Maple News reports that, while many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams require a job offer, 13 pathways do not. For applicants pursuing permanent residence through provincial nomination without an offer, here are notable options.
Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers a single PNP stream that does not require a job offer: the Alberta Express Entry Stream in the Priority Sectors category. It targets candidates with an active federal Express Entry profile, a CRS score around 300, and an occupation in-demand in sectors such as construction, agriculture, aviation, or manufacturing.
In Manitoba, two streams do not require a job offer. The Skilled Worker Overseas pathway uses a points-based system (minimum 60) and requires a demonstrable connection to Manitoba—through family support, prior in-province education or work experience, or invitation via a Strategic Recruitment Initiative. The International Education Stream – Graduate Internship pathway requires a master’s or doctoral degree earned in Manitoba within the last three years, language proficiency at CLB/NCLC 7, and completion of a Mitacs internship in an eligible industry and research setting in Manitoba; applicants must reside in the province when applying.
New Brunswick also lists streams that do not mandate a job offer. The NB Express Entry Stream – NB Interests requires a valid Express Entry profile, a letter of interest from New Brunswick, and a minimum of 67 points on the program’s selection grid. The NB Strategic Initiative – NB Francophone Priorities pathway requires 67 points, French language ability at NCLC 5, at least a high school diploma, and either a NB letter of interest or current residence in NB with a qualifying one-year in-province study program or qualifying continuous work experience if not a graduate of an in-province post-secondary program.
These options underscore how provinces prize connections to the province, education credentials, and in-demand skills. For applicants without a job offer, pathways often hinge on in-province study or work experience, language proficiency, and a solid Express Entry profile that can trigger an invitation to apply.
Maple News will continue monitoring changes to provincial streams and advises applicants to verify current criteria on official government portals before applying.