How Using Multiple Expression of Interest Systems Can Strengthen Your Canada PR Strategy
Canada’s EOI-based immigration system explained
Canada’s permanent residence system increasingly relies on Expression of Interest (EOI) models to identify and select skilled immigrants. Rather than applying directly for PR, candidates first submit profiles showing their qualifications and interest in immigrating. Governments then invite the strongest candidates to apply.
What many applicants don’t realize is that Canada allows individuals to participate in multiple EOI systems at the same time, significantly improving their chances of receiving an invitation for permanent residence—if done correctly.
The main economic immigration pathways using EOIs are Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Express Entry: The federal EOI system
Express Entry is Canada’s primary federal immigration selection system for skilled workers. To enter the pool, candidates must meet eligibility requirements under at least one of the following programs:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Applicants can only hold one active Express Entry profile at a time, but that single profile may make them eligible under multiple programs simultaneously. Invitations are issued based on ranking scores calculated through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Candidates with the highest CRS scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence during regular draws.
Express Entry and other programs can run in parallel
Having an Express Entry profile does not restrict candidates from submitting EOIs under other immigration programs at the same time. In fact, maintaining multiple EOIs is often encouraged as a strategy to increase PR chances.
Even after receiving an ITA through Express Entry, candidates may remain active in other EOI systems unless they proceed with a provincial nomination or a Quebec-based program that requires proof of intent to reside.
Provincial Nominee Program: Provincial pathways with flexibility
The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their local labour market needs. To obtain PR through a PNP, applicants must first receive a provincial nomination, then submit a PR application to the federal government.
Submitting EOIs to provinces
At the EOI stage, candidates may submit profiles to multiple provinces simultaneously, as intent to reside is not required at this point. However, provinces have different internal rules:
- Some provinces allow one EOI per stream
- Others allow only one active EOI across the entire program
Once a province issues an invitation to apply for nomination, the rules change.
Important rule: One nomination at a time
Candidates may not have more than one provincial nomination application in progress at the same time. Accepting invitations from multiple provinces and proceeding with more than one nomination would be considered misrepresentation, carrying serious immigration consequences.
If multiple invitations are received, the applicant must choose one province and decline or withdraw the others.
Express Entry and PNP combined: A powerful PR advantage
Many provincial streams are aligned with Express Entry, known as enhanced PNP streams. Candidates with active Express Entry profiles may be identified by provinces and issued a Notification of Interest (NOI).
If nominated through an enhanced stream, the candidate receives 600 additional CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA through Express Entry.
Candidates are legally allowed to hold:
- An active Express Entry profile
- One or more PNP EOIs
- Both enhanced and base PNP EOIs (unless restricted by a province)
This multi-track approach significantly improves PR prospects.
Atlantic Immigration Program: Employer-driven but strategic
The Atlantic Immigration Program serves skilled workers and eligible graduates seeking to settle in:
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Unlike Express Entry, the AIP is employer-driven. Candidates must first secure a job offer from a designated employer, which must be endorsed by the province.
Some Atlantic provinces now treat initial applications as EOIs. Candidates may be considered across multiple Atlantic provinces only if they have job offers in each.
Once an endorsement certificate is issued, the candidate demonstrates intent to reside in that province and may not pursue another provincial or Atlantic nomination at the same time.
Strategic use of multiple EOIs: What is allowed
At the EOI stage, candidates may simultaneously have profiles in:
- Express Entry
- One or more PNPs
- Atlantic Immigration Program (if eligible)
- Quebec’s Arrima system
However, once an invitation requiring proof of intent to reside is accepted, candidates must commit to that pathway and withdraw from conflicting applications.
Quebec-specific considerations
Quebec operates its own immigration system. Candidates may submit an EOI to Quebec’s Arrima pool while also being in Express Entry or PNP EOIs.
However, once a candidate proceeds with a Quebec invitation, they must withdraw from all federal and provincial programs outside Quebec. Pursuing multiple settlement intentions at this stage is considered misrepresentation.
Real-world scenario: Using EOIs wisely
A skilled worker living in Alberta with family ties in Saskatchewan submits:
- An Express Entry profile
- A provincial EOI to Alberta after receiving a job offer
- A provincial EOI to Saskatchewan under a non-job-offer stream
When invitations arrive from both provinces, the candidate must choose one. By selecting the province that best matches long-term settlement goals, the candidate avoids misrepresentation and successfully secures PR.
Final takeaway
Canada’s EOI-based immigration system rewards candidates who plan strategically, understand program rules, and use multiple legal pathways to their advantage. When used correctly, submitting EOIs across several programs can significantly improve the likelihood of achieving permanent residence.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
