Alberta continues to actively target skilled workers in key sectors through its provincial immigration system in 2026. The province recently conducted a new round of invitations under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, selecting candidates across multiple streams with a strong emphasis on healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and rural occupations.
These draws highlight Alberta’s ongoing strategy to address labour shortages and support economic growth by attracting talent in high-demand industries.
Latest AAIP Draws: March 17 to March 27, 2026
Between March 17 and March 27, Alberta held five separate immigration draws, issuing a total of at least 298 invitations to apply for provincial nomination.
Candidates were selected from a range of pathways, including both Express Entry-linked and non-Express Entry streams. The draws targeted individuals working in critical sectors such as healthcare, construction, manufacturing, law enforcement, and rural communities.
Streams and Pathways Targeted
Invitations were issued under the following categories:
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- Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Construction)
- Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Manufacturing)
- Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway
- Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry)
- Rural Renewal Stream
Detailed Breakdown of Draw Results
The number of invitations and minimum scores varied across each draw, reflecting Alberta’s targeted approach.
- March 27, 2026: Law Enforcement Pathway – minimum score 46, fewer than 10 invitations
- March 26, 2026: Rural Renewal Stream – minimum score 50, 60 invitations
- March 24, 2026: Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry) – minimum score 54, 102 invitations
- March 19, 2026: Priority Sectors (Construction) – minimum score 59, 109 invitations
- March 17, 2026: Priority Sectors (Manufacturing) – minimum score 50, 27 invitations
These results demonstrate Alberta’s flexibility in adjusting selection criteria depending on sector-specific labour demands.
Strong Immigration Activity Throughout 2026
As of early April 2026, Alberta has already conducted 23 immigration draws this year. A significant portion of invitations has been issued through the Alberta Opportunity Stream, which remains the province’s primary pathway for workers already employed in Alberta.
This latest round of draws follows another active period between February 26 and March 16, during which more than 1,400 invitations were issued.
Nomination Allocation and Distribution
For 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has allocated 6,403 provincial nomination spaces to Alberta.
As of April 1, 2026:
- 1,475 nominations have already been issued
- 4,928 nomination spaces remain available
Allocation by Stream
The nomination spaces are distributed across various streams, with the Alberta Opportunity Stream receiving the largest share.
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: 3,425 total, 911 issued, 2,514 remaining
- Rural Renewal Stream: 1,000 total, 176 issued, 824 remaining
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: 150 total, 45 issued, 105 remaining
- Dedicated Health Care Pathways: 500 total, 84 issued, 416 remaining
- Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway: 600 total, 138 issued, 462 remaining
- Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway: 38 total, fewer than 10 issued
- Express Entry – Priority Sectors: 600 total, 113 issued, 487 remaining
- Entrepreneur Streams: 90 total, fewer than 10 issued
The Alberta Opportunity Stream alone accounts for over half of the province’s total allocation, representing approximately 53.5% of all nomination spaces.
Expression of Interest Pool and Application Inventory
Alberta stands out as the only province that regularly publishes detailed data on its candidate pools and application inventory.
As of April 1, 2026:
- There are 44,094 worker Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in the selection pool
- 63.5% of these EOIs are under the Alberta Opportunity Stream
EOIs by Stream
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: 28,001 EOIs, 654 applications pending
- Rural Renewal Stream: 2,622 EOIs, 207 pending
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: 4,404 EOIs, 20 pending
- Dedicated Health Care Pathways: 1,660 EOIs, 12 pending
- Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway: 2,625 EOIs, 151 pending
- Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway: 83 EOIs, fewer than 10 pending
- Express Entry – Priority Sectors: 4,699 EOIs, 108 pending
- Entrepreneur Streams: 264 applications pending
In total, there are 1,418 applications currently awaiting processing across all AAIP streams.
Alberta’s Key Immigration Priorities in 2026
Earlier in the year, Alberta announced its focus on several priority sectors to guide immigration selection. These include:
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Aviation
- Agriculture
Rural immigration has also emerged as a central focus. Through the Rural Renewal Stream, Alberta is targeting candidates with job offers in designated rural communities to address workforce shortages outside major urban centres.
What This Means for Immigration Candidates
For individuals seeking Canadian permanent residence through provincial nomination, Alberta remains one of the most active and accessible provinces in 2026.
The province’s targeted approach means that candidates with experience in high-demand sectors have a stronger chance of receiving an invitation. At the same time, the large number of EOIs in the pool highlights growing competition.
Applicants who align with Alberta’s priority industries, particularly healthcare and construction, are likely to benefit the most from ongoing draws.
Conclusion
Alberta’s latest immigration draws reflect a clear and strategic effort to address labour shortages across key sectors while supporting regional development. With nearly 5,000 nomination spaces still available in 2026, the province continues to offer significant opportunities for skilled workers.
As immigration demand grows, Alberta’s transparent reporting and targeted selection approach provide valuable insights for candidates planning their pathway to permanent residence. Those who meet the province’s evolving labour needs stand to benefit the most in the months ahead.
FAQs
1. How many invitations were issued in the latest Alberta draws?
At least 298 invitations were issued between March 17 and March 27, 2026.
2. Which sectors were prioritized?
Healthcare, construction, manufacturing, rural occupations, and law enforcement were key focus areas.
3. How many nomination spaces does Alberta have in 2026?
Alberta has been allocated 6,403 nomination spaces for the year.
4. How many nominations have been issued so far?
As of April 1, 2026, Alberta has issued 1,475 nominations.
5. What is the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
It is the province’s main immigration pathway for workers already employed in Alberta.
6. How many EOIs are currently in the pool?
There are 44,094 Expressions of Interest in Alberta’s selection pool.
