Prince Edward Island has launched a new stream called the Occupations in Demand stream to assist employers fill high-demand jobs across the province. This stream aims at recruiting talent from both inside and outside of Canada.
The Occupations in Demand stream is an employer-driven program that allows Island employers to fill specialised occupations such as nurse aides, accommodation housekeepers, truck drivers, and construction labourers that they are unable to fill through the local job market.
Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay stated that the province is facing acute labour shortages. There is also an increased demand for specific skills across Prince Edward Island. Owing to these problems, many employers are facing staffing issues and the launch of this stream comes as a relief to address those. Immigration is playing a significant role, more than ever now, to fill the labour gaps and strengthen the workforce. This would help the province move forward towards complete economic recovery.
“Prince Edward Island is facing significant labour shortages, while also experiencing an increased demand for specific skills. Staffing is becoming a significant challenge for many employers and this stream is helping address this issue. More than ever before, immigration has an important role in filling labour gaps and strengthening our workforce so together we can move forward in our province’s economic recovery.”
– Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay
Eligibility
Applicants willing to apply through this stream are required to fulfil the following eligibility criteria in order to qualify for the Occupations in Demand stream:
- have a full-time, non-seasonal permanent job offer from a PEI employer in either
- NOC 3413 (Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates);
- NOC 7511 (Transport truck drivers);
- NOC 7611 (Construction trades helpers and labourers); or
- NOC 6731 (Light duty cleaners).
- have one year of work experience directly related to the job offered by a PEI employer
- be 18 to 59 years old;
- have successfully completed (at minimum) a secondary school diploma (high school);
- provide a valid language test result from an IRCC-approved testing institution, with a minimum score of CLB/NCLC 4. Language tests are valid for 2 years after the date of the test result;
- have sufficient financial resources to pay all immigration costs (including travel expenses) for you and your family to be able to establish in PEI; and
- demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in PEI.
How to Apply
Applicants who wish to apply through the Occupations in Demand stream must first create a profile in the Prince Edward Island Expression of Interest (EOI) system. They need to provide a valid email address and identification information including their passport details. Once the account is verified, the candidates can proceed to complete their profiles. Applicants can only have one active profile at any one time.
The profile in the EOI system remains active for a period of six months. The candidates must ensure that the information provided in their profile is accurate and verifiable. In case the situation changes prior to being invited to apply, they must immediately update their profile. If the situation changes after being invited to apply then they must contact the Office with the new information as this may impact the ultimate decision on their file.
Candidates who are invited to apply will receive an email notification that will include their file number and instructions for submission of their file. After that, they must complete the application forms (PEIW-03) and the employer must also complete their employer forms (PEIW-02).
After receiving a nomination candidates can submit their permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
PEI PNP
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) was launched in 2001. The aim of this program was to attract and retain more immigrants to the province. These newcomers help the province address economic and labour market needs and also achieve economic prosperity.
The province has been attracting more immigrants since the launch of PNP and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) in 2017. The AIP allows employers in Canada’s Atlantic Provinces to hire foreign workers for vacancies that they were unable to fill locally. Canada’s Atlantic Provinces include New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and PEI.
PEI PNP offered three streams prior to the launch of the Occupation in-Demand stream. These are:
The PEI PNP Express Entry is for candidates who have a valid Express Entry profile and who are willing to live and work in Prince Edward Island. They must also have skills that fulfil the current labour market needs in the province.
The Labour Impact Category is for skilled workers and international graduates who have the skills and experience needed in PEI’s labour market. This category is further divided into three streams: Skilled Worker Stream, Critical Worker Stream, and International Graduate Stream.
The Business Impact Category is for people who want to invest in a PEI business. It allows applicants to live in PEI on a work permit to learn about the business they are investing in before receiving a provincial nomination.
