New Additions, Removals, and What it Means for Aspiring Immigrants to Canada’s East Coast
In a significant update to its immigration strategy, Prince Edward Island (PEI) has released a revised list of designated employers approved under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) as of May 15, 2025. This adjustment reflects the province’s evolving workforce demands and commitment to strategically managing immigration amid federal allocation limits.
Also Read PEI Expands Immigration Pathway with Fresh Employer Designations Under Atlantic Program
What Is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal initiative designed to attract skilled foreign workers and international graduates to Canada’s Atlantic provinces: PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who secure employment with designated employers in these regions.
To participate in the AIP, candidates must receive a valid job offer from an employer who has received official designation from the province. This ensures that employers are committed to supporting newcomers and facilitating their long-term settlement in the community.
New Employer Designations in PEI
In the latest update, PEI has granted AIP designation to 20 additional employers, expanding the total number of approved businesses to 364. These newly designated employers represent a mix of sectors, but many fall within the province’s current focus on healthcare, construction, and manufacturing—industries experiencing the most acute labour shortages.
List of Newly Designated Employers
| Employer Name | Sector Relevance |
| 100367 PEI Inc. (The Pilot House) | Hospitality |
| 100542 PEI Inc. (FastSigns) | Custom Graphics & Design |
| 9892788 Canada Inc. (Stay Golden Customs) | Merchandising & Branding |
| ALG (PEI) Management Ltd | Property Management |
| Blackbush Beach Resort | Tourism |
| Cardigan Bearing And Steel Ltd. | Manufacturing |
| CBI Island Health Centre Inc. | Healthcare |
| Highfield Construction Company Ltd. | Construction |
| Jeremy & Joel Holdings Inc. | Real Estate/Services |
| KY Home Solutions Inc. | Construction/Interior Design |
| Larkin Bros Inc. | Manufacturing |
| Majhail Construction Ltd. | Construction |
| Maritime Industrial Services 2022 Inc | Manufacturing |
| Nabuurs Gardens Ltd. | Agriculture |
| Oyster Creek Farms Inc. | Agriculture |
| PEI Lube Limited | Automotive Services |
| Precision G&T Engineering | Engineering/Construction |
| SpryPoint Services Inc | Technology/IT |
| Tethys Aquaculture Canada, Inc. | Aquaculture |
| TopGum Canada Ltd. | Food Production |
Employers associated with healthcare, construction, and manufacturing have been highlighted to reflect PEI’s current immigration intake focus.
Employers Removed from the Designated List
While PEI welcomed new employers to its AIP roster, 14 previously approved companies were removed. This could be due to business closures, changes in compliance, or voluntary withdrawal from the program.
List of Employers No Longer Designated
- Island Abbey Food Science Ltd.
- Pivot Drive Inc.
- Silver Fox Entertainment Complex
- Taco Boyz Inc.
- Taco Boyz II Inc.
- Whisperwood Villa Inc.
- Willscott Farm Ltd.
- Wilmac Construction Inc.
- WM&M (1993) Ltd.
- Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island
- Worklinks Inc.
- XPY Union Ltd.
- Yumi Sushi Inc.
- Z&C Flourish International Ltd.
Why This Update Matters for Prospective Immigrants
As federal quotas tighten, PEI is refining its immigration approach. The province is currently prioritizing AIP applications from job seekers in high-demand sectors—specifically healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. Applications outside these industries are unlikely to be endorsed for now, regardless of employer designation.
It’s important to note that designation does not guarantee job availability. Candidates must still secure employment directly with the listed employers and meet all program requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for the AIP
To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates must meet the following:
- A valid job offer from a designated employer in PEI or another Atlantic province;
- A provincial endorsement of the job offer;
- Educational qualifications: at least a one-year post-secondary credential for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, or high school completion for TEER 2, 3, or 4 jobs;
- Language proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for TEER 0–3 jobs or CLB 4 for TEER 4;
- At least one year of relevant work experience or a two-year post-secondary degree from an Atlantic institution;
- Proof of adequate settlement funds based on family size.
The employer is responsible for seeking provincial endorsement of the job offer. Once endorsed, the candidate receives a Certificate of Endorsement, required to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Work Permits and Fast-Tracking Employment
Eligible AIP candidates can also apply for a special two-year work permit while their permanent residence application is in progress. To do so, their employer must request a referral letter during the job offer endorsement process, which must be included in the work permit application.
This fast-track option allows newcomers to arrive and start working more quickly, which helps both employers and applicants address urgent labour needs.
Other Pathways for Non-Priority Sector Applicants
Applicants not working in healthcare, construction, or manufacturing may consider alternative immigration options, such as:
- Express Entry (federal program based on points for age, education, work experience, and language)
- PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs)
Next Steps for Interested Candidates
Those interested in pursuing immigration through PEI’s AIP should:
- Check if they meet the eligibility criteria;
- Research and apply for roles with designated employers;
- Confirm if the employer is actively hiring and willing to support an endorsement;
- Seek a settlement plan;
- Submit their PR application to IRCC.
Given the complexity of the process and shifting provincial policies, consulting an experienced immigration professional is strongly advised.
Where to Find More Information
To view the complete and updated list of designated employers in PEI, visit the official Government of Prince Edward Island website.
