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PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM /
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prince Edward Island Nominee Program?
The Prince Edward Island Nominee Program was created through an Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island. It allows the Province to recruit immigrants to meet its socio-economic and labour market needs.
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How do I apply?
Once you decide you would like to settle and work in PEI, you begin the immigration process by completing a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you meet the criteria set by the Province for nomination. If you score approximately 50 points or more, we invite you to send your Pre-Assessment Form to be reviewed by a Program Officer. Depending upon whether you are applying as a skilled worker, an immigrant entrepreneur or an immigrant partner, the next steps are somewhat different.
The provisions for each category are outlined later and the Program Officer will provide further information to speed processing of your application.
Applicants under the PEI Nominee Program must not submit any applications or documents to an embassy, high commission or consulate unless they are instructed to do so by the Immigration & Investment Program Officer.
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Do I need to have an immigration agent or immigration lawyer to apply?
No. The Government of Canada website www.cic.gc.ca and the Government of Prince Edward Island website www.gov.pe.ca/immigration provide comprehensive guidance about the forms to be completed, the documentation required and processing. Please note: The Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) has not entered into exclusive arrangements with one or more immigration agents/lawyers to market the nominee program. Agents may not make representations of an exclusive relationship with the Province of PEI and we would appreciate being notified if this should occur.
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Will I need to have a medical examination?
A person who is nominated as a Provincial Nominee, his or her spouse/common-law partner and dependent children, will ALL be required to have a medical examination, in accordance with regulations set by Citizenship & Immigration Canada. Any related costs are the responsibility of the applicant. Successful applicants will receive further instructions from the embassy, high commission or consulate regarding how and when to complete these tasks.
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Will I be subjected to background and other checks?
All applicants over the age of 18 will require a background check which will include security, criminality and related checks. Any costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
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Will I need to be registered or licensed to work in Prince Edward Island?
Many occupations require registration or licensing to work in Prince Edward Island. If you have enough points in the selection criteria to qualify as a Provincial Nominee, you may apply, even if your occupation is regulated or requires licensing. A Program Officer will inform you of the requirements which may be applicable and points of contact for the regulatory body.
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How much money must I bring with me to settle in Prince Edward Island?
The Government of Canada requires that you have at least C $9,186 for the principal applicant plus additional funds for dependents. Please refer to the federal regulations at www.cic.gc.ca
The amount of money that you need to be selected as a Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee will depend on other factors, such as the program element under which you are applying. We may ask for further information about your financial resources, as necessary.
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How long will it take for me to receive a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa?
Processing time by Citizenship & Immigration Canada will vary. Errors and omissions in documentation will delay processing of your application, including:
- errors, omissions, inconsistencies or unsigned application forms
- missing documents
- insufficient postage
- incorrect or missing fees
- unclear photocopies
- documents not accompanied by a certified English or French translation
- a medical condition which may require additional tests
- unsatisfactory security/background or criminal checks
- family situations such as divorce, family support/maintenance or child custody matters
- failure to notify the Canadian visa office of a change of address
Your application will be processed more quickly if you are careful in assembling your application to avoid these problems.
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If I am successful in obtaining 50 points on my self-assessment, am I guaranteed the support of the Government of Prince Edward Island in obtaining Provincial Nominee Class status?
There are no guarantees. Obtaining a score of 50, or any other score, does not automatically qualify an applicant for nomination by the Government of PEI.
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If I am currently applying for a Canadian visa under another class, may I apply instead to the PEI Nominee Program for consideration?
Yes. Please contact the Program Officer for further information.
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Are there any costs associated with making this application?
Yes. Once your application is complete, it must be submitted with the fee of C $1,500. The fee is payable by a bank draft, money order or a similar banking instrument clearable through the Canadian Payments System by a chartered bank. The application fee is to be made payable to "Island Investment Development Inc". This is a non-refundable application fee. Payment does not in any way guarantee approval of your application.
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Am I required to visit Prince Edward Island as part of this application process?
For skilled workers, the Province may require the applicant to make an exploratory visit to PEI for a pre-nomination interview and to familiarize themselves with the local culture, quality of life and employment opportunities.
Immigrant entrepreneurs and immigrant partners are required to make an exploratory visit to PEI to also assess the business climate and specific investment opportunities. The suggested length of stay is five business days and the mandatory length of stay is three business days. During the official interview, applicants will be asked to provide evidence of the length of stay.
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Must I or others in my family attend an interview with Citizenship & Immigration Canada?
When the Province sends your Nomination Certificate to the appropriate embassy, high commission or consulate and your documents have been received, a Citizenship & Immigration Canada visa officer will review your application and decide whether or not an interview is necessary. If an interview is deemed necessary, you will be informed of the time and place. Your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children aged 18 or over will be asked to accompany you.
The visa officer may ask you about your work experience, education, reasons for emigrating, and resettlement plans. The officer may also ask about your family, spouse/common-law partner and/or dependents, your health, financial situation or past difficulties with the law.
Your answers will help in the assessment of your personal suitability, occupational adaptability, resourcefulness and overall ability to settle successfully in PEI.
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Do I need a passport or travel document?
You and your dependents must have passports or travel documents that are valid. If any documents are soon to expire, you should renew them. Diplomatic, official, service or public affairs passports cannot be used to immigrate to Canada. You must have a valid regular or private passport when you arrive. The validity of your visa may be affected by the validity of your passport.
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I cannot fit all the information on the application form and what if the information changes?
You should complete the form by printing or typing clearly and you must sign your application form. If you need more space to answer questions, attach separate pages. When you have signed the form, it becomes a legal document and the information you have provided must be truthful, complete and correct.
It is a serious offense under the Immigration & Refugee Protection Act to knowingly make a false or misleading statement. If any information changes before you arrive in Canada (even if your visa has already been issued), you must inform the embassy, high commission or consulate to which you applied, in writing.
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Does it help to have a relative in Prince Edward Island?
Yes. If you or your spouse/common-law partner have a close relative in PEI, you may have a better chance of qualifying for the Nominee Program. Your relative in PEI must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen who is 18 years of age or over. You must provide documentation to prove the relationship.
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What fees must I pay?
If you are approved as a Provincial Nominee, you will have to pay to the Government of Canada a processing fee for yourself and each member of your family when your application for immigration is submitted to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate. Fees and instructions can be found at www.cic.gc.ca
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DO NOT INCLUDE PAYMENT FOR ANY FEES PAYABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WHEN YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION FOR THE PEI NOMINEE PROGRAM. THE ONLY FEE PAYABLE IS THE APPLICATION FEE OF C$1,500. WHICH MUST BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.
