PEI Work Permit Stream: Build a Business on the Island, Earn Your PR
Prince Edward Island nominates experienced entrepreneurs who start a business on the Island, run it for a year on a work permit and meet a signed Performance Agreement. Entry is by a points-based Expression of Interest and invitation. We check your score and your plan before you pay the $10,000 application fee.
since 1991
What is the PEI Work Permit Stream?
The PEI Work Permit Stream is the entrepreneur route of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, under the Business Impact Category. You start and run a business on the Island on a work permit for at least 12 months, and PEI can then nominate you for permanent residence.
Entry is by a points-based Expression of Interest. PEI invites candidates when its yearly nomination allocation and capacity allow, and it can limit intake.
Is PEI inviting entrepreneurs right now?
Not in recent draws. PEI has put its nominations into labour-shortage sectors such as healthcare, childcare and skilled trades, and its published draws have not invited Work Permit Stream candidates. The stream and its rules remain published, and you can still submit a profile, but it may sit unselected until PEI resumes business draws.
Ask us for the current status before you spend money on a business plan.
Why entrepreneurs consider PEI
- A moderate investment: $150,000 within 12 months of landing
- Community support: an endorsement earns up to 15 points and local business help
- One year to prove it: operate for 12 months, then ask for nomination
- A partial refund: $7,500 of the fee comes back if your file is declined before the interview
Is the PEI Work Permit Stream right for you?
An honest check before you spend money on a plan.
A good fit if you have
- $600,000 in verifiable net worth that you built legally in your own right
- Business ownership or senior management experience in the last 5 to 7 years
- Age 21 to 59 and at least CLB 4 in English or French
- A plan to live in PEI at least 274 days a year and run the business daily
Consider another route if
- You would be a passive investor
- Your net worth depends on gifts, private loans or vehicles, which do not count
- You cannot spend 274 days a year in PEI
A job-based route may fit better. See the skilled-worker PNP or Express Entry.
PEI Work Permit Stream requirements
You must meet every minimum before you submit an Expression of Interest. PEI publishes the rules in its Business Impact guide, and after nomination you apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
Business experience
Ownership or senior management experience with transferable management skills. The top points go to owners of more than 50% who managed the business 5 of the last 7 years.
Net worth
At least $600,000, built legally in your own right. Business equity counts only if you own 70% or more, at 30% of its value, up to $180,000.
Investment
Invest at least $150,000 in your PEI business within 12 months of landing. Your financial statements must show $75,000 or more in eligible operating expenses.
Age and education
Age 21 to 59 and at least a secondary school education. Age earns up to 30 points and education up to 20.
Language
At least CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French. Your lowest skill sets your points, from 0 at CLB 4 to 50 at CLB 9 or 10.
Not sure you qualify?
Tell us your experience, net worth and business idea. We test your score before you commit to a plan.
How PEI scores and picks you
The points grid
Six categories add up to 200 points: age 30, language 50, education 20, experience 50, community endorsement 15 and adaptability 35. Proof of both English and French adds a 10-point bonus.
Community endorsement
A written endorsement from a rural community earns 15 points, and one from the capital region earns 10. You must then open your business in that community.
Adaptability
Ties to PEI earn points: children in a PEI school, a spouse who graduated there, family living there, or farming experience.
Profile validity
Your profile stays active for 6 months. Update it if your situation changes before you are invited.
How invitations work
PEI invites candidates based on yearly allocations, processing capacity and provincial needs. It can limit intake or exclude profiles from a draw.
60 days to apply
After an invitation you have up to 60 days to submit your full application with the $10,000 fee.
Compare other routes
PEI not the right fit? These pages cover other business provinces and the main skilled-worker routes.
Your application package
Every document must be current and complete. A missing item can close your file.
Expression of Interest
You create a profile with your passport details. It stays active for 6 months and you can update it.
Business plan
PEI tests your plan at an in-person interview. Show research into your industry, finances, marketing, staffing and your own role.
Net worth report
Grant Thornton or MNP verifies your net worth. Engage them within 15 days of your invitation. They have 90 days, and the report is valid for 12 months.
Language and credentials
A language test under 2 years old from an IRCC-approved institute, proof of education and the provincial and federal forms.
The $10,000 fee
It comes with your application. You get all of it back if PEI does not accept your file, $7,500 if you are declined or withdraw before the interview, and nothing after it.
Want your plan reviewed?
We check your points and your business plan before you submit anything, and before you pay the fee.
How the PEI Work Permit Stream works, step by step
Six stages from your profile to your PR application.
Check your fit
We test your net worth, experience and score against the rules, and check your business idea against the ineligible business list on the PEI website.
Build your profile and plan
Create your Expression of Interest profile and prepare the business plan you will present at the interview.
Wait for your invitation
PEI ranks profiles by points and invites candidates as its allocation and capacity allow.
Apply and verify your net worth
Submit your application and the $10,000 fee within 60 days. Engage your verifier within 15 days.
Interview, agreement and work permit
Attend the in-person interview, sign the Performance Agreement, then apply to IRCC for your work permit.
Operate, get nominated, apply for PR
Run the business for at least 12 consecutive months, ask for nomination, then apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
After you are approved
Your Performance Agreement sets what you must do on the Island.
Report in person
Meet the Office of Immigration in person within 30 days of arriving in Canada to stay in compliance.
Live on the Island
You and your accompanying family keep a residence in PEI and are there at least 274 days a year.
Invest in the business
Invest at least $150,000 in your PEI business within 12 months of landing.
Operate for a year
Run the business for 12 consecutive months with active daily management, and show $75,000 or more in eligible operating expenses.
Apply for PR
After PEI nominates you, apply to IRCC. IRCC makes the final decision.
Want a second set of eyes?
We track your deadlines from your EOI to your PR application.
Costs and timelines
Typical costs for a single applicant, confirmed during your consultation because government fees change.
Check your PEI points in 2 minutes
Answer 8 short questions. The tool estimates your score on the 200-point grid. It is general guidance, not a decision.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases, from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
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PEI Work Permit Stream FAQs
What is the PEI Work Permit Stream?
It is the entrepreneur route of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, under the Business Impact Category. You start and run a business on the Island on a work permit for at least 12 months, and PEI can then nominate you for permanent residence.
Is PEI inviting entrepreneurs right now?
Not in recent draws. PEI has prioritized labour-shortage sectors, and its published draws have not invited Work Permit Stream candidates. The stream and its rules remain published and you can still submit a profile, but it may sit unselected until PEI resumes business draws. Ask us for the current status before you spend money on a plan.
How much money do I need?
You need a verifiable net worth of at least $600,000 built legally in your own right. After you arrive, you must invest at least $150,000 in your PEI business within 12 months.
What does it cost?
PEI charges a $10,000 application fee with your application. You get all of it back if PEI does not accept your file, and $7,500 if you are declined or withdraw before the interview. You also pay the net worth verifier, language tests and IRCC fees.
Can a PEI community endorse me?
Yes. A written endorsement from a rural community earns 15 points, and one from the capital region earns 10. If you claim the points, you must open your business in that community.
How long must I run the business?
You must operate it for at least 12 consecutive months with active daily management. You and your family must also be in PEI at least 274 days a year, and you must meet the Office of Immigration within 30 days of arriving.
Who verifies my net worth?
PEI designates two verifiers, Grant Thornton and MNP. You engage one within 15 days of your invitation, and PEI recommends you wait until you are invited. The report is valid for 12 months.
How do I get started with Amir Ismail and Associates?
Book a Strategy Consultation with Amir Ismail, RCIC R412319. We calculate your score, check your business idea and map your deadlines before you pay anything.