The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has held six selection draws in the past year, issuing hundreds of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination — part of Alberta’s ongoing effort to attract skilled workers and support local labour-market needs. This past cycle reflects a sustained focus on priority occupations and strategic use of Alberta’s 2026 nomination allocation.
Here’s a breakdown of all six rounds, who was invited, and what it means for immigration hopefuls.
📊 Alberta’s Six Immigration Draws (2025–2026)
Alberta has moved actively throughout late 2025 and early 2026, inviting candidates through the AAIP across multiple streams. Below is a summary of the draw dates, target groups, and approximate invitations issued:
| Draw Date | Target Category | Approx. Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Priority Sectors & Express Entry | ~67 |
| Jun 2025 | Skilled Workers | ~56 |
| Sep 2025 | Skilled Workers | ~72 |
| Nov 2025 | Alberta Opportunity | ~45 |
| Jan 2026 | Express Entry – Tech/Law | ~59 |
| Feb 2026 | Priority Sectors | ~103 |
In total, hundreds of candidates received AAIP Invitations to Apply for nomination, spanning streams such as Alberta Opportunity, Express Entry Alberta, Priority Sectors, and Skilled Workers.
📌 What Each Draw Focused On
🧑🔧 Priority Sectors
Alberta continues to target in-demand sectors such as healthcare, technology, construction, manufacturing, and aviation. Candidates with work experience and job offers in these areas were prioritized, especially where labour shortages are strongest.
💼 Skilled Workers
These draws generally selected workers with job offers in Alberta-based occupations, reflecting the province’s effort to fill employer needs. Invitations spanned intermediate to high-skill roles tied to economic demand.
📈 Express Entry Alberta (Tech & Law Enforcement)
Alberta invited select Express Entry candidates with backgrounds in technology and other priority occupations aligned with labour needs. Successful candidates typically had high CRS scores and met Alberta’s tech-focused criteria.
🛠 Alberta Opportunity Stream
This stream focuses on foreign workers already employed in the province and eligible for nomination based on current employment and Alberta-specific requirements.
📍 Why These Draws Matter
Provincial nominations boost a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by 600 points — almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a future Express Entry draw.
These six rounds demonstrate that Alberta continues to use its nomination quota strategically throughout the year to:
- Support employers in priority sectors.
- Recognize candidates with strong local ties or labour demand experience.
- Maximize use of Alberta’s 2026 allocation under the federal immigration planning levels.
📌 How the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Works
The AAIP screens and selects foreign workers through an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Candidates submit EOIs for different streams, and Alberta ranks profiles based on factors such as job offers, education, work experience, and labour-market fit.
High-ranking EOIs receive ITAs for provincial nomination, which can then be used to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry or other federal pathways.
🧠 Tips for Alberta Immigration Candidates
If you’re looking to increase your chances of nomination under the AAIP:
✔ Strengthen Your EOI Profile
Include accurate job titles, Canadian work experience (if applicable), language test results, and credentials.
✔ Target Priority Sectors
Alberta’s draw history shows consistent focus on healthcare, tech, construction, and manufacturing — aligning your profile with these areas can improve your ranking.
✔ Monitor New Draws
The AAIP issues invitations frequently, so staying aware of announcements and draw patterns can help you time updates to your profile.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Alberta’s six immigration draws illustrate the province’s proactive use of its nomination allocation to attract skilled workers and support regional labour priorities. If your occupation aligns with Alberta’s in-demand sectors, the AAIP can be a strong pathway to permanent residence — especially when combined with an Express Entry profile and strong credentials.
