If you're a skilled professional in the U.S. watching the federal Express Entry draws, you know the anxiety. Will the score drop? Will my category be called?
But what if there was a program that told you exactly when it plans to invite candidates, all year long?
PEI is the only province in Canada that publishes its entire anticipated draw schedule for the year in advance. This transparency takes the guesswork out of the process and provides a clear, predictable timeline for applicants.
This guide provides the complete 2025–26 draw schedule, an analysis of the latest draws, and the specific streams that U.S. professionals and entrepreneurs can use to get nominated.
Here are the 12 draw dates PEI has scheduled for 2026. While the Office of Immigration notes this schedule can change based on labour needs, it provides an invaluable framework for your application timeline.
Source: Official PEI Office of Immigration
While the schedule above is the plan, PEI also responds to immediate labour needs. Here’s a look at the draws that have already happened in 2025, including a recent unscheduled draw.
| Invitation Date | Category / Stream | # of Invites | Selection Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 19, 2026 | Labour & Express Entry | 109 | Focusing on individuals with valid job offers in Prince Edward Island and those working in priority sectors aligned with the province’s labour market needs. |
| Jan 15, 2026 | Labour & Express Entry | 26 | nvitations were extended to individuals working in occupations and priority sectors based on economic impact in Prince Edward Island. International graduates from UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de l'Île were prioritized in the invitations. |
This is the most critical update for your 2026 planning.
After a temporary dip in 2025, the new federal 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan shows a massive 66% rebound for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). The total number of PNP admissions (permanent residents) is set to jump from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026.
What this means for you: PEI will have a significantly larger quota, leading to more invitations and more opportunities, especially for those who fit their priority sectors.
For a U.S.-based professional, your strategy for PEI is different from other provinces. It’s less about a high CRS score and all about securing a job offer.
These streams are your primary target.
This stream is for entrepreneurs who want to invest in and actively manage a business in PEI.
This is an excellent, direct path for U.S. business owners looking to expand or immigrate to Canada.