Many Canadian immigration programs use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to select candidates for permanent residence (PR). Understanding how EOIs work-and how to use multiple programs strategically-can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Canada allows eligible candidates to submit EOIs across multiple immigration pathways at the same time, as long as rules around intent to reside and application stages are followed correctly.
This guide explains what you can and cannot do when submitting EOIs, and how to manage invitations without risking refusal or misrepresentation.
Canada’s Main EOI-Based Immigration Pathways
The three primary economic immigration programs that rely on EOIs are:
-
Express Entry
-
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
-
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Each program has different rules-but they can often be used together to strengthen your PR strategy.
Express Entry: One Profile, Multiple Opportunities
To enter the Express Entry pool, candidates must qualify for at least one of the following programs:
-
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
-
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
-
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
You may only have one Express Entry profile at a time, but that single profile can make you eligible for multiple programs simultaneously.
Once in the pool:
-
You receive a CRS score based on age, education, language, and experience
-
High-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
-
You can keep your Express Entry profile active while also submitting EOIs to PNPs or other PR programs
Even if your Express Entry PR application is refused, your profile can remain active for other programs unless withdrawn.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Strategic but Strict
PNPs allow provinces to nominate candidates who meet local labour market needs.
Key rules to know:
-
EOI rules vary by province
-
Some provinces allow one EOI per stream
-
Others allow only one EOI across the entire program
-
-
You may submit EOIs to multiple provinces at the EOI stage
-
Once invited, you must choose only one province
At the nomination stage, you must prove intent to reside in the province. Holding two nomination applications at the same time is considered misrepresentation, which can lead to refusals or bans.
Express Entry + PNP: A Powerful Combination
You are legally allowed and encouraged to have:
-
An active Express Entry profile, and
-
One or more PNP EOIs
Why this works:
-
Many PNP streams are Express Entry-aligned
-
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points
-
This virtually guarantees an ITA in Express Entry
Provinces often search the Express Entry pool and issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to suitable candidates. While you may receive multiple NOIs, you can only proceed with one nomination application.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Employer-Driven Pathway
The AIP is designed for skilled workers and international graduates who want to settle in:
-
New Brunswick
-
Nova Scotia
-
Prince Edward Island
-
Newfoundland and Labrador
Important points:
-
AIP requires a job offer from a designated employer
-
The job offer must be endorsed by the province
-
EOIs may be held across programs until endorsement is issued
-
You cannot pursue multiple AIP endorsements at once unless you have job offers in multiple provinces
You can still keep an Express Entry profile or PNP EOI active while pursuing AIP, unless restricted by a province.
Real-World Example: Using Multiple EOIs Strategically
Rayesha, a dental assistant, worked in Alberta and previously studied in Saskatchewan. She:
-
Created an Express Entry profile under CEC
-
Submitted a PNP EOI to Alberta with a job offer
-
Submitted a PNP EOI to Saskatchewan without a job offer
When both provinces issued invitations, she chose Alberta, withdrew Saskatchewan, received a provincial nomination, and successfully applied for PR.
This approach was legal, strategic, and compliant.
A Special Note on Quebec
Candidates may have an EOI in Quebec’s Arrima system and EOIs elsewhere at the EOI stage.
However, once you accept an invitation from Quebec:
-
You must show intent to reside in Quebec
-
You cannot pursue Express Entry or PNPs outside Quebec
Doing so would create a conflict and may be treated as misrepresentation.
