Alberta’s immigration program has kicked into high gear. Between February 6 and February 19, 2026, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held six separate draws and issued a total of 441 invitations to apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. The activity spanned multiple streams and pathways, underscoring the province’s continued focus on filling labour shortages in tech, rural communities, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and law enforcement.
Here is the complete breakdown of the six draws:
- February 19, 2026 – Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Construction): minimum score 61, 50 invitations
- February 17, 2026 – Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Agriculture): minimum score 49, fewer than 10 invitations
- February 12, 2026 – Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Manufacturing): minimum score 50, 32 invitations
(This was the first draw for manufacturing occupations after the sector was formally added as a priority in January 2026.)
- February 11, 2026 – Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway: minimum score 59, 147 invitations
- February 10, 2026 – Rural Renewal Stream: minimum score 54, 212 invitations
(This was the first draw under the tightened eligibility rules that took effect on January 1, 2026.)
- February 6, 2026 – Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway: minimum score 50, fewer than 10 invitations
The Rural Renewal Stream draw on February 10 was the largest of the period, reflecting Alberta’s strong push to support smaller communities. However, candidates should note the new 2026 restrictions: in-Canada applicants must now hold a valid work permit, and each designated community is subject to annual limits on the number of endorsements it can issue.
For the 2026 program year, Alberta received a federal allocation of 6,403 provincial nominations. As of February 18, 2026, the AAIP had already issued 612 nominations, leaving 5,791 spots still available. A total of 1,032 applications were still being processed across all streams. The overall pool of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) stood at 45,698 candidates.
Stream-specific figures (as of February 18) show where the remaining capacity lies:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: 3,022 spaces left (out of 3,425)
- Rural Renewal Stream: 990+ spaces left (out of 1,000)
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: 118 spaces left (out of 150)
- Dedicated Health Care Pathways: 453 spaces left (out of 500)
- Accelerated Tech Pathway: 546 spaces left (out of 600)
- Priority Sectors (including construction, manufacturing, agriculture): 532 spaces left (out of 600)
- Law Enforcement Pathway: nearly full (only 38 total allocated)
With tens of thousands of EOIs already in the system—especially 28,916 in the Alberta Opportunity Stream alone—competition remains intense. Candidates in priority sectors and those meeting the exact eligibility criteria for the Accelerated Tech, Priority Sectors, or Rural Renewal streams currently enjoy the strongest chances.
These six draws in just two weeks send a clear signal: Alberta is moving quickly to use its 2026 nomination allocation and is prioritising candidates who can make an immediate economic contribution. The introduction of manufacturing as a priority sector and the stricter Rural Renewal rules show the program is evolving to better align with provincial labour market needs.
Eligible candidates who have not yet submitted an EOI are encouraged to review the latest AAIP guidelines, confirm they meet all stream-specific requirements (including valid work permits for in-Canada Rural Renewal applicants), and ensure their CRS scores or AAIP points are competitive. Those already in the pool should monitor their accounts closely, as further draws are expected throughout the spring.
With more than 5,700 nomination spots still open and a steady pace of invitations, 2026 continues to offer strong opportunities for skilled workers, tech professionals, and rural-community candidates who align with Alberta’s economic priorities.
