INTRODUCING EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Immigration law

23 Apr

Most Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) no longer offer streams where you can apply directly for a nomination. Instead, you need to submit a profile through the PNP’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system and wait to be invited by the province through a selection draw.

This adjustment impacts the way international applicants pursue permanent residence (PR) via provincial pathways, highlighting the importance for prospective immigrants to grasp the updated procedure.

Canada’s ten Provincial Nominee Programs now operate through Expression of Interest (EOI) systems. The EOI ranking system allocates points based on six factors: language proficiency, age, work experience, education, adaptability, and risk.

Starting April 2025, the provinces and territories listed below utilize Expression of Interest (EOI) systems for at least one of their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams:

1. Ontario: The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) applies an EOI approach for several streams, such as the Human Capital Priorities category.

2. British Columbia: BC’s Provincial Nominee Program implements an EOI process for both the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories.

3. Alberta: The province uses an Expression of Interest system for certain streams, such as the Alberta Opportunity Stream, giving preference to applicants with employment offers or strong connections to the province.

4. Manitoba: The province selects candidates for its PNP through an EOI framework, often focusing on individuals who have studied or worked in Manitoba.

5. Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) utilizes an Expression of Interest process for streams like the International Skilled Worker stream.

6. New Brunswick: Enhanced streams of the NBPNP, including the Express Entry Labour Market Stream, operate through an EOI-based selection system.

7. Newfoundland and Labrador: Both the Provincial Nominee Program and Atlantic Immigration Program routes in this province use an Expression of Interest model.

8. Prince Edward Island: PEI manages its Labour Impact and Express Entry pathways within the PNP through an EOI-based system.

9. Yukon: The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) recently introduced an EOI system focused on employer-sponsored immigration candidates.

• Quebec: Although Quebec has a separate immigration process, its Regular Skilled Worker Program employs a comparable system called Arrima, which functions similarly to EOI.

• Nunavut: does not operate a Provincial Nominee Program, and Quebec oversees its own immigration system independently, separate from the federal PNP model.

The Two Provinces that have not implemented EOI Systems are:

• Nova Scotia: The province runs its Provincial Nominee Program without using an EOI structure, relying mostly on conventional application procedures.

AND

• Northwest Territories: This region’s nominee program continues to take direct applications, although updates to the process could be introduced later on.

This is how the process unfolds:

1. Applicants begin by submitting an Expression of Interest to the relevant province or territory.

2. This enables the applicant to be assessed and ranked based on their skills and human capital attributes, placing them into a pool of other eligible candidates.

3. The province or territory may conduct selection draws (or invitation rounds).

4. The highest-ranking applicants are then invited to submit an application for provincial nomination.

5. Candidates typically receive a set deadline to provide a full application, including documents supporting their qualifications.

While Expression of Interest (EOI) systems provide a more organized framework, they also come with Advantages and Disadvantages.

Disadvantages:

1. Increased Competition: Applicants must vie for selection against others in the pool, making it crucial to achieve high scores.

2. Deadlines: Strict timelines for submission require careful preparation to avoid missing out on opportunities.

3. Complexity: With various streams and different draw criteria, navigating the process can be overwhelming without extensive research.

Advantages:

1. Transparency: Regular updates on draws help candidates gauge the minimum required scores and adapt their strategies accordingly.

2. Year-Round Access: Unlike first-come, first-served methods, EOI pools are continuously open, offering candidates frequent opportunities for selection.

3. Targeted Draws: Provinces can tailor draws to address specific needs, such as inviting healthcare professionals or tech specialists, which benefits those working in those sectors.

To Boost your likelihood of success with an EOI system you should:

1. Get a job offer: Certain streams mandate a job offer for eligibility, while others that don't have this requirement may still award additional points to candidates who possess a job offer.

2. Submit applications to various EOI streams: If you are willing to live in more than one province, you can submit an EOI to each PNP you want to be considered for. Although, Some PNP EOI systems let you apply for just one stream in that province. (Please note)  You can only apply to one PNP at a time because when you apply, you are showing your intention to live in that province and applying to more than one would be considered misrepresentation.

3. Focus on the least competitive stream: Many provinces offer various immigration streams. Make sure to explore all the streams you might be eligible for. Assess your score and compare it to recent draw outcomes. This can guide you in choosing the most strategic stream for your EOI submission.

4. Leverage your language abilities and educational background to your advantage: Check the requirements for the PNP stream and look for ways to improve your profile. A good strategy is to take language tests (or retake them) to get the best possible scores. Also, think about getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for any degrees or qualifications you have from other countries.

5. Gather your documents ahead of time: Obtaining certain documents (like police certificates and ECAs) can take time. Since many provinces have submission deadlines, it's wise to request these documents early to ensure you meet the deadlines.

Immigrating through a PNP with an EOI system involves these steps.

1. Applicants send an Expression of Interest (EOI) to a province.

2. If the PNP invites them based on their EOI, they can then submit a full application for nomination. This application can be either accepted or rejected. If it's accepted, they get a provincial nomination.

3. They need to use the provincial nomination to apply for permanent residency with the federal government.

Nominations via upgraded PNP streams connected to Express Entry can provide an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, almost ensuring an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency (PR).

HOW RRM LAW CAN ASSIST: 

• By guiding you through the entire immigration process, offering expert advice on eligibility, helping with the Expression of Interest (EOI) submission, and ensuring your application meets all requirements. 

• By assisting with gathering necessary documents, reviewing your profile, and providing support for any challenges that may arise throughout the process. Their legal expertise ensures you’re on the right track, maximizing your chances of success.

BOOK IMMIGRATION LAWYER BRAMPTON. CALL (905) 798-3776