Alberta has intensified its provincial immigration activity in early 2026, issuing hundreds of invitations to foreign nationals through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Two separate draws held in the final week of February targeted workers in key industries, reinforcing the province’s strategy to address labour shortages.
Together, the February 20 and February 24 draws resulted in 899 candidates being invited to apply for a provincial nomination, a critical step toward permanent residence in Canada.
Also Read Alberta Invites Nearly 900 Candidates in New February Immigration Rounds
Two Distinct Draws, Two Key Focus Areas
Rather than conducting a single large selection round, Alberta split its invitations between two program categories.
Priority Occupations Take the Lead
On February 20, the province held a draw under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, focusing specifically on priority occupations. A total of 831 candidates were selected in this round, with a minimum score requirement of 56.
This draw accounted for the overwhelming majority of invitations issued in late February, highlighting Alberta’s need for workers in targeted sectors tied to economic growth and workforce stability.
Tourism and Hospitality Get Attention
A few days later, on February 24, Alberta turned its focus to the Tourism and Hospitality Stream. In this round, 68 candidates received invitations, and the minimum required score was 73.
This marked the first Tourism and Hospitality-specific selection of 2026, signaling renewed efforts to strengthen Alberta’s service-based industries.
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Nomination Numbers: Where Alberta Stands in 2026
As of February 26, Alberta has issued 612 nominations this year. The federal government has allocated 6,403 nomination spots to the province for 2026.
With 5,791 nomination spaces still available, Alberta has considerable room to continue issuing invitations throughout the remainder of the year.
In addition, 1,032 applications are currently under review. These files could convert into nominations if they successfully meet eligibility and assessment criteria.
A Competitive EOI Pool of Nearly 46,000 Candidates
The province’s Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) system currently includes 45,698 active profiles.
Submitting an EOI allows candidates to enter the provincial selection pool, where they wait to be chosen in a future draw. Alberta also retains flexibility in inviting applicants under streams different from their original EOI selection, provided they satisfy all program requirements.
Which Streams Have the Most Candidates?
The Alberta Opportunity Stream dominates the pool, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all EOIs. The breakdown of active candidates includes:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: 28,916
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: 4,758
- Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sector Initiatives: 4,600
- Rural Renewal Stream: 3,002
- Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway: 2,646
- Dedicated Health Care Pathways: 1,572
- Alberta Express Entry – Family Connection & Occupation in Demand: 116
- Alberta Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway: 88
The significant volume of EOIs under the Alberta Opportunity Stream reflects its appeal among temporary foreign workers already employed in the province.
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Allocation and Processing Status by Stream
Alberta has also published updated allocation and processing figures for 2026. These numbers provide insight into how quickly nomination spaces are being used.
Alberta Opportunity Stream
- 3,425 spots allocated
- 403 nominations issued
- 3,022 spaces remain
- 483 applications currently under assessment
- Files under review were submitted on or before November 1, 2025
Tourism and Hospitality Stream
- 150 total allocation
- 32 nominations granted
- 118 spaces still open
- Fewer than 10 applications in process
- Assessing files received on or before February 24, 2026
Rural Renewal Stream
- 1,000 allocation
- Fewer than 10 nominations issued so far
- Fewer than 108 applications being processed
- Reviewing applications submitted on or before February 10, 2026
Dedicated Health Care Pathways
- 500 allocated spots
- 47 nominations issued
- 453 remaining
- 26 files under review
- Currently assessing applications received on or before February 6, 2026
Express Entry–Aligned Pathways
- Accelerated Tech Pathway: 600 allocation, 54 nominations issued
- Priority Sector Initiatives: 600 allocation, 68 nominations issued
- Law Enforcement Pathway: 38 allocation, fewer than 10 nominations granted
Entrepreneur Streams
- 90 total spots
- 268 applications are currently being processed
- Applications are reviewed as they are received rather than according to a set cut-off date
Outlook for Skilled Workers
Alberta’s steady pace of draw activity indicates sustained labour market demand across multiple industries, from technology and healthcare to tourism and specialized priority occupations.
While thousands of nomination spaces remain open for 2026, competition is significant given the size of the EOI pool. Candidates aiming to secure a provincial nomination must ensure their profiles are aligned with Alberta’s current economic needs and program criteria.
With early momentum already established, Alberta is expected to continue targeted invitation rounds in the months ahead.
