Prince Edward Island Limits Atlantic Immigration Program to Workers in Three Sectors
In a significant move to align immigration with provincial labor needs, Prince Edward Island (PEI) has announced a major restriction to its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). As of January 24, 2025, the program will now only accept applications from foreign workers in three key sectors: healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.
This policy change narrows the eligibility criteria for individuals hoping to immigrate to PEI through the AIP. Previously, the program was open to a broader range of occupations. Now, only those with job offers in the specified sectors will qualify for permanent residency (PR) through this pathway.
Why the Change?
The decision comes in response to a reduction in the federal allocation of AIP spots for Atlantic provinces. In 2024, the region had 6,500 spots available, but this number has been cut to 5,000 for 2025. With fewer spots available and a growing pool of applicants, PEI opted to focus on sectors facing critical labor shortages.
Healthcare, construction, and manufacturing are deemed essential to the province’s economic stability and growth. By prioritizing these industries, PEI aims to address specific labor market gaps while maximizing the impact of its limited immigration allocations.
How Other Provinces Are Adjusting
PEI is not alone in making such adjustments. Neighboring provinces have also implemented targeted changes to their AIP programs. Nova Scotia is now prioritizing healthcare, social assistance, and construction, while Newfoundland and Labrador focus on healthcare, information and communication technology (ICT), and agriculture. New Brunswick, on the other hand, has paused its AIP intake for 2025 after reaching its allocation cap.
These adjustments reflect a broader trend across Atlantic Canada, where provinces are increasingly aligning immigration policies with local labor market needs.
Details of PEI’s New AIP Limits and Application Process
Under the revised AIP framework, PEI will only accept new endorsement application packages from workers in the healthcare, construction, and manufacturing sectors for the remainder of 2025. Employers outside these three industries will not be designated under the AIP this year, further streamlining the program to meet provincial labor demands.
While the AIP is now restricted to specific sectors, foreign nationals working in other industries can still pursue immigration to PEI through the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This alternative pathway remains open to candidates who do not qualify under the updated AIP criteria.
Application Requirements and Process
The AIP remains an employer-driven pathway to permanent residency (PR) for skilled workers and international graduates. To qualify under the revised program in PEI, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the prioritized sectors: healthcare, construction, or manufacturing.
- The job offer must be endorsed by the province to proceed with the application.
- Candidates may apply for a temporary work permit to start working in PEI while their PR application is being processed.
- Effective July 29, 2025, applicants must demonstrate they have adequate settlement funds, aligned with Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) rates. For example:
- A single applicant must show at least $3,815 CAD.
- A family of four requires $7,090 CAD.
Impact and Alternatives for Foreign Workers
This policy change significantly narrows the pathway for foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to PEI through the AIP if they are not employed in the healthcare, construction, or manufacturing sectors. Those in other professions must explore alternative immigration routes, such as:
- The PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which accepts Expressions of Interest from workers in other industries.
- Other provincial or federal immigration streams, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and goals.
This shift underscores PEI’s strategy to align immigration with sector-specific labor market needs, ensuring the limited federal allocations are used to maximum effect.
2025 AIP Sector Priorities Across Atlantic Provinces
| Province | Prioritized Sectors for AIP 2025 |
|---|---|
| Prince Edward Island | Healthcare, construction, manufacturing |
| Nova Scotia | Healthcare/social assistance, construction |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Healthcare, ICT, agriculture |
| New Brunswick | Paused AIP for 2025 |
This targeted approach reflects the evolving labor market needs and federal immigration allocations across Atlantic Canada.
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Conclusion
Prince Edward Island’s decision to limit the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) to healthcare, construction, and manufacturing sectors reflects a strategic alignment with the province’s labor market needs. By focusing on these critical industries, PEI aims to address labor shortages while optimizing the use of its federal immigration allocations. While this change narrows eligibility for the AIP, alternative pathways such as the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remain available for foreign workers in other sectors. This targeted approach underscores PEI’s commitment to ensuring immigration policies support the province’s economic stability and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why has PEI limited the Atlantic Immigration Program to specific sectors?
PEI has restricted the AIP to healthcare, construction, and manufacturing due to reduced federal allocations and to address critical labor shortages in these sectors.
Which sectors are now eligible under PEI’s AIP?
As of January 24, 2025, only foreign workers in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing are eligible to apply under PEI’s AIP.
What are the key requirements for applying under the revised AIP?
Applicants must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the prioritized sectors, obtain provincial endorsement, and meet settlement fund requirements starting July 29, 2025.
What options are available for workers outside the specified sectors?
Foreign workers in other sectors can apply through the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or explore other federal or provincial immigration streams.
How are other Atlantic provinces adjusting their AIP programs?
Nova Scotia is focusing on healthcare, social assistance, and construction; Newfoundland and Labrador on healthcare, ICT, and agriculture; and New Brunswick has paused its AIP intake for 2025.
What are the settlement fund requirements for AIP applicants?
As of July 29, 2025, applicants must demonstrate settlement funds based on Canada’s LICO rates, such as $3,815 CAD for a single applicant and $7,090 CAD for a family of four.
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