Prince Edward Island selects 192 workers in unscheduled immigration draw
Prince Edward Island held an unscheduled selection round on Nov 9 2026, selecting 192 candidates for provincial nomination. The invitations are valid for 30 days and target workers in priority sectors as well as graduates of three local post‑secondary institutions.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- 192 candidates invited to apply for provincial nomination in an unscheduled draw
- Timing
- Selection took place on Nov 9 2026
- Who is affected
- Workers in priority sectors and graduates of three PEI post‑secondary institutions
The details
- Announced by
- Prince Edward Island
- Takes effect
- Nov 9 2026
- Previous rule
- Previously, invitations were issued only on dates listed in the 2026 schedule, with upcoming rounds on Nov 19 and Dec 17.
- New rule
- An unscheduled draw was held, selecting 192 candidates who have 30 days to submit a nomination application.
Unscheduled draw overview
On Nov 9 2026 the province conducted a draw outside its published invitation schedule. The round produced 192 invitations that were sent to candidates meeting the province’s labour‑market priorities.
The draw used two pathways – the Labour Impact (base) category and the PEI Express Entry (enhanced) stream – but the province did not disclose how many invitations each pathway received.
- Labour Impact category includes Skilled Worker, Critical Worker and International Graduate streams
- Express Entry pathway follows the enhanced selection criteria
Eligibility and priority groups
Invitations were extended to candidates working in sectors identified as priority by the province, such as healthcare, trades, manufacturing and other key industries facing labour shortages.
International graduates from three PEI institutions – University of Prince Edward Island and two others listed by the province – received priority consideration.
- Priority sectors: healthcare, trades, manufacturing, other key industries
- Priority institutions: University of Prince Edward Island and two additional PEI schools
Application timeline and work‑permit options
Selected candidates have up to 30 days from the invitation date to submit a complete application for provincial nomination. Successful nominees can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.
Nominees who are already in Canada may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) before receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt, under a temporary measure that has been in place since June 9 2026.
- 30‑day window ends on Dec 9 2026 for this draw
- BOWP eligibility applies to in‑Canada base PNP applicants
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travel plans that rely on a PEI nomination must accommodate the 30‑day submission window starting 9 Nov 2026.
- Existing nomination applications are not altered by this unscheduled draw.
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are mentioned for the nomination application arising from this draw.
- Applicants must provide proof of employment in a priority sector or graduation from a listed PEI institution.
What you need to do
- Submit a complete provincial nomination application within 30 days of the invitation (by 9 Dec 2026).
- If nominated and currently residing in Canada, consider applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit before receiving the AOR.
Who this affects
-
Workers in priority sectors
Invitations were extended to candidates working in sectors aligned with provincial priorities such as healthcare, trades and manufacturing.
What to do Submit a nomination application within the 30‑day window.
-
International graduates of University of Prince Edward Island
Graduates of UPEI received priority consideration in the unscheduled draw.
What to do Submit a nomination application within the 30‑day window.
-
Labour Impact (base) pathway candidates
The draw issued invitations through the Labour Impact category, which includes Skilled Worker, Critical Worker and International Graduate streams.
What to do Submit a nomination application within the 30‑day window.
-
Express Entry (enhanced) pathway candidates
The draw also issued invitations through the PEI Express Entry pathway.
What to do Submit a nomination application within the 30‑day window.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Prince Edward Island unscheduled draw on Nov 9 2026?
The unscheduled draw held on Nov 9 2026 invited 192 candidates to apply for provincial nomination, using both Labour Impact and Express Entry pathways, outside the province’s regular invitation schedule.
How many candidates were selected in the PEI unscheduled draw?
A total of 192 candidates received invitations to apply for provincial nomination in the November 9 2026 unscheduled draw.
What is the deadline to submit a nomination application after receiving an invitation?
Invited candidates have 30 days from the date of the invitation to submit a complete nomination application, meaning the deadline for the November 9 2026 draw is 9 December 2026.
Can nominees from this draw apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Yes, nominees who are already in Canada may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit before receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt, under a temporary measure effective since 9 June 2026.
Which occupations or sectors were prioritized in the PEI draw?
The province prioritized workers in healthcare, trades, manufacturing and other key industries facing labour shortages, as well as international graduates from three designated PEI post‑secondary institutions.
Are there any new fees for the provincial nomination after the unscheduled draw?
The announcement does not mention any additional fees for the nomination application resulting from the unscheduled draw.
