Prince Edward Islands

 Prince Edward Island (PEI) - is one of the so-called coastal provinces of Canada. The province is located about 200 km north of Halifax, New Scotia and 600 km east of Quebec City, Quebec. PEI consists of the main island that carries the same name, and several smaller islands. The province has the smallest population of about 146 thousand people and the smallest area in comparison with all other provinces of Canada, totaling 5660 square kilometers. Prince Edward Island is the only province in Canada that does not have a land border.

 The island has several unofficial names: Garden of the Gulf is the name given to the province because of extensive farmland, as well as the Birthplace of Confederation or Cradle of Confederation because of the historic conference held in Charlottetown with representatives of the colonies that made up British North America to discuss the founding of the Canadian Confederation. The conference was held from September 1 to 9 of 1864.

 The capital and the largest city of the province of Prince Edward Island is the city of Charlottetown (Charlottetown) with a population of 35.5 thousand people.

 

 Prince Edward Island boasts a growing economy. Island businesses keep on producing the highest quality of products and service to the market.

 The economy consists of traditional resources, such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism that experience significant modernization. Agriculture represents an important part of the province’s industry. Potatoes, turnips, hay, grains, and tobacco are grown here. The fishing industry mostly relies on the lobster catch; oysters, clams, and scallops are also important.

 Prince Edward Island has lots of forests (50% of the territory), which are controlled by approximately 16,000 private woodlot owners. Forest products are famous maple syrup, berry jams, and jellies, mushrooms, Christmas wreaths, etc.

 When it comes to resources and energies on Prince Edward Island, the province strongly relies on imported resources.  New industry sectors such as bioscience and advanced manufacturing are increasing on PEI. The production of frozen fried potatoes, green vegetables, and berries is a vibrant business activity. Many small local plants previously have become large enterprises. A bunch of companies demonstrates very good outcomes in the bioscience industry. Local and foreign businessmen are the main players in PEI’s economic success.

 

There are a lot of employment opportunities on Prince Edward Island. According to the Employment Journey, aerospace and defense has been one of the fastest growing sectors on PEI. Because of the aging workforce, the province is always in search of highly specialized professionals.

 The next industry which needs more workers is agriculture. The local government undertook a few important initiatives, such as the Harvest and Prosper and Prosper East and West programs. These pilot programs help employers hire some much-needed staff.

500 new jobs are expected to be added by 2020 in the biotechnology industry. The Alliance is the largest organization which aims to bring together private and public agencies, researchers and investors.

 The construction sector is struggling to replace the aging workforce; skilled laborers, heavy equipment operators, carpenters, project managers, electricians are in high demand on PEI. So anyone interested in working in this sector is encouraged to contact directly building companies on PEI.

 Digital and computing industry outlook suggest that by 2021 there will be increasing demand for innovative workers in the information and communications technology field on Prince Edward Island. Almost three thousands of workers will be working in 2021. The most popular occupations are computer and information systems managers, computer engineers, database analysts, and administrators.

 Similarly, PEI needs early childhood educators, healthcare workers, and welders. Young people should consider their career in tourism. Tourism has been the largest employer in rural PEI, especially for young people. The industry employs around 15,000 to 17,000 workers in different categories.

 Another growing industry is trucking, which results in high demand for long-haul truck drivers, mechanics, freight brokers, dispatchers and more.

 As you can see, the labor shortage is attributed to the aging population and retirement. To address the problem, the local government will be heavily relying on immigrants. The Prince Edward Island government intends to embrace more foreign nationals who will be able to get Canadian permanent residence. This initiative is a part of its plan to keep immigration at the highest rates seen in the last ten years.

 

 Those willing to find a job on Prince Edward Island can avail of a few online resources. A very common resource for job search is Job Bank. As a job seeker, you can register at skillspei.com. PEI Resources and Services is another helpful online tool to find employment. Also, great job search engines are Monster, WowJobs, Workopolis, and Indeed.

 If you are a foreign businessman willing to open a business on Prince Edward Island, BizPal is an excellent source of information about business permits, licenses, etc.

 Once in Canada, you have to take into account that despite plentiful sources, many jobs are still hidden. It means there are jobs you won’t be able to find in the advertisement. You’ll have to make people know about yourself, that is, attend job fairs, contact employers, meet new people. One of the best ways to secure Canadian work experience is volunteering. You can find volunteer opportunities here.

 However, prior to applying for a job on PEI, you need to consider a few things. First, this is a Social Insurance Number without which you won’t be able to start working in Canada. Secondly, you will need to get your education credentials and qualifications assessed by the Canadian Center for International Credentials. In fact, there many credential assessment agencies and you need to make sure you have chosen the right one. Foreign workers with skills in trade need a Red Seal certification. Finally, ensure your English or French language skill meets at least minimum standards. Newcomers on Prince Edward might be eligible for free lessons through the Language Instruction for New Canadians Program.

 

 This Canada’s smallest province has some substantial opportunities in higher education, particularly, in trades and science.

 Around 50 percent of the population lives in the provincial capital, Charlottetown, which is also home to the only university in the province. The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has one of the lowest tuition fees. Under the Pan-Canadian Protocol on the Transferability of University Credits, students completing the first two years of their university program in Canada will be recognized and fully credited for the purpose of granting a degree.

 The capital has English and French public schooling. In addition, there are two independent schools: Immanuel Christian School and Grace Christian School.

 The University of Prince Edward Island has programs in Arts, Education, Science, Business, and Nursing. The provincial university also houses the Atlantic Veterinary College. UPEI has a number of sports teams that compete in men's and women's hockey, soccer, rugby, basketball, and volleyball, and women's field hockey. These sports teams are called The Panthers.

 Charlottetown is also home to a few campuses of Holland College, the province's community college. In addition, there are various private training colleges in the city.

 Summerside has seven English public schools and one French school. Holland College, Prince Edward Island's community college system, maintains three facilities in Summerside: Summerside Waterfront Campus, Marine Training Centre, Atlantic Police Academy, The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada is also located in Summerside.

 

 The culture of Prince Edward Island takes roots in the Mikmaq First Nations who inhabited the island before it became a colony “rested on the waves” – Epekwitk. Today they represent a minority group. Most of the culture belongs to the culture of the migrated people that has its own unique flavor.

 At the beginning of the 1900s, Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote a series of books known as Anne of Green Gables based on a real place on Prince Edward Island. Green Gables is a beautiful house that people can visit today.

 Among cultural institutions is the Confederation Center of the Art, Prince Edward Island Museum, the historic Province House, Eptek Art and Culture Center in Summerside. There are several art galleries and small theaters outside Charlottetown. A multicultural festival is held every year, including regional folk festivals, exhibitions, plowing matches, and Highland Games.

 Music is also an important part of cultural life here. This is the Celtic-based music which originally came from the Scottish Highlands and Ireland. Thousands of PEI residents participate in the annual music festival.

 Two Olympic medalists in bobsledding are from PEI. In overall, the island has a lot to offer and is home to many people, stories, and other fantastic things. It’s not only a beautiful place but also a lovely community.

 

 There are major cities, which are the two biggest municipalities in PEI: Charlottetown and Summerside. There are also a number of smaller municipalities – smaller towns. They include Cornwall, Tignish, and Georgetown.

 In Charlottetown, in the picturesque capital of Prince Edward Island, you can find fresh seafood, stately homes, seaside shops, and friendly environment. Plus, the fact that the city is the birthplace of the country’s confederation, it’s no wonder many people visit the capital, especially, during the summer period.

 Summerside founded in 1800, was the water port that served as a gateway to carry island products to world markets. The city boasts a diverse culture of its founding people, which is heard in the speech, music, and literature.

 Newcomers are adding to the diversity of Charlottetown and Summerside, which have strong working class heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.

 

 You can choose from different types of accommodation on Prince Edward Island. Apartment buildings are spacious and, usually, are owned by one person or company available for rent. Studio assumes one room with a kitchen area and bathroom for one person. Families can find a larger apartment with more space, such as additional bedrooms, etc. A large multi-unit building where each unit belongs to the inhabitant is called a condominium; each unit is a condo. The so-called “townhouses” represent a row of houses, which can be separated or individual.  Toronto also has lots of duplexes and triplexes; these houses are divided into 2 or 3 separate apartments, one on top of another.

 Canada Immigration Helpful Information

 You can look for a home on your own or hire a real estate agent, which will also help you with a mortgage, insurance, and legal procedures. For a full list of certified real estate agents, check out the PEI Real Estate Association.

These are common rental websites: Craigslist, UsedPei, Kijiji, Renters Hotline, Prop2Go.com, Zoeken Canada. To obtain more information on buying and renting a home on PEI visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Tenant rights on Prince Edward.

 People with low income can take advantage of the Co-Operative Housing and affordable housing programs. In co-operative housing, some tenants cover rent based on their income, while others pay market price rent. The idea is they together share responsibility for the housing.

 Any property requires insurance. If something bad happens to your property, like damage, the insurance will cover the cost of repairs. In fact, banks will not proceed with a mortgage without insurance.

 If you choose to rent an apartment, you will have to pay your monthly rent, including utilities. You might be additionally charged for the parking place.  As a rule, tenants must pay a security deposit, which they get back when they move out.

 Pet lovers need to check with the landlord whether pets are legally allowed in the house they are planning to rent.

 PEI Association for Newcomers in Canada contains complete information about housing in this territory.

 

Prince Edward Island Express Entry

 The PEI Express Entry is the easiest way to immigrate to Canada. In fact, it increases the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply from the federal government.

 You should qualify for either of the programs: The Federal Skilled Worker, the Federal Skilled Trade, and the Canadian Experience Class. If you don’t have an Express Entry profile, you should create it. 

 

PEI Skilled Worker Stream Outside Canada

You can apply for a nomination for permanent residency through the Skilled Worker stream of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) if you have a job offer from a PEI employer.

 Eligible candidates must have a full-time (at least for a year) job offer from a PEI employer. The applicant’s occupation must match NOC Level O, A or B; he should also have at least two years of full-time work experience in the same occupation. The candidate also must provide a language test certificate (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada). The language ability in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark must be CLB 4. Not the least, they should demonstrate the intention to settle permanently in the province and the ability to support themselves financially.

 

Skilled Worker Stream in PEI

 Eligible candidates must have a full-time (at least for a year) job offer from a PEI employer. The applicant’s occupation must match NOC Level O, A or B; he should also have at least two years of full-time work experience in the same occupation. The candidate also must provide a language test certificate (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada). The language ability in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark must be CLB 4. Not the least, they should demonstrate the intention to settle permanently in the province and the ability to support themselves financially.

 

PEI Critical Worker Stream

 If you are a skilled worker in a semi-skilled or unskilled profession, you can apply for the PEI Critical Worker Stream. The individual must either be currently working for a PEI business or have a PEI employer who will sponsor them for permanent residency. Some examples of occupations which fit in this category include general labor, housekeeping, truck driving, and food service.

 Eligible candidates must have a full-time (at least for a year) job offer from an Ontario employer. The applicant’s occupation must match NOC Level C or D; he should also have at least six months of full-time work experience in the same occupation. The candidate also must provide a language test certificate (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada). The language ability in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark must be CLB 4. Not the least, they should demonstrate the intention to settle permanently in the province and the ability to support themselves financially.

 

PEI Work Permit Stream

 This stream grants foreign nationals a work permit so they can move to PEI and work in the business they plan to invest in. This is a great opportunity if the individual wants to experience the day-to-day operations of the business before they actually invest money.

 Eligible candidates should have a minimum personal net worth of $600,000. It is important that you have business management experience and must have completed at least a secondary school. The candidate also must provide a language test certificate (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada). The language ability in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark must be CLB 4 or more. Not the least, they should demonstrate the intention to settle permanently in the province.

 

PEI 100% Ownership Stream

 This stream is for foreign nationals who will assume full ownership (100%) of a local business. This can either be a new business the person will start, or an existing PEI business which the individual will buy in its entirety.

 Eligible candidates should have a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 and be ready to sign an agreement to submit a refundable $200,000 deposit. It is important that you have business management experience and must have completed at least a secondary school. The candidate also must provide a language test certificate (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada). The language ability in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark must be CLB 4 or more. Not the least, they should demonstrate the intention to settle permanently in the province.

 

PEI Partial Ownership Stream

 Instead of owning the entire business, this immigration PEI stream is for foreign nationals who will purchase part of a local business. The individual must either purchase at least one-third of the business or make a minimum equity investment.

 Eligible candidates should have a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 and be ready to sign an agreement to submit a refundable $200,000 deposit. It is important that you have business management experience and must have completed at least a secondary school. The candidate also must provide a language test certificate (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada). The language ability in English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark must be CLB 4 or more. Not the least, they should demonstrate the intention to settle permanently in the province.

 

PEI Atlantic Immigration Pilot

 The Atlantic Immigration Program is for PEI employers to help them hire foreign skilled workers. Eligible candidates will receive all the support from their employers leading to permanent residence.