Alberta has outlined how it plans to use its provincial immigration nominations in 2026, providing early insight into which workers, sectors, and communities will be prioritised for permanent residence. The announcement comes as the province receives a substantially higher allocation from the federal government, reflecting Alberta’s growing role in addressing Canada’s labour market needs.
Details were published by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) in mid-January 2026, making Alberta one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to publicly explain its nomination strategy for the year ahead.
Also Read Alberta Advantage Immigration Program 2026
Larger Nomination Allocation Signals Federal Confidence
For 2026, Alberta has been granted 6,403 provincial nomination spaces. This represents a notable increase compared to the province’s original allocation for the previous year and places Alberta among the higher-intake provinces under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
By early January, the province had already begun using its allocation, issuing over a hundred nominations to eligible candidates. Alberta joins Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Yukon as the only jurisdictions to have confirmed their 2026 nomination plans so far.
Alberta Opportunity Stream Takes the Lead
The largest portion of Alberta’s 2026 nominations is expected to be issued through the Alberta Opportunity Stream, which targets temporary foreign workers already employed in the province. This stream alone accounts for more than half of the total allocation, reinforcing Alberta’s preference for candidates who are already integrated into the local workforce.
Other AAIP streams will also receive allocations, including pathways for rural workers, healthcare professionals, tourism and hospitality employees, Express Entry candidates, and entrepreneurs.
Provincial officials have Emphasised that these allocations are flexible. Nomination spaces may be shifted between streams throughout the year to respond to changing labour market demands.
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Priority Industries Identified for 2026
Alberta has confirmed several sectors that will receive heightened attention during the 2026 selection process. These industries are considered critical to the province’s economic stability and long-term growth:
- Healthcare
- Technology and digital services
- Construction and skilled trades
- Manufacturing
- Aviation
- Agriculture and Agri-food
While many of these sectors were also priorities in previous years, manufacturing has gained increased emphasis, reflecting workforce shortages in industrial and production roles.
In addition, Alberta will continue to support immigration into smaller communities through its Rural Renewal Stream, Prioritising candidates with job offers in designated rural areas.
Flexibility Beyond Priority Sectors
Although Alberta has outlined key focus areas, the province has clarified that candidates outside these industries should not be discouraged. The AAIP retains the discretion to issue invitations across a wide range of occupations, depending on economic needs and application volumes.
This flexibility allows Alberta to respond quickly to emerging labour shortages rather than limiting selections strictly to predefined sectors.
Federal Exemptions Could Boost Alberta’s Total Intake
In 2026, the federal government introduced additional immigration spaces outside provincial nomination limits. Across Canada, 10,000 extra spaces have been reserved for two specific groups:
- Practice-ready physicians with qualifying job offers
- French-speaking foreign nationals meeting federal criteria
Nominations issued under these federal exemptions will not count toward Alberta’s 6,403-nomination cap, meaning the province could ultimately welcome more newcomers than its official allocation suggests.
Eligible physicians must hold job offers in recognised medical occupations and meet Alberta’s healthcare licensing requirements. Francophone candidates must work in eligible occupations and demonstrate intermediate proficiency in French.
The AAIP has confirmed that these candidates will be processed through existing immigration pathways rather than new streams. Final nomination figures will be announced once federal authorities confirm how many spaces Alberta will receive.
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Strong Demand Reflected in Expression of Interest Pool
Interest in Alberta immigration remains extremely high. As of January 2026, tens of thousands of worker profiles were active in the province’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system, spanning multiple streams.
The largest concentration of EOIs is under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, followed by tourism and hospitality, Express Entry-linked pathways, healthcare, and priority sector initiatives. This volume highlights the competitive nature of Alberta’s provincial immigration system, particularly for candidates without job offers or Canadian work experience.
Applications Awaiting Review
In addition to EOIs, Alberta is currently processing over a thousand applications submitted across both worker and entrepreneur categories. Business immigration streams account for a significant share of pending cases, underscoring continued interest from investors and entrepreneurs seeking to establish operations in the province.
2025 Outcomes Provide Context for 2026
Looking back, Alberta issued over 6,600 nominations in 2025, including a small number of additional approvals made possible through a federal administrative allowance. The province conducted dozens of selection rounds, with Express Entry-linked pathways playing a prominent role.
However, the majority of nominations last year went to temporary foreign workers already living and working in Alberta, a trend that is expected to continue in 2026.
What Applicants Should Take Away
Alberta’s immigration plans for 2026 make one thing clear: candidates with local work experience, employer support, or skills aligned with key industries will be best positioned for success.
With a higher nomination allocation, additional federal exemptions, and transparent planning, Alberta is strengthening its position as a major destination for skilled immigrants, while maintaining a strong focus on economic contribution and regional development.
