an invitation to apply. If invited, you’ll need to fill out the application and employer forms. Once submitted, you’ll await approval for Permanent Residency by IRCC.
3. If I have a job offer from a PEI employer, do I automatically get nominated by the province for the PEI Express Entry stream?
A. No, having a qualifying job offer doesn’t guarantee nomination. PEI will assess your Express Entry profile using their Points Grid system to determine if you meet the requirements for nomination based on other factors like age, education, language ability, etc.
4. What if I don’t have a job offer in PEI, can I still get nominated through this stream?
A. Yes, you can still get a nomination through this stream even if you don’t have a job offer in PEI.
5. Do I need to create a new Express Entry profile for the PEI Express Entry stream?
A. No, you only need one active Express Entry profile to be considered by PEI. If you meet the criteria for any federal economic immigration program, PEI will assess your profile.
