How many invitations did PEI issue in October 2026?

This update is part of the Express Entry draws hub, with the Express Entry guide. Prince Edward Island invited 254 workers to apply for provincial nomination in two selection rounds in October 2026.

The province held an unscheduled draw on October 7 and issued 90 invitations. A second round on October 16 added 164 invitations. Both rounds used the Labour Impact base pathway and the PEI Express Entry enhanced pathway.

With those two rounds, PEI has held 11 provincial immigration draws in 2026 and issued 1,483 invitations to apply in total.

What does a PEI provincial nomination invitation mean for you?

An invitation means you may apply to PEI for provincial nomination within 30 days of the draw.

If the province nominates you, you can apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Nominees who file a permanent residence application may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit. Labour Impact nominees who move forward with a PR application may apply for a BOWP months sooner than in some other cases.

Since June 9, 2026, a temporary measure allows eligible in Canada base PNP applicants to apply for a BOWP without waiting for an Acknowledgement of Receipt from IRCC.

Which workers and graduates did PEI prioritize?

Both October rounds targeted workers in occupations and sectors PEI treats as economically important, including areas where the province faces labour shortages.

Graduates of University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and another in province post secondary institution received priority consideration. PEI’s Expression of Interest draws page lists healthcare, trades, manufacturing, and other key industries among priorities.

PEI does not publish how invitations split between streams or which occupations invited candidates hold. Under Labour Impact, the province uses three streams: Skilled Worker, Critical Worker, and International Graduate.

When is PEI likely to draw again?

PEI plans two more selection rounds in 2026 on November 19 and December 17 according to the schedule published earlier this year.

October was a departure from that plan: the province ran two rounds when only one was scheduled, including the surprise October 7 draw and the October 16 round one day after a published date. PEI has largely kept to its calendar, with eight of 11 draws in 2026 on originally scheduled dates, but the schedule can change.