Many Canadian immigration programs use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to select candidates for permanent residence (PR).
Canada’s immigration system allows candidates to submit EOIs under more than one immigration program at the same time. This gives PR applicants more chances to be selected, as long as they follow the rules of each program.
This article explains how you can improve permanent residence chances using Canada’s EOI systems, how EOIs work across different immigration programs, what is allowed, what is not allowed, and how invitations should be handled when they are received.
Well, Canada’s three main economic immigration pathways are Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Express Entry System
To be considered for PR through Express Entry, a candidate must first meet the eligibility rules of at least one program under Express Entry. After meeting the rules, the candidate must submit an Expression of Interest by creating an online profile.
Only one Express Entry profile can be active at a time. However, a candidate can be eligible for more than one Express Entry program at the same time. Immigration authorities usually consider candidates in this order:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Each Express Entry profile receives a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and other details. Candidates with higher scores are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during Express Entry draws.
Moreover, it is allowed to have an active Express Entry profile while also having EOIs under other PR programs, such as a Provincial Nominee Program.
Once an ITA is received through Express Entry, the candidate can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Even after receiving an ITA through Express Entry, a candidate may still remain active in other PR programs. For example, a person may keep an EOI active with a provincial program or Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program, in case the Express Entry application is not successful.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
To get permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program, a candidate must first receive a nomination from a province or territory. After receiving the nomination, the candidate can then apply to IRCC for PR.
Each PNP has different streams, and candidates must meet the requirements of the specific stream they apply under. Candidates must also show a genuine plan to live and settle in the province that nominates them.
One PNP, Multiple Streams
Whether a candidate can submit more than one EOI within the same provincial program depends on the province. Some provinces allow one EOI per stream. Other provinces only allow one active EOI across the entire program.
For example, Ontario allows candidates to submit EOIs for different streams. Manitoba, however, only allows one EOI at a time.
Applying To More Than One Province
At the EOI stage, candidates can submit profiles to more than one province. At this early stage, candidates do not need to prove where they plan to live.
However, intent to reside becomes very important later in the process. Intent to reside means the candidate truly plans to live in the province that nominates them. Proof can include a written statement, job offers, family ties, or housing plans.
If a candidate receives invitations from more than one province, only one nomination application can move forward. A person cannot apply for two provincial nominations at the same time.
Submitting two nomination applications at once would be considered misrepresentation. This can lead to serious consequences, including application refusal, removal from Canada, or a ban from entering Canada for several years.
Using Express Entry Together With PNP
It is legal and encouraged to have an active Express Entry profile and an EOI with a PNP at the same time. Doing this can greatly increase PR chances.
Many provinces offer two types of PNP streams:
- Enhanced streams that are linked to Express Entry
- Base streams that are not linked to Express Entry
If a candidate receives a nomination through an enhanced stream, the nomination can be added to the Express Entry profile. This gives the candidate 600 extra CRS points. With these points, receiving an ITA becomes almost certain.
Having an Express Entry profile also allows provinces to find suitable candidates. Provinces can review the Express Entry pool and send a Notification of Interest (NOI) to candidates they want to invite.
A candidate may receive NOIs from more than one province at the same time. However, only one nomination application can be submitted. Any other invitations must be declined.
In many cases, candidates can submit EOIs to both enhanced and base PNP streams at the same time, as long as provincial rules allow it.
At the EOI stage, candidates do not need to show intent to reside. This means a person can have EOIs under Express Entry, one or more PNPs, Quebec’s system, the AIP, and other programs at the same time.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program offers a PR pathway for skilled workers and some international graduates who want to live in Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic provinces include New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The AIP is employer-driven. This means a candidate must first get a job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province. The employer must then get the job offer approved by the province.
Once the job offer is endorsed, the candidate can apply for permanent residence.
Well, some Atlantic provinces now use an EOI-style system for the AIP. In these cases, the first application or form is treated as an EOI.
To submit an EOI under the AIP, a job offer is required. Because of this, a candidate cannot usually apply to multiple Atlantic provinces unless job offers are available in more than one province.
A candidate may stay active in multiple AIP systems until an endorsement certificate is received. Once an endorsement is issued, it shows intent to live in that province.
Unless stated otherwise, a candidate can usually have an active PNP application and an AIP EOI with the same province at the same time.
At the same time, a candidate may keep an Express Entry profile active and select interest in Atlantic and non-Atlantic provinces. This allows provinces to send NOIs if the candidate fits their needs.
Special Rules For Quebec
Candidates can have an EOI in Quebec’s Arrima system while also having EOIs or profiles in other programs at the early stage.
However, once a candidate accepts an invitation from Quebec and applies under Quebec’s system, they must show intent to live in Quebec. At that point, they cannot also continue with Express Entry or a PNP for another province.
Express Entry is for settling outside Quebec. Provincial nominations also require intent to live in the nominating province. Trying to pursue both would create a conflict.
This situation is considered misrepresentation and can lead to serious penalties.
This approach shows how using multiple EOI systems correctly can increase the chances of becoming a Canadian permanent resident, while still following all immigration rules.
Explore your pathway to move to Canada with Immigtoronto. Our team of skilled RCICs offers customized immigration solutions, ensuring a trustworthy and professional process. Contact us at [email protected].
