PEI Invites 166 Candidates in December 15 PNP Draw

This draw focused on candidates working in priority occupations and sectors that support PEI’s economic needs. Preference was given to those already living and working in the province, including international graduates from PEI institutions. 

A Quick Look at the December 15 Draw 

Total invitations: 166 

Streams included: Labour & Express Entry 

Business Work Permit invitations: 0 

Priority focus: 

• Candidates working in priority occupations and sectors

• Individuals employed by a PEI employer

• International graduates from:

• University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)

• Holland College

• Collège de l’Île 

As with recent draws, PEI continued to prioritize applicants who are already living and working on the island. 

Where This Draw Fits Into PEI’s 2025 Pattern 

This December 15 round follows the steady approach PEI has used throughout 2025. Most draws this year have landed in the 150–190 invitation range, with a focus on targeted job market needs rather than large intakes. 

PEI had previously listed December 18 as its next draw date on the provincial schedule. This round, however, took place a few days earlier, which may suggest the province is wrapping up its nomination activity slightly ahead of schedule. While PEI has not confirmed whether more draws will take place, this round is likely the final PEI PNP draw of 2025. 

That possibility comes despite the province receiving a larger nomination allocation in October. Prince Edward Island received 575 additional permanent residency nominations, raising its total allocation for 2025 to 1,600 spots. Since then, the province has used its added nomination capacity to target specific labour market needs and retain workers already in PEI, keeping draws relatively small and focused.

Employers in sectors like healthcare and construction have said staffing gaps are driving up costs and making it harder to keep services running smoothly. Provincial officials have pointed to immigration as one of the key tools to ease these pressures, especially by helping workers who are already in PEI stay long term and fill critical roles. This draw fits that approach by prioritizing people who are already contributing to the island’s workforce. 

What This Means for Candidates 

As 2025 draws towards a close, one thing is clear: the PEI is focused on workers who are already helping the local economy. And the focus doesn’t seem like it will be changing as we head into 2026. The province continues to prioritize jobs in healthcare, trades, construction, and childcare, where employers are still struggling to find enough workers. Industry leaders have said immigration is key to keeping these sectors running, especially as the population gets older and labour needs grow. 
 

For candidates, the message is simple. Even if PEI gets more nomination spaces in 2026, selection is still likely to be competitive. Having local work experience, employer support, and real ties to the island will continue to matter most if you plan to apply through PEI.