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PEI announces changes to the AIP

Prince Edward Island (PEI) has announced a significant change to its participation in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), limiting the program to workers in three key sectors: healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. As of January 24, 2025, the PEI Office of Immigration will no longer accept endorsement applications for workers in other industries, effectively restricting access to this immigration pathway for many prospective applicants.

The AIP is a federal initiative designed to address labor shortages in Canada’s Atlantic provinces—Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia—by attracting skilled foreign workers and international graduates. The program provides a streamlined pathway to permanent residence (PR) for individuals who secure job offers from designated employers in these regions.

To be eligible for the AIP, applicants must:

• Have a job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province.
• Obtain an endorsement from the province.
• Meet education and work experience requirements, which vary based on the occupation’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) level.
• Demonstrate language proficiency, with minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements based on their occupation’s TEER level.
• Provide proof of settlement funds unless they are already working in Canada.

Despite its success in attracting foreign talent, the AIP has seen changes in response to shifting labor market demands and evolving immigration policies.

The decision to limit AIP participation to healthcare, construction, and manufacturing stems from several factors, including increased demand for PR pathways, a reduction in federal immigration allocations, and the province’s need to prioritize critical labor shortages.

Healthcare, construction, and manufacturing have been identified as industries facing persistent workforce gaps. By concentrating AIP endorsements on these sectors, PEI aims to ensure that foreign workers entering the province contribute directly to economic stability and essential services.

The change means that workers in other sectors, such as hospitality, retail, and administration, will no longer be able to access permanent residency through the AIP in PEI. Instead, they must explore alternative immigration pathways.

Alternative pathways to PR in PEI

Foreign nationals seeking to settle in PEI who do not qualify under the AIP’s new restrictions may consider alternative immigration programs, including:

Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications for permanent residence under three economic immigration programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For candidates with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For candidates with skilled work experience outside Canada who meet education and language requirements.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For skilled trades workers with relevant experience and a job offer or certificate of qualification in Canada.

Eligible candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Those with high CRS scores or those qualifying for category-based draws (such as French-speaking candidates or those in high-demand occupations) have a greater chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

The PEI PNP offers several streams for foreign workers, some of which may be accessible to those no longer eligible for the AIP:

• Critical Worker Stream – For workers in NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupations with an employer in PEI.
• International Graduate Stream – For graduates of PEI postsecondary institutions with a job offer in the province.
• Skilled Worker Stream – For workers in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations with a job offer from a PEI employer.

Occupations in Demand Stream – Specifically for workers in high-demand roles such as nurse aides, transport truck drivers, and construction trades helpers.

PEI PNP nominations provide a strong advantage for PR applicants. Enhanced PNP streams offer an additional 600 CRS points in Express Entry, while base PNP nominations allow direct PR applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What’s next?

PEI’s decision aligns with broader trends in Canadian immigration policy, particularly the federal government’s adjustments to PR targets and program allocations. In the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada reduced economic immigration spots, leading to a decline in the number of AIP allocations across the Atlantic provinces. For 2025, the total AIP admissions cap has been set at 5,000—down from 6,500 in 2024.

This reduction has compelled provinces like PEI to prioritize sectors where labor shortages are most acute. While these measures address immediate workforce needs, they also highlight the growing difficulty for lower-skilled and service-sector workers in securing PR status in Canada.

PEI’s AIP restrictions are likely to have significant impacts on both economic growth and community development. The province has long relied on immigration to sustain its population and workforce, and these changes could reshape demographic trends.

• Increased Competition for PR Spots: With fewer available AIP endorsements, competition among applicants in the three designated sectors will likely intensify. Foreign workers in these industries may face greater scrutiny in job offers and provincial endorsements.
• Shift in Labor Market Dynamics: Employers in non-prioritized sectors will need to explore alternative recruitment strategies, including hiring domestic workers or using temporary work permit programs.
• Potential for Future Policy Revisions: While the new restrictions are intended to address immediate labor shortages, future adjustments remain possible. If demand shifts or labor market conditions change, PEI may reconsider sector limitations or introduce new PR pathways.

Why do people prefer Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is an attractive destination for newcomers seeking a high quality of life, affordability, and a strong sense of community. Known for its stunning coastal landscapes, PEI offers a peaceful environment with beautiful beaches, rolling countryside, and picturesque small towns. The province has a slower pace of life compared to larger Canadian cities, making it an ideal place for individuals and families looking for a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

Another major advantage of moving to PEI is its affordability. Housing costs are significantly lower than in major urban centers like Toronto or Vancouver, allowing newcomers to find comfortable living arrangements without the financial strain often experienced in larger cities. Additionally, PEI has a growing job market, particularly in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing, which are currently prioritized for immigration through the Atlantic Immigration Program.

The island also boasts a strong sense of community, with friendly residents and a culture of inclusivity. It has a vibrant arts scene, excellent local cuisine—especially its famous seafood—and a commitment to sustainability. With access to high-quality education and healthcare, PEI provides an excellent balance between career opportunities and quality of life, making it a desirable destination for those seeking a fresh start in Canada.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.