Alberta Conducts Five AAIP Draws, Issues 202 Invitations to Skilled Workers
Alberta Conducts Five AAIP Draws, Issues 202 Invitations to Skilled Workers
In a recent series of targeted immigration draws, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program once again proved its commitment to addressing serious labor shortages in the province. From October 8 to October 21, 2025, the province invited 202 skilled candidates to apply for a provincial nomination under different occupational streams.
- Draw Highlights by Stream
Overview of Alberta's Latest Immigration Activity
Skilled professionals in several key industries have been actively recruited by Alberta over the last three weeks. The technology, aviation, agriculture, and health sectors are the key ones targeted by the province in its wider strategy for filling talent gaps and maintaining post-pandemic recovery momentum.
The most recent set of draws was run under both Express Entry-linked and non-Express Entry routes, offering opportunities to candidates with a range of profiles and work experiences.
| Draw Date | Stream | Invitations | Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 21, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway | 89 | 60 |
| October 16, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Aviation) | 13 | 46 |
| October 15, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Agriculture) | 10 | 67 |
| October 10, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry) | 41 | 45 |
| October 8, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) | 46 | 52 |
The Accelerated Tech Pathway had the most invitations, reaffirming Alberta’s emphasis on developing its rapidly growing tech ecosystem.
Alberta's Ongoing Focus on Priority Sectors
Since the beginning of 2025, Alberta has aligned its immigration initiatives with industries at the core of its future economic strategy. Alberta’s Express Entry Stream itself has issued several invitations in the following categories:
- Accelerated Tech Pathway - 8 draws
- Priority Sectors: Aviation - 5 draws
- Priority Sectors: Agriculture - 6 draws
- Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry) - 10 draws
- Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) - 10 draws
Furthermore, the province is continuously identifying more streams, such as the Alberta Express Entry Stream, which includes the Law Enforcement Pathway, to attract specialized professionals.
In total, 69 draws have been conducted in 2025, demonstrating the proactive effort Alberta is making to meet its provincial and federal immigration targets.
Provincial Nomination Quota and Progress
Initially, the Alberta government received 4,875 nomination spaces for 2025. This number increased to 6,403 after the federal government provided an additional 1,528 nominations in September.
As of October 21, 2025, the number of nominations issued by Alberta already reached 4,689, leaving just 1,714 spaces available for the rest of the year.
Stream-Wise Nomination Summary (as of October 21, 2025)
| Stream | 2025 Nomination Allocation | Nominations Issued | Remaining Nominations | EOIs in Pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 3,356 | 2,544 | 812 | 36,778 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 1,100 | 877 | 233 | 4,024 |
| Tourism & Hospitality Stream | 245 | 212 | 33 | 5,689 |
| Dedicated Health Care Pathways (EE & Non-EE) | 810 | 438 | 372 | 1,402 |
| Accelerated Tech Pathway | 291 | 170 | 121 | 2,621 |
| Law Enforcement Pathway | 26 | 16 | 10 | 105 |
| Priority Sectors & Other Initiatives | 553 | 412 | 141 | 4,444 |
| Entrepreneur Streams | 22 | 20 | 2 | N/A |
The Alberta Opportunity Stream continues to be the leading stream in terms of volume, while the Rural Renewal Stream represents the province’s efforts to bring more immigration to smaller communities facing labor shortages.
Over 1,000 Invitations Distributed in Each Draw
On September 12, 2025, the AAIP held its largest draw of the year through the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS). A record-high 1,113 invitations were issued to temporary foreign workers already working in Alberta who also happen to hold current, valid job offers from Alberta-eligible provincial employers.
This draw’s minimum threshold stood at 63 points, indicating Alberta’s high demand for workers willing to relocate to the province for permanent residence.
Highest Draw of the Month
Its largest draw occurred on September 4, when Alberta Opportunity Stream issued 891 invites to potential nominees who scored at least 56.
The stream is still Alberta’s leader in terms of popularity, with the highest market share of provincial nomination spots and receiving hundreds of thousands of Expressions of Interest (EOIs).
Why Alberta is Running Targeted Draws
Alberta Opportunity Stream remains the central part of the AAIP, which provides a fast-tracked processing option to temporary foreign workers who are already contributing to the Alberta economy. On the other hand, the Accelerated Tech Pathway within the stream corresponding to the Express Entry is aiming to attract high-demand ICT skills, e.g., software engineering, as well as IT services.
The Law Enforcement Pathway, launched in 2023, bridges recruitment gaps among Alberta’s policing services by connecting immigration to public safety recruitment programs.
Work Towards Annual Nomination Goals
Alberta issued a total of 3,983 nominations until September 26, 2025, while remaining within the annual limit of 4,875, leaving the remaining quota of the year, i.e., 892, open.
A recent breakdown shows that:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: 2,146 nominations issued, remaining openings 446.
- Specialized Healthcare Tracks: 376 nominations were issued, leaving vacancies at 124.
- Rural Renewal Stream: 720 nominations released, 230 remaining open.
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: 203 nominations shortlisted, 42 remaining.
- Accelerated Tech Pathway: Fully allocated at 146 nominations.
- Career Pathway in Law Enforcement: 13 nominations were released, 7 still to be assigned.
- Priority Sector and Other Initiatives: 363 nominations offered, remaining 42.
Boost from the Federal Government
Previously this month, the federal government approved Alberta an additional 1,528 nomination spots, bringing the provincial allocation up to 6,403 for the year 2025.
Although formal announcements are still awaited on Alberta’s immigration portal, the shift implies that there will be more opportunities open to skilled workers in various sectors during the coming months.
Driving Innovation and Growth Through Immigration
Alberta’s 2025 immigration plan has a clear emphasis on economic diversification and regional development, using targeted immigration pathways to support both critical industries and sustainable growth in both rural and urban areas.
Skilled professionals in Alberta’s priority sectors, especially those in tech, health, and aviation, stand to benefit from the province’s ongoing recruitment efforts with more draws expected in the final quarter of 2025.
Our Services
Recent News
- Canada’s 2026-2028 Immigration Plan to Introduce New PR Pathway for Temporary Residents
- Manitoba Conducts Specialized PNP Draw to Invite Skilled Workers on Facilitated Work Permits
- Prince Edward Island Holds Special Immigration Draw Targeting International Graduates
- IRCC Conducts New Major French-Language Express Entry Draw
- IRCC Holds New Express Entry Draw Targeting CEC Applicants
