The Canadian province of Prince Edward Island has revealed a new Expression of Interest system for foreign nationals interested in applying to its Provincial Nominee Program, including its Express Entry category.
All Canadian immigration applications through the province’s immigrant nominee program, the PEI PNP, are a three-step process:
Step 1: Create an account and submit a profile in the Expression of Interest system
Step 2: The highest-ranked eligible candidates with a connection to PEI are invited to submit an application to the PEI PNP.
Step 3: After a review of the paper application submitted to PEI’s Office of Immigration, successful candidates submit a separate application for permanent residence to the Government of Canada.
PEI also released a new points grid that awards candidates’ points based on age, language proficiency, education, work experience, employment and adaptability up to a maximum of 100 points.
Submitting an Expression of Interest is not an application, but an indication of your interest in being considered to apply to the PEI PNP.
Express Entry
So, what does this mean for PEI's Express Entry category?
Candidates with an active profile in the Express Entry pool who are interested in applying under PEI’s Express Entry category must also submit an EOI form to PEI and receive a score out of 100 based on the factors listed above.
Successful candidates will receive a provincial nomination from PEI, resulting in 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence at a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.
While a job offer is not required to apply through PEI’s Express Entry category, the Government of PEI says it will prioritize candidates who are currently living and working in the province.