In 2025, several Canadian provinces and territories are shifting how they select immigrants for Canadian permanent residency. These changes impact how newcomers apply through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), making it essential for aspiring immigrants to understand how the new Expression of Interest (EOI) systems work.
With these shifts, “The Immigration Professional” is here to help you navigate Canada’s evolving immigration process. Our team of immigration consultants is available to guide you step-by-step through every provincial nomination opportunity. BooK Your Canadian immigration Consultation today.
Understanding the New Expression of Interest (EOI) System
Before 2025, most provinces offered specific PNP streams where eligible foreign workers could apply directly, often requiring a job offer. If approved, they would receive a provincial nomination that boosted their chances of getting Canadian permanent residency.
Now, many provinces have switched to using an EOI system. Instead of applying directly to a stream, applicants must first create an online profile, indicating their skills, education, work experience, and more. Provinces then hold draws to select candidates with the highest-ranking profiles to apply for nomination.
This new method mirrors the federal Express Entry system and provides more flexibility to provinces, helping them target candidates who better fit local labor market needs.
How the EOI System Works (Step-by-Step)
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- You create a profile with personal details like work experience, education, language scores, and job offers (if any).
- Ranking and Pool Entry
- Your profile is entered into a pool where it is ranked based on a points system.
- Invitation to Apply
- Provinces hold draws and invite top-scoring candidates to apply for nomination.
- Full Application
- If invited, you submit a complete application for nomination with supporting documents.
- Provincial Nomination
- If approved, you receive a nomination that you can use to apply for permanent residency to the federal government.
Recent Provincial Updates: Who Is Adopting EOI?
Several provinces have already adopted or announced their transition to an EOI-based system:
| Province/Territory | EOI System Introduced | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yukon | 2025 | Employers now submit EOIs for workers under Yukon Nominee Program. |
| New Brunswick | March 2025 | EOI system now in use for two enhanced NBPNP streams. |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | February 2025 | EOI required for PNP and Atlantic Immigration Program pathways. |
| Alberta | September 2024 | Alberta Advantage Immigration Program added EOI to specific streams. |
These join provinces already using EOIs:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Provinces without EOI systems:
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
Why Provinces Are Making These Changes
The switch to EOI systems helps provinces better manage increasing immigration demand. With limited nomination slots provided by the federal government, provinces are using EOIs to:
- Manage large volumes of applications.
- Target candidates with in-demand skills.
- Align immigrant selection with regional labor needs.
- Keep application windows open year-round.
According to Statistics Canada, every region experienced record immigration in 2022/23. Yet in 2025, the federal government cut PNP targets by 50%, pushing provinces to prioritize quality over quantity.
How to Boost Your Success in EOI-Based PNPs
The EOI process is competitive. Here are tips from “The Immigration Professional” to stand out:
1. Optimize Your Language Scores and Education
Take (or retake) IELTS/CELPIP to get the best possible results. Also, secure an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for your international degrees.
2. Secure a Job Offer in the Province
While some PNP streams don’t require a job offer, having one significantly increases your points and chances.
3. Apply to Less Competitive Streams
Some streams have lower cut-off scores. Research recent draw results and calculate your score to apply strategically.
4. Consider Multiple Provinces (But Be Honest!)
You can submit EOIs to different provinces, but only accept nomination from one. Applying to multiple provinces while declaring intent to settle in each could be considered misrepresentation.
5. Gather Documents in Advance
Get police certificates, reference letters, and ECAs early. You may have limited time after receiving an invitation.
What Is the Future of Provincial Immigration Selection?
EOI systems offer flexibility and control, making them a preferred choice for provincial governments. Unlike first-come, first-served models, EOIs help provinces choose candidates based on demand and readiness.
The Immigration Professional closely monitors immigration trends across Canada. If you’re planning to immigrate and want to improve your chances of receiving a provincial nomination, BooK Your Canadian immigration Consultation. Our experts will analyze your profile, guide you through the best streams, and help you prepare a strong application.
