Canadian provinces have updated the nominee selection for PR. Prior to these changes, the Provincial Nominee Programs had certain streams – typically requiring job offers for which eligible foreign nationals could apply to the PNP and, if successful, would receive a provincial nomination. 

As of the time of writing, most PNPs no longer have streams to which you can apply directly for nomination. Instead, you must create a profile in the PNP’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system and then be invited by the province through a draw. 

After having been invited, you can further respond to the province with a complete application to be considered for provincial nomination. 

What Is An Expression Of Interest System? 

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is an application management system for immigration. 

Those interested in immigrating to a province or territory first submit an Expression of Interest, which indicates their skills, work experience, education, and other factors. 

Here’s what the process looks like: 

  • Applicants first submit an EOI, i.e., Expression of Interest to the province or territory
  • This allows the applicant to be ranked on the basis of their skills and human capital factors and entered into a pool of other qualified applicants
  • The province or territory might have draws (or invitation rounds)
  • The top candidates get invited to apply for provincial nomination
  • Candidates are usually given a fixed amount of time to submit a complete application with documents proving their qualifications

Provinces might sometimes hold draws with additional specific criteria. For instance, Manitoba might hold a draw inviting only applicants who have indicated that they have completed post-secondary education in the province. 

Which Provinces Have Recently Adopted EOI Systems? 

Canadian provinces have updated the nominee selection for PR. Most recently, Yukon declared that foreign nationals can no longer apply directly to the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). 

Instead, their employers must now submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for them to be considered under the YNP. 

Yukon is the first territory to join a growing list of PNPs that have recently adopted the EOI model. 

New Brunswick moved to an EOI model for two of its enhanced pathways under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) in March 2025. 

Newfoundland and Labrador declared that it would be adopting an EOI system for both its PNP and for its portion of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot in February 2025. 

In September 2025, Alberta launched an EOI system for some of its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program pathways. 

Provinces And Territories That Have Adopted EOI Systems So Far 

Certain Canadian provinces have updated nominee selection for PR. Below is the list for the same: 

  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon

Provinces And Territories Which Have Not Adopted EOI Systems 

The following provinces as well as territories have not operated an EOI system for immigration. 

  • The Northwest Territories 
  • Nova Scotia 

How To Increase Your Chances Of Success With An EOI System 

Under an EOI system, every eligible applicant competes with other applicants for a limited number of invitations. 

There are several things you can do to increase your chances of success when pursuing PR through an EOI system. 

  • Make The Most Of Your Language Skills And Academic Qualifications  

Review the qualifications needed for the PNP stream and identify opportunities to enhance your profile. One effective strategy is taking language tests to secure the highest possible scores. 

Additionally, consider receiving an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for any foreign degrees or qualifications you hold. 

  • Get A Job Offer In The Province, If Applicable

Some streams require a job offer for an applicant to be eligible for that stream. Those that don’t require a job offer might still assign more points to applicants with job offers. 

  • Target The Least Competitive Stream

Most provinces have multiple streams for immigration. Be sure to research all the streams you might qualify for. Calculate your score and compare it to recent draw results. This can help you be strategic about which stream you submit your EOI for. 

  • Apply To Multiple EOI Streams 

Some PNP EOI systems will only allow you to submit your profile for consideration under a single stream for that PNP. However, if you are open to settling in more than one province, you can submit an EOI under each PNP for which you wish to be considered as a nominee applicant. 

Remember that you can only apply to one PNP. However – when you apply to a PNP, you indicate an intent to reside in that province, so applying for a nomination from more than one province would constitute a misinterpretation. 

  • Prepare Your Documents In Advance

Procuring some documents can be time-consuming. With many provinces issuing deadlines for submissions, it is best to apply for those documents in advance to meet deadlines. 

Why Are More Provinces And Territories Transitioning To EOI Systems? 

In recent years, many territories and provinces in Canada have experienced record-high immigration levels. According to Statistics Canada, in 2022 – 2023, every region across the nation saw the largest population gains from international migration since at least 1971. 

While demand for immigration to Canada has been increasing, provinces and territories face constraints. That is because provinces and territories are allotted a fixed number of nominations they can issue per year through the PNP. This allocation quota is determined by the federal government. 

In the latest Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government cut targets for PNPs by 50% in 2025. 

As a result, most provinces and territories are grappling with significantly reduced allocations. Some, like Newfoundland and Labrador, even negotiated an increase in allocations by committing to an increased intake of humanitarian immigrants. 

To better manage demand and align immigration with regional labor market needs, many provinces and territories are turning to Expression of Interest systems. 

Unlike traditional first-come, first-serve models:

  • Streamline processing by focusing on applicants with in-demand skills
  • Create a pool of qualified applicants they can draw from when needed
  • Select applicants according to labour market needs
  • Provide eligible candidates the opportunity to be considered throughout the year

Without an EOI system, many PNPs would operate under a ‘first-come, first served’ model, where they would accept applications until hitting their cap for the year and then close to new applications until re-opening the following year.

About The PNP 

All provinces as well as territories in Canada, with the exception of Nunavut and Quebec, operate Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to support their immigration goals.

Each province and territory has different criteria for choosing eligible candidates for immigration.

Immigration through a PNP with an EOI system follows a three-step process.

First, candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to a province.

If they are invited by the PNP in response to their EOI, they can then submit a complete application for nomination. Their application may be approved or refused. If it is approved, they receive a provincial nomination.

They then have to use this provincial nomination to apply for PR with the federal government. 

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.