Alberta Issues 1,100+ Invitations in First 2026 AAIP Draws
Alberta Issues Over 1,100 Immigration Invitations in First AAIP Selections of 2026
Alberta has launched its 2026 provincial immigration program with a high-volume start, extending 1,169 invitations to skilled workers and professionals through multiple streams of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). The selections were carried out over a short period, between January 26 and February 2, 2026, signalling the province’s intent to actively address workforce gaps early in the year.
These invitations were spread across four separate draws, targeting candidates in healthcare, technology, and Alberta-based employment pathways.
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Multiple Immigration Streams Activated Early in the Year
- Healthcare-specific pathways under both Express Entry and non-Express Entry systems
- A technology-focused Express Entry pathway for accelerated processing
- Alberta’s primary worker stream for individuals already employed in the province
This diversified approach reflects Alberta’s ongoing effort to balance immediate labour needs with long-term economic growth.
Breakdown of AAIP Draw Results
Among the four draws held during this period, one selection stood out for its scale. The Alberta Opportunity Stream draw on February 2 alone accounted for the majority of invitations issued, underscoring the importance of retaining workers already contributing to Alberta’s economy. At the same time, healthcare-focused draws recorded the lowest score threshold, indicating increased accessibility for qualified medical professionals.
| Draw date | Stream / pathway | Number of invitations issued | Cut-off score |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2, 2026 | Alberta Opportunity Stream | 915 | 57 |
| January 29, 2026 | Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway | 148 | 63 |
| January 27, 2026 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry | 43 | 45 |
| January 26, 2026 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry | 63 | 61 |
The minimum score of 45, observed in the non-Express Entry healthcare draw, was the lowest among all selections during this timeframe.
Labour Market Alignment Shapes 2026 Selections
- Healthcare and medical services
- Information technology and digital occupations
- Construction and skilled trades
- Manufacturing and industrial sectors
- Aviation-related fields
- Agriculture and agri-business
- Designated rural communities
While these sectors form the core focus, Alberta has clarified that invitations may still be issued to candidates outside these categories when program needs require flexibility.
The province has also emphasised that AAIP draws are unscheduled, and selection decisions are based on more than just the published cut-off score. Additional factors may influence outcomes, such as:
- Alberta-based experience in a targeted occupation
- Active employment as a licensed physician
- French-language ability supporting francophone immigration objectives
Nomination Quota Status for 2026
For the 2026 calendar year, Alberta has been allocated 6,403 provincial nominations. As of February 5, 2026, the province has issued 405 nominations, leaving 5,964 nomination slots still available. Most nominations granted so far have been issued through the Alberta Opportunity Stream, reinforcing its role as the backbone of Alberta’s provincial immigration framework.
Alberta participates in a federal initiative that allows provinces to nominate practice-ready physicians and francophone applicants under a separate allocation of up to 10,000 spaces nationwide. Nominations issued under this federal measure do not reduce Alberta’s provincial quota.
AAIP Allocation and EOI Pool Overview
| Stream / pathway | 2026 nomination allocation | Nominations issued (2026) | Spaces remaining | EOIs in selection pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 3,425 | 255 | 3,170 | 28,412 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 1,000 | Less than 10 | N/A | 3,185 |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | 150 | 29 | 121 | 4,928 |
| Dedicated Health Care Pathways (EE + non-EE) | 500 | 34 | 466 | 1,406 |
| Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway | 600 | 34 | 566 | 2,653 |
| Alberta Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway | 38 | Less than 10 | N/A | 91 |
| Alberta Express Entry – Priority sector draws / initiatives | 600 | 48 | 518 | 4,371 |
| Total EOI pool (all worker streams) | 45,276 |
At the time of reporting, Alberta also confirmed that 1,006 applications remain in its processing inventory.
Outlook for AAIP Candidates in 2026
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