Alberta issues 441 invitations across six AAIP draws

Alberta issues 441 invitations across six AAIP draws

Between February 6 and 19, 2026, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted six rounds of invitations targeting candidates from several provincial immigration streams. The draws resulted in a total of 441 invitations to apply for provincial nomination.

The selections were distributed across the Alberta Express Entry pathways, including technology, law enforcement, and priority industry sectors, as well as the Rural Renewal Stream. The results indicate Alberta’s continued emphasis on regional and sector-based labour needs.

• Six AAIP draws were held from February 6–19, 2026.
• A total of 441 invitations were issued across four main streams.
• Draws targeted candidates in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
• The Rural Renewal Stream recorded the largest single draw with 212 invitations.
• Manufacturing received its first dedicated draw since being added to Alberta’s priority sectors in 2026.
• Revised eligibility rules for rural candidates took effect on January 1, 2026.

Details of February 2026 AAIP draws

The latest AAIP data show a diverse selection of candidates through six invitation rounds. The Rural Renewal Stream issued 212 invitations on February 10, marking the largest draw in this series. The Accelerated Tech Pathway, held on February 11, invited 147 technology professionals. Priority sector draws focused on manufacturing, agriculture, and construction occupations accounted for another 92 invitations combined, while fewer than 10 were issued under the Law Enforcement Pathway.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores in these draws ranged from 49 to 61, depending on the pathway. The priority sectors covered construction, agriculture, and manufacturing—industries identified by the province as essential to Alberta’s economic development.

Introduction of manufacturing as a priority sector

The February 12 draw was the first to target manufacturing occupations under the Alberta Express Entry stream. This follows the province’s January 2026 decision to expand its list of priority industries for targeted draws. The move aligns with Alberta’s strategy to attract workers to sectors experiencing labour shortages.

Rural Renewal Stream draws under new criteria

The February 10 Rural Renewal Stream draw was the first since new eligibility criteria came into effect at the start of 2026. Under the revised rules, candidates already in Canada must hold a valid work permit, and each designated community now faces annual limits on the number of endorsements it can issue. The changes are designed to manage application volumes and ensure that community endorsements align with local labour market needs.

AAIP nomination allocation for 2026

For 2026, Alberta received an allocation of 6,403 provincial nomination spaces from the federal government. As of February 18, 612 nominations had been issued, leaving 5,791 spaces available. The AAIP also reported 1,032 applications awaiting processing at that time.

Across all streams, there were 45,698 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in the selection pool. The Alberta Opportunity Stream held the largest share, with 28,916 EOIs, followed by the Rural Renewal Stream with 3,002 and the priority sector pathways with 4,600.

Breakdown of 2026 stream allocations

According to AAIP figures, the Alberta Opportunity Stream was assigned 3,425 nominations, of which 403 had been issued by mid-February. The Rural Renewal Stream received 1,000 nomination spaces, while the Accelerated Tech Pathway and priority sector initiatives each had 600. Smaller allocations were reserved for the Law Enforcement Pathway (38), the Tourism and Hospitality Stream (150), and health care pathways (500). Entrepreneur categories received a combined total of 90 nominations.

Provincial immigration context

Alberta’s latest round of draws reflects ongoing efforts by provinces to tailor immigration programs to regional priorities. Similar approaches are taken in other jurisdictions such as Manitoba, which operates the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program to meet local workforce demands. These initiatives allow provinces to nominate candidates who align with specific economic objectives while complementing federal immigration streams.

Public relevance

The recent AAIP draws highlight the province’s targeted immigration strategy, particularly the inclusion of new industry categories and refined rural eligibility standards. With more than 45,000 Expressions of Interest in the pool, Alberta’s program continues to attract high interest from skilled workers across multiple sectors.

Readers seeking to remain informed on program changes and nomination updates can follow ongoing coverage of provincial immigration developments across Canada.