Alberta issues 899 invitations across two AAIP draws
Alberta’s provincial immigration program conducted two selection rounds in February 2026, extending nearly 900 invitations to candidates seeking provincial nomination. The draws were held under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) on February 20 and February 24.
The events marked the first draws of the year for both the Alberta Opportunity Stream’s priority sectors and the Tourism and Hospitality Stream, signalling renewed activity in the province’s economic immigration intake.
- Two AAIP draws were held on February 20 and 24, 2026.
- A total of 899 invitations were issued across both rounds.
- 831 invitations went to candidates in the Alberta Opportunity Stream – Priority Sectors.
- 68 invitations were issued through the Tourism and Hospitality Stream.
- The draws were the 11th and 12th provincial selections of the year.
- As of late February, Alberta had issued 612 nominations from its 2026 allocation.
Details of February 2026 draws
According to AAIP data, 831 invitations were issued on February 20 under the Alberta Opportunity Stream – Priority Sectors, with the lowest required score set at 56 points. The February 24 Tourism and Hospitality Stream draw invited 68 candidates with a minimum score of 73.
Combined, the two rounds brought Alberta’s total number of provincial draws in 2026 to twelve, continuing the province’s steady pace of invitations across multiple labour-focused streams.
Provincial nomination progress
As of February 26, 2026, Alberta had issued 612 nominations out of its federal allocation of 6,403 for the year. The province reported 5,791 nomination spaces remaining and indicated that 1,032 applications were in processing, which could lead to additional approvals depending on eligibility outcomes.
These figures are part of Alberta’s broader provincial nominee contributions under Canada’s multi-stream immigration system, which includes other programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.
Composition of the Expression of Interest pool
AAIP data show that 45,698 worker expressions of interest (EOIs) were active in the candidate pool at the end of February 2026. The majority of EOIs—almost two-thirds—were linked to the Alberta Opportunity Stream, underscoring continued demand among foreign workers across key industries.
Distribution of active EOIs by stream included 28,916 under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, 4,758 for Tourism and Hospitality, 3,002 under the Rural Renewal Stream, and 4,600 in Alberta Express Entry priority sector categories. Smaller volumes were reported across the Accelerated Tech Pathway, Health Care Pathways, and Law Enforcement Pathway.
Current processing timelines
The AAIP’s processing update shows that the Alberta Opportunity Stream has an allocation of 3,425 nominations for 2026, with 403 issued to date. The program is currently assessing applications submitted on or before November 1, 2025, excluding certain files linked to temporary work permit provisions under federal policy.
Other streams reflect varying progress: the Rural Renewal Stream has issued fewer than 10 nominations against its 1,000 allocation, while the Tourism and Hospitality Stream has granted 32 of 150 available spots. The Dedicated Health Care Pathways have issued 47 nominations, and the Accelerated Tech Pathway 54. Smaller allocations exist for law enforcement and entrepreneur pathways, both showing limited nomination activity so far this year.
Program background
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program operates as one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs, enabling the province to select candidates who meet regional labour and economic needs. Successful nominees may later apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
The program’s various streams target specific workforce sectors, including technology, health care, tourism, and rural development. Alberta’s recent draws align with nationwide efforts to balance immigration allocations across provinces while addressing local labour shortages.
Context within Canada’s provincial immigration system
Like other jurisdictions such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Alberta’s nominee program plays a central role in regional workforce planning. Each province receives an annual nomination quota determined in coordination with the federal government. Alberta’s 2026 share of 6,403 nominations contributes to the country’s broader strategy of decentralised immigration management.
While the February draws focused on high-demand sectors, the province continues to monitor application volumes and labour market trends to guide future selections. The AAIP’s reporting indicates consistent interest across multiple program streams.
Outlook for 2026 nominations
With more than 5,700 nominations still available, Alberta is expected to continue holding regular draws through the year. Processing updates will determine the pace of further invitations as the province works toward fulfilling its federal allocation.
Provincial nominee programs remain key pathways for skilled workers and employers seeking long-term settlement solutions across Canada. Alberta’s latest data provide insight into how provincial immigration targets are progressing midway through the first quarter of 2026.
Further updates from the AAIP are anticipated as the province advances its nomination schedule alongside other provincial programs under Canada’s immigration framework.