Thirteen PNP pathways that do not require job offers

Thirteen PNP pathways that do not require job offers

Several Canadian provinces have immigration pathways under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that do not require a job offer. These programs enable qualified candidates to obtain a provincial nomination and later apply for permanent residence through the federal immigration system.

The availability of non-job-offer streams highlights increasing efforts by provinces to attract skilled workers, graduates, and francophone applicants who demonstrate ties or potential to contribute to provincial economies.

• Thirteen provincial nominee streams across Canada currently do not require job offers.
• Provinces include Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.
• Nominees must meet specific eligibility criteria such as language proficiency, education, and work experience.
• Express Entry–aligned (enhanced) streams provide 600 additional points toward a candidate’s CRS score.
• British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, and Yukon currently require job offers for nomination.

Provincial pathways without job offers

Alberta

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program includes the Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors pathway. It is open to Express Entry candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 300 whose primary occupation matches Alberta’s in-demand sectors such as construction, agriculture, aviation, or manufacturing.

Manitoba

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers two options for applicants without job offers. The Skilled Worker Stream – Skilled Worker Overseas pathway requires a minimum score of 60 points based on language, age, work experience, education, and adaptability, alongside a proven connection to Manitoba through relatives, past education, work experience, or participation in a provincial recruitment initiative.

The International Education Stream – Graduate Internship pathway targets individuals holding a Manitoba-based master’s or doctoral degree earned within three years. Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency at CLB or NCLC level 7 and have completed a recognized Mitacs internship in an eligible sector while residing in the province.

New Brunswick

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program has two non-job-offer options. The NB Express Entry Stream – NB Interests pathway requires a valid Express Entry profile, a letter of interest from New Brunswick, and at least 67 points on the federal selection grid.

The NB Strategic Initiative – Francophone Priorities pathway also requires 67 points, French proficiency at NCLC 5, and at least a high school education. Applicants must either receive a letter of interest or reside in New Brunswick while studying at Université de Moncton or Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick.

Nova Scotia

Under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program, the Nova Scotia Express Entry Stream allows nomination without a job offer. Candidates must hold an active Express Entry profile, possess one year of work experience in a TEER 0–3 occupation, and meet language requirements of CLB/NCLC 7 for TEER 0–1 or CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 2–3 positions. Graduates using post-graduation work experience must have studied in Nova Scotia.

Ontario

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program provides four non-job-offer streams. The Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream and the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream both require an active Express Entry profile, relevant work experience, language proficiency, and qualifying education at the bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD level. Certain regulated professionals, including registered nurses and early childhood educators, are exempt from specific education requirements.

The Master’s Graduate Stream requires a completed master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university, CLB/NCLC 7 language proficiency, and residence in Ontario for at least one year within the past two years. The PhD Graduate Stream requires completion of a PhD program at an eligible Ontario institution, with at least two years of study in the province and residence in Ontario for one year within the past two years. Applications must be submitted within two years of graduation.

Ontario announced in late 2025 a planned restructuring of its immigration program for 2026 that would replace several existing streams with three new pathways focusing on healthcare, exceptional talent, and entrepreneurship.

Prince Edward Island

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program offers the PEI Express Entry Stream, which includes a pathway that does not require a job offer. Candidates must have a valid Express Entry profile and meet federal eligibility standards. Graduates holding post-graduation work permits or spouses of international students may qualify if they meet additional in-province work experience requirements.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program includes two non-job-offer options. The International Skilled Worker – Occupation in Demand pathway requires at least 60 points on the provincial grid, CLB/NCLC 4 language proficiency, and one year of skilled work experience in an eligible occupation. Applicants must also hold a post-secondary credential related to their field.

The International Skilled Worker – Saskatchewan Express Entry pathway is open to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile and at least 60 points under provincial assessment criteria. Work experience and education must align with the applicant’s intended occupation, which cannot appear on the province’s exclusion list.

Permanent residence application process

Applicants nominated through a provincial stream follow a two-step process. First, they must obtain a provincial nomination certificate. Next, they apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. Many provinces operate an Expression of Interest system where candidates submit profiles to a pool and await selection through periodic draws.

Those nominated through an Express Entry–aligned stream receive 600 additional CRS points, significantly improving their ranking for an invitation to apply in federal immigration draws. Nominees under base streams apply directly to the federal government using their certificate of nomination.

Provinces requiring job offers

As of early 2026, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, and Yukon require job offers for worker or graduate nominations. Quebec and Nunavut do not manage PNPs, with immigration to these regions processed through separate federal or provincial systems.

Context and public relevance

Non-job-offer PNP streams play a central role in attracting international graduates and skilled professionals who demonstrate potential contributions beyond immediate employment offers. These pathways support regional labour-market strategies and population growth objectives while complementing federal Express Entry targets.

For ongoing updates and analysis of Canadian immigration pathways, readers can explore related coverage on provincial nomination trends and program changes across the country.