Alberta sends nearly 900 invitations in new AAIP draws, i.e., Alberta issues hundreds of invitations to foreign workers across two AAIP draws, as the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted two new provincial immigration draws in late February 2026.

The province held draws on February 20 and February 24, inviting close to 900 candidates to apply for provincial nomination. These rounds included the first priority sector draw under the Alberta Opportunity Stream as well as the first Tourism and Hospitality Stream draw of the year.

This latest activity marks Alberta’s 11th and 12th immigration draws of 2026.

Draw Details

The AAIP issued 899 invitations across the two draws, with most invitations going to candidates working in priority sectors through the Alberta Opportunity Stream.

The number of invitations and the minimum score required to receive an invitation differed by stream:

Draw Date Stream / Focus Minimum Score Invitations Issued 
February 24, 2026 Tourism and Hospitality Stream 73 68 
February 20, 2026 Alberta Opportunity Stream – Priority Sectors 56 831 

Provincial Nomination Figures For 2026

AAIP’s processing summary totals for 2026 (as of February 26, 2026) show that the province has issued 612 nominations against its federal nomination allocation of 6,403.

This means Alberta still has 5,791 nominations available to issue during the rest of 2026. The province is currently processing 1,032 applications, which may lead to additional nominations if they are approved.

Worker Expression Of Interest (EOI) Pool Composition

As of February 26, the AAIP reports 45,698 worker expressions of interest (EOIs) are active in the applicant pool across all streams and pathways.

Once an applicant submits an EOI and enters the pool, the individual must wait to be selected and invited by the AAIP to submit a full provincial nomination application.

The AAIP also notes that applicants may receive an invitation under a different stream than the one originally selected in their EOI if they meet all eligibility and selection requirements.

The table below shows the distribution of EOIs by stream and pathway.

The majority (64%) of active EOIs in the applicant pool are under the Alberta Opportunity Stream:

Stream / Pathway (EOI Selection Pool) EOIs In Pool 
Alberta Opportunity Stream 28,916 
Dedicated Health Care Pathways 1,572 
Rural Renewal Stream 3,002 
Tourism and Hospitality Stream 4,758 
Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway 2,646 
Alberta Express Entry – Family connection & occupation in demand 116 
Alberta Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway 88 
Alberta Express Entry – Priority sector draws/initiatives 4,600 
Total 45,698 

Stream-By-Stream Snapshot For 2026

Below is AAIP’s published status for allocations, nominations issued, nomination allocation, and processing progress by stream/pathway, as of the most recent update.

Stream / Pathway 2026 Allocation Nominations Issued Spaces Remaining Applications To Be Processed Currently Assessing Applications Received On/Before 
Alberta Opportunity Stream 3,425 403 3,022 483 November 1, 2025* 
Rural Renewal Stream 1,000 <10 N/A <108 February 10, 2026 
Tourism and Hospitality Stream 150 32 118 <10 February 24, 2026 
Dedicated Health Care Pathways (EE + non-EE) 500 47 453 26 February 6, 2026 
Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway 600 54 546 81 November 3, 2025 
Alberta Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway 38 <10 N/A <10 N/A 
Alberta Express Entry – Priority sector draws/initiatives 600 68 532 59 October 26, 2025 
Entrepreneur streams 90 <10 N/A 268 (in process) Evaluated upon receipt 

NOTE: The AAIP notes this “currently assessing” date excludes certain files tied to the work permit support letter process under the temporary public policy to issue open work permits (OWPs) to certain Provincial Nominee Program candidates.

Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.