Maximize PR Chances with Multiple Canadian PNP & EOI Entries
Maximizing Your Canadian PR Chances: How to Use Multiple Expression of Interest (EOI) Systems
If you’re dreaming of becoming a permanent resident (PR) in Canada, you’re probably already familiar with the country’s various immigration programs. But did you know that many of these programs use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system—and that you can submit EOIs to multiple programs at once to boost your chances?
In this blog post, we’ll explain how the EOI system works across key Canadian immigration pathways like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). You’ll also get tips on what you can and can’t do when applying to more than one program at the same time.
Key Highlights
- You can submit EOIs to multiple Canadian immigration programs simultaneously to increase your odds of receiving an invitation.
- An Express Entry profile can remain active while you pursue other PR pathways, like PNPs or AIP.
- Different provinces have different rules on how many EOIs you can submit within their PNP streams.
- Once you accept a nomination or endorsement, you must commit to the corresponding province or territory—dual applications aren’t allowed at that stage.
- Misrepresentation, such as applying for multiple provincial nominations at once, can lead to serious consequences like application refusal or even a ban.
- Having a provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score, often guaranteeing an invitation.
What Is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
Think of an EOI as your pre-application. It’s a way to show your interest in immigrating to Canada without actually submitting a full PR application. Once you submit your EOI, immigration authorities can assess your profile and, if you meet their criteria, invite you to apply for permanent residence.
EOIs are used across several Canadian immigration pathways, including:
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Quebec’s Arrima system
Submitting an EOI Through Express Entry
The Express Entry system is Canada’s flagship immigration program for skilled workers and includes three streams:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
To enter the Express Entry pool, you must meet eligibility for at least one of these streams and submit your EOI. You’ll receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
IRCC conducts regular draws, inviting top-scoring candidates to apply for PR. The great news? You can keep your Express Entry profile active while pursuing other immigration options like a PNP or AIP.
Submitting EOIs Under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates for PR based on regional labour market needs. Each province has its own streams and rules.
Can You Submit Multiple EOIs Under a PNP?
It depends on the province:
- Ontario lets you submit one EOI per stream.
- Manitoba only allows one active EOI across the entire program.
You can, however, submit EOIs to multiple provinces at once. At the EOI stage, you’re not yet required to prove your intention to live in any one province. But once you receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for a provincial nomination, you must choose one and commit to living there.
Important: Submitting multiple provincial nomination applications at once is considered misrepresentation, and could result in a refusal or even a 5-year ban from entering Canada.
Express Entry-Aligned Streams
Many PNPs have enhanced streams aligned with Express Entry. If you’re invited and nominated through one of these, you get 600 bonus CRS points—essentially guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw.
Provinces also scan the Express Entry pool and issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates they’d like to nominate. So having a strong Express Entry profile can open doors to provincial nominations as well.
EOIs Under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program is tailored for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces:
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
This program is employer-driven. To submit an EOI, you’ll need a job offer from a designated employer. The job offer must also be endorsed by the province before you can apply for PR.
Some Atlantic provinces have adopted EOI-style processes, often treating job offers or employer applications as the EOI. You can technically be considered by more than one Atlantic province—as long as you have job offers in each. But once you receive an endorsement from a province, you must move forward with them exclusively.
Can You Have Multiple EOIs Across Programs?
Yes! At the EOI stage, you can have active profiles in:
- Express Entry
- Multiple PNPs
- The Atlantic Immigration Program
- Quebec’s Arrima system
However, once you’ve received an invitation or nomination from one program, you’ll need to commit to that specific pathway. If you accept a provincial nomination or Quebec selection certificate, you can’t pursue another stream until you withdraw the existing application.
Fictional Example of a Multi-Path Strategy
Rayesha is working in Alberta on a Post-Graduation Work Permit and previously studied in Saskatchewan. She creates an Express Entry profile with a CRS of 505 and indicates her interest in both Alberta and Saskatchewan.
To improve her chances, she submits an EOI to Alberta’s Opportunity Stream and another to Saskatchewan’s Occupations in Demand stream. After some time, she receives invitations from both provinces—but she can only apply to one.
Since she prefers Alberta, Rayesha withdraws her Saskatchewan nomination application and proceeds with Alberta. With her provincial nomination, she gains 600 CRS points and is invited to apply through Express Entry. She successfully applies for permanent residence.
Special Considerations for Quebec
Quebec operates its immigration system separately. You can have an EOI in Quebec’s Arrima system and in other programs at the same time. However, if you receive an invitation from Quebec and accept it, you must commit to settling there. Pursuing an Express Entry or PNP nomination at the same time would lead to a conflict and be flagged as misrepresentation.
Final Thoughts
Using multiple Expression of Interest systems is a smart way to improve your odds of getting Canadian permanent residency. Just make sure you understand the rules for each program and province, and never submit conflicting applications. A thoughtful, well-planned approach can make all the difference.
Ready to explore your options? Check your eligibility for Express Entry and various PNPs today and take your first step toward calling Canada home.
