Employment Assistance Service

The Employment Assistance Service (EAS) team works collaboratively with other IRSA departments to provide integrated employment-related support tailored to help clients overcome the specific barriers faced by newcomers to Canada.

You are eligible to receive these services if you are:

  • Living in the province of Prince Edward Island, and
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada.

If you are a new immigrant, after you arrive in PEI and register with IRSA, you can make an appointment to meet with an employment specialist. The specialist will begin by asking questions about your education, previous work experience, skills, and qualifications, and then help you become an independent jobseeker.

Your employment specialist will assist you with:

  • Identifying career options in Canada
  • Setting short- and long-term career goals
  • Developing your professional, Canadian-style resume and cover letter template
  • Becoming licensed in your chosen profession if required
  • Researching alternative careers if there are no employment opportunities in your field
  • Identifying options for continuing post-secondary education or certification, and skills-building opportunities
  • Connecting with professional associations or other organizations for networking
  • Exploring the labour market for your career choice
  • Job search
  • Accessing resources for self-employment if needed
  • Identifying volunteer opportunities for you to gain valuable Canadian work experience
  • Making connections with potential employers
  • Reaching your employment goals
  • Applications for available government wage subsidy programs
  • Accessing other programs and services as needed

Pathways to licensure

If you are a newcomer with previous work experience in a regulated profession, you will need a license, certificate, or registration to practice in your field in PEI. Your employment specialist will help you understand the pathway to employment. Here are some that are regulated in PEI (not all are listed here):

  • Accountants
  • Architects
  • Dentists
  • Engineers
  • Lawyers
  • Most healthcare professions
  • Skilled trades occupations
  • Teachers
  • Veterinarians
IRSA New Client Registration
PEI Connectors
Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund

Immigrating to Canada?

Free online tools, resources and courses designed to help you find a job in your field in Canada

Guide for Newcomers: Employment
Guide for Newcomers: Adult Education

Program Team

Mike Gavin

Mike Gavin
Manager, Employment Services

Arun Jose

Arun Jose
Employment Specialist

Carolina Lozada

Carolina Lozada
Employment Specialist

Judy Kwan

Judy Kwan
AIP Specialist

Kareem Abd-El-Aziz

Kareem Abd-El-Aziz
Employment Specialist

Keeda Wicklund

Keeda Wicklund
Employment Specialist

Lucy Zhang

Lucy Zhang
Employment Specialist

Nnena Ukwa

Nnena Ukwa
Cultural Inclusion Trainer