Alberta Hits 2025 PNP Target with Record Nomination Draws
Alberta Reaches Full 2025 Nomination Allocation Through AAIP: A Year-End Overview
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has officially wrapped up its 2025 nomination season, having hit its full allocation of provincial nominations. With 6,741 nominations allotted and 6,750 ultimately issued, Alberta closed the year with a strong push—focusing its final Invitations to Apply (ITAs) on healthcare professionals.
Let’s take a closer look at how Alberta’s PNP year unfolded, what streams delivered the most opportunities, and what changes occurred throughout 2025 that could impact applicants moving forward.
Key Highlights
- Alberta issued 6,750 nominations—exceeding its official allocation of 6,741 through a federal administrative allowance.
- Final draws prioritized healthcare professionals under both Express Entry and non-Express Entry pathways.
- Alberta Opportunity Stream led the way with 3,712 nominations—more than any other stream.
- 77 draws were conducted in 2025, the highest number of PNP draws by any province this year.
- Significant policy changes occurred throughout the year, including fee increases and eligibility adjustments.
- 2026 AAIP nomination allocation has yet to be announced.
Alberta’s Final AAIP Draws of 2025 Focused on Healthcare
Alberta’s final two draws were conducted in late November and focused on healthcare professionals, a growing area of need across Canada. Here’s how those draws were distributed:
| Draw Date | Stream | Invitations Issued | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 21, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry | 68 | 49 |
| November 24, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry | 39 | 49 |
Following these draws, the province officially updated its processing information to reflect that it had reached its annual nomination cap.
How Alberta Distributed Its 2025 Nominations
The AAIP began the year with 4,875 nomination spots but was granted an additional 1,728—a welcome expansion that brought the total to 6,603. However, Alberta actually issued 6,750 nominations. This slight overage was allowed under a federal administrative exception through the Express Entry system.
Here’s the breakdown by stream:
| Stream | Total Nominations |
|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 3,712 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 1,040 |
| Dedicated Health Care Pathways | 563 |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | 294 |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway | 452 |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway | 23 |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream – Other Priority Sectors | 643 |
| Entrepreneur Streams | 23 |
It’s clear that the Alberta Opportunity Stream remained the backbone of the program. Not only did it issue the highest number of nominations, but it also has the majority of outstanding applications still in the queue.
Alberta Led the Nation in PNP Draws in 2025
Alberta conducted a whopping 77 draws in 2025, more than any other Provincial Nominee Program in Canada. Here’s how those draws were distributed by stream:
- 12 draws via the Alberta Opportunity Stream
- 2 draws under the Rural Renewal Stream
- 11 draws through the Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry)
- 11 draws through the Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry)
- 3 draws for the Tourism and Hospitality Stream
- 38 draws under the Alberta Express Entry Stream
Alberta’s Express Entry-aligned streams showed the most activity, particularly the Accelerated Tech and Healthcare pathways, which targeted key labour shortages in sectors like construction, agriculture, and aviation.
Thousands of candidates are still in line for AAIP consideration, with 1,479 applications under review—most of which are part of the Alberta Opportunity Stream. Additionally, over 45,000 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) remain in the selection pool.
Important AAIP Changes in 2025
Several policy and operational changes were rolled out by the AAIP in 2025. If you’re planning to apply in 2026, here are some key points to keep in mind:
- February 27: Applicants must now respond to AAIP information requests through the online portal instead of email.
- March 17: Alberta withdrew from the federal temporary public policy for open work permits for PNP candidates.
- March 17: The Family Connection and Occupation in Demand pathways were removed from the Express Entry Stream for ITA consideration, although points for family connections can still be claimed.
- April 1: Application fees increased significantly:
- Worker streams: from $840 to $1,500
- Farm Stream: from $500 to $3,500
- Nomination certificate reissue: from $100 to $150
- April 1: The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core is now accepted for language proficiency.
- November 18: Rural Renewal Stream changes announced:
- In-Canada applicants must have valid work permits
- Low-skilled workers (TEER 4 or 5) residing outside Alberta will no longer be eligible
- These changes take effect January 1, 2026
What’s Next for the AAIP?
As of now, Alberta has not released its nomination allocation or sector priorities for 2026. However, given the province’s focus on healthcare, tech, and skilled trades in 2025, it’s likely that similar sectors will continue to be emphasized.
If you’re considering your immigration options, it’s also worth exploring other pathways like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)—especially if you have ties to Manitoba or experience in in-demand occupations there.
Final Thoughts
Alberta’s proactive and diversified approach to immigration in 2025 shows the province’s commitment to filling key labour gaps while supporting newcomers through targeted pathways. Whether you’re in healthcare, tech, hospitality, or trades, Alberta continues to be a strong destination for skilled immigrants.
Thinking about applying through a Provincial Nominee Program? Now’s a great time to assess your eligibility and prepare for upcoming changes in 2026.
