Alberta PNP introduces new fee for worker streams.
Alberta Introduces New Fee for Immigration Candidates Under Worker Streams
In a significant policy update, Alberta has announced a new fee for foreign nationals seeking to apply under its provincial immigration program. Effective April 7, 2026, candidates submitting a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) must now pay a fee of $135, marking a shift from the previously free submission process.
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A New Cost for Entering Alberta’s Immigration Pool
The newly introduced $135 fee applies at the initial stage when candidates create and submit their WEOI profiles. This step is essential for individuals aiming to immigrate to Alberta through one of its worker-focused immigration pathways.
Importantly, this fee is separate from the existing $1,500 application fee that candidates must pay only after receiving an invitation to apply for provincial nomination.
Who Will Be Affected by the New Fee?
The updated fee structure applies broadly across all major worker pathways under the AAIP. Candidates applying through the following streams will now need to pay the WEOI submission fee:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Alberta Express Entry Stream, including specialized pathways such as tech and law enforcement
- Dedicated Health Care Pathways (both Express Entry-aligned and non-Express Entry)
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
This means that virtually all economic immigration applicants targeting Alberta through provincial nomination will encounter this upfront cost.
Understanding Alberta’s Expression of Interest System
Alberta has been using an Expression of Interest (EOI) system since late 2024 to manage immigration applications more efficiently. Under this system, candidates submit an online profile detailing their qualifications, including:
- Work experience
- Educational background
- Language proficiency
- Employment details (if applicable)
Each profile is assigned a score based on Alberta’s selection criteria and placed into a candidate pool. Periodically, the province conducts draws to invite top-ranking candidates based on labour market needs and sector-specific demands.
Candidates who receive an invitation can then submit a complete application for provincial nomination. Once approved, they can proceed to apply for permanent residence through federal immigration authorities.
Invitation Numbers and Selection Criteria
Across six separate draws, Alberta issued a combined total of 1,447 invitations. Selection thresholds varied by stream, with some pathways requiring lower scores, making them more accessible to a wider pool of candidates.
| Draw date | Stream / pathway | Minimum score | Invitations issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2026 | Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Health Care) | 63 | 50 |
| March 13, 2026 | Rural Renewal Stream | 51 | 349 |
| March 12, 2026 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry) | 47 | 47 |
| March 6, 2026 | Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway | 56 | 139 |
| March 5, 2026 | Alberta Opportunity Stream | 61 | 832 |
| February 26, 2026 | Rural Renewal Stream | 55 | 30 |
One of the standout developments was Alberta’s first healthcare-focused Express Entry draw of the year, underlining the province’s urgency in addressing shortages in medical professions.
Recent Changes to WEOI Profiles
Earlier in 2026, Alberta introduced additional requirements for candidates with job offers in the province. Since February 25, 2026, applicants must include detailed information about:
- Offered wages
- Number of working hours
Profiles lacking these details, especially those submitted before the update, may not be considered for certain draws moving forward. These changes indicate a stronger emphasis on job quality and employment conditions in the selection process.
Alberta’s Immigration Targets for 2026
For the current year, Alberta has been allocated 6,403 nomination spaces by the federal government. As of early April:
- 1,475 nominations have already been issued
- 4,928 nomination spots remain
- 1,418 applications are currently under processing
Additionally, Alberta maintains a large pool of candidates, with over 44,000 WEOI profiles competing for selection across different streams.
Additional Nomination Opportunities
Beyond its standard allocation, Alberta can also nominate candidates under special federal initiatives. These include dedicated pathways for:
- French-speaking applicants
- Practice-ready physicians
These nominations are part of a broader federal initiative and do not count toward Alberta’s primary quota, offering additional opportunities for eligible candidates.
Priority Sectors for 2026
Alberta has outlined clear priorities for immigration draws this year. The province is expected to focus on candidates working in key sectors such as:
- Health care
- Technology
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Aviation
- Agriculture
Communities participating in the Rural Renewal Stream will also receive targeted attention as Alberta continues to address regional labour shortages.
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.
What This Means for Applicants
Prospective applicants are encouraged to ensure their profiles are accurate, complete, and aligned with Alberta’s labour market needs to improve their chances of receiving an invitation.
