Canada’s Provinces Are Revising Canadian Permanent Residency Nominee Criteria — Get the Details

If you are considering a move to Canada through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), now is the perfect time to get updated on how the system is evolving. In recent months, several provinces and territories have overhauled how they select candidates for Canadian permanent residency. These changes affect how applicants express interest, how provinces conduct draws, and how the entire selection process works.

In this blog, we unpack what is happening with these changes, why they matter, which provinces are affected, and how you can improve your chances of success in Canada's evolving immigration landscape.

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Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada's immigration system is designed to welcome newcomers who can contribute to the economy and local communities. While federal programs like Express Entry handle a significant portion of immigration, the PNP allows provinces and territories to handpick immigrants who meet their specific regional needs.

Canadian provinces have their own criteria to select skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates based on labor shortages and economic priorities. Traditionally, many PNP streams allowed applicants to apply directly if they met eligibility criteria, often requiring a valid job offer from an employer in the province. But now, the selection model is shifting.

What is Changing in Provincial Nominee Selection?

The big news is that many provinces and territories are replacing their old application systems with something called an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Under this system, candidates no longer submit applications directly. Instead, they fill out an online profile indicating their qualifications, skills, language ability, education, work experience, and other relevant details.

Once profiles are submitted, candidates are entered into a pool where provinces can conduct draws and issue invitations to the highest-ranking individuals or those who match specific labor market needs.

This model is similar to the one used in Canada's Express Entry system and is now becoming the standard for PNPs across the country.

How the EOI System Works

The EOI system essentially acts as a pre-application process. We take a look at how it works below:

1. Create an Expression of Interest Profile: Prospective immigrants submit an online profile to the province where they hope to settle.
2. Get Ranked in a Candidate Pool: Each candidate is scored based on a set of human capital factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and whether they have a job offer or connections to the province.
3. Wait for a Provincial Draw: Provinces conduct periodic draws, selecting candidates with the highest scores or those meeting specific criteria (such as experience in an in-demand occupation).
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, candidates are invited to submit a formal application for provincial nomination.
5. Apply for Canadian Permanent Residency: Once nominated, candidates can apply for Canadian permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The Most Recent Canadian Provinces to Move to EOI Systems

Several Canadian provinces and territories have moved to EOI-based selection in the past year, reflecting a nationwide trend towards more structured, competitive, and demand-driven immigration pathways. Below are recent additions.

Yukon

Yukon is the latest region to implement an EOI model. Now, instead of candidates applying directly, their employers must submit an EOI on their behalf to the Yukon Nominee Program.

New Brunswick

In March 2025, New Brunswick introduced the EOI system for two of its enhanced pathways under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), aligning with other provinces that have already adopted similar processes.

Newfoundland and Labrador

This province transitioned to an EOI system in February 2025 for both its PNP and its portion of the Atlantic Immigration Program, a regional initiative aimed at addressing labour shortages in Eastern Canada.

Alberta

In September 2024, Alberta integrated an EOI model into some of its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) streams, prioritizing candidates who meet specific workforce demands.

All Provinces Currently Using EOI Systems

As of now, these provinces and territories operate EOI systems for at least one of their immigration streams:

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

Meanwhile, the Northwest Territories and Nova Scotia have not yet adopted EOI-based selection for their nominee programs.

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Why Are Provinces Moving Towards EOI Systems?

There are a few key reasons behind this transition.

Managing Record-High Immigration Numbers

Canada has seen unprecedented population growth driven by international migration over the past couple of years. Statistics Canada reported that 2022/2023 marked the highest population increase since records began in 1971, with nearly every region experiencing sharp growth.

Dealing With Reduced Nominee Allocations

The federal government assigns each province a yearly quota for the number of nominations they can issue. In 2025, Canada reduced these PNP targets by 50% in its latest Immigration Levels Plan. This has forced provinces to become more selective and efficient in how they allocate nominations.

Aligning Immigration With Labor Market Needs

The EOI system allows provinces to handpick candidates whose skills and experience directly meet the demands of their local economies. Instead of first-come, first-served, the new model prioritizes merit, urgency, and strategic planning.

Improving Application Management

EOI pools give provinces a reliable, year-round source of pre-qualified candidates. Provinces can conduct draws based on industry shortages, economic changes, or demographic targets, making their immigration streams more flexible and responsive.

How to Improve Your Chances in an EOI System

If you are hoping to secure a provincial nomination under the new EOI models, here are some effective strategies to boost your chances.

Maximize Your Language Scores

Language proficiency plays a major role in your EOI ranking. Consider retaking English or French language tests to improve your scores and increase your ranking within the pool.

Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Having your foreign qualifications assessed against Canadian standards can significantly strengthen your profile and improve your EOI score.

Secure a Job Offer

While not mandatory for every stream, having a valid job offer from a provincial employer can dramatically increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

Target the Right Streams

Each province operates multiple streams catering to different applicant profiles. Research the eligibility criteria, calculate your potential score, and identify the streams where you have a competitive advantage.

Apply to Multiple Provinces (If Possible)

If you are open to settling in different regions, you can submit EOIs to multiple provinces (as long as you are eligible for their programs). Keep in mind, however, that you can only accept one provincial nomination, as it indicates your intention to settle in that province.

Prepare Your Documents Early

Certain documents, like police clearances and ECAs, can take time to acquire. Given the strict deadlines for submitting complete applications once invited, it's wise to gather essential paperwork in advance.

What This Means for Future Immigrants

The move towards EOI systems marks a significant shift in how Canadian provinces and territories manage their nominee programs. While the system is more competitive, it's also more transparent and merit-based. For applicants, this means:

• There is no longer a rush to submit applications immediately when a stream opens.
• Candidates can work on improving their profiles while waiting in the pool.
• Provinces can issue invitations year-round, offering ongoing opportunities rather than one-time application windows.

While it adds a new layer of competition, the EOI model is ultimately designed to better match immigrants to regions where their skills are needed most — a win-win for both newcomers to Canada and local communities.

Start Your PNP Journey Today

As Canada continues to refine its immigration programs to meet economic demands and manage growing interest from skilled professionals worldwide, it is crucial for prospective immigrants to stay informed. Understanding how the EOI system works, which provinces have adopted it, and how to position yourself as a competitive candidate can make all the difference in securing a provincial nomination and, ultimately, Canadian permanent residency.

If you are considering applying through a Provincial Nominee Program, now is the time to act strategically. Explore your options, enhance your qualifications, and start building your EOI profile.

Do You Qualify?

FAQs

Does Having a Job Offer Improve my EOI Ranking?

Yes. While not mandatory for all streams, a valid job offer from an employer in the province where you wish to settle can significantly boost your EOI score and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

What Happens After Receiving an Invitation to Apply from a Canadian Province?

If you receive an ITA, you will be given a specific timeframe (usually 30–60 days) to submit a complete application for provincial nomination, along with supporting documents. Once your nomination is approved, you can then apply for permanent residency through IRCC.