Alberta continues to aggressively recruit skilled workers in high-demand sectors through its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Between March 17 and March 27, 2026, the province held five targeted draws, issuing a total of 298 invitations to apply for provincial nomination.
These draws focused heavily on health care, construction, and manufacturing — key priority sectors for Alberta in 2026. The province has made it clear that filling labour shortages in these areas remains a top economic priority this year.
Details of the March 17–27 Draws
Here is a breakdown of the five draws conducted:
- March 27, 2026 — Alberta Express Entry Stream – 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 — Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Construction): Minimum score 59 (109 invitations)
- March 17, 2026 — Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Manufacturing): Minimum score 50 (27 invitations)
The largest round went to construction workers under the Priority Sectors pathway, followed closely by health care professionals through the Dedicated Health Care Pathway.
Why These Sectors?
In January 2026, Alberta announced it would prioritize occupations in health care, construction, manufacturing, technology, aviation, and agriculture throughout the year. The province is also placing strong emphasis on rural immigration to support smaller communities facing labour shortages.
A provincial nomination from Alberta provides a significant boost to permanent residence applications. It adds 600 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the federal Express Entry pool, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in most cases.
Nomination Allocation Update (as of April 1, 2026)
Alberta has a total nomination allocation of 6,403 spots for 2026. Here’s how nominations have been distributed so far across major streams:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: 3,425 allocated → 911 issued (2,514 remaining)
- Rural Renewal Stream: 1,000 allocated → 176 issued (824 remaining)
- Dedicated Health Care Pathways: 500 allocated → 84 issued (416 remaining)
- Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors: 600 allocated → 113 issued (487 remaining)
- Accelerated Tech Pathway: 600 allocated → 138 issued (462 remaining)
The province has conducted 23 draws in 2026 so far. While the Opportunity Stream still accounts for the majority of nominations, targeted draws in priority sectors like health care and construction are becoming increasingly common.
Processing and Pool Information
Alberta remains the most transparent province when it comes to immigration data. As of April 1, 2026, it publishes detailed figures on Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in the pool and applications awaiting processing for each stream.
For example:
- Over 28,000 EOIs were in the Alberta Opportunity Stream pool.
- The Priority Sectors pathway had nearly 4,700 EOIs waiting.
This transparency helps candidates understand their realistic chances and expected processing times.
What This Means for Prospective Immigrants
If you have work experience or a valid job offer in health care, construction trades, or manufacturing, now is an excellent time to consider the AAIP. Candidates with profiles in the Express Entry system should ensure their occupation aligns with Alberta’s priority sectors and maintain an up-to-date Expression of Interest.
The AAIP continues to run both general and highly targeted draws. Scores required can vary significantly depending on the stream and labour market needs.
Tip: Always check the official Alberta AAIP website for the latest stream criteria, eligible occupations, and pool data before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Alberta’s focused approach shows the province is serious about addressing specific labour shortages while supporting both urban and rural economic growth. With hundreds more nominations still available in priority streams, qualified candidates in health care, construction, and manufacturing have strong opportunities ahead in 2026.
Stay tuned for future draws — Alberta typically announces results shortly after each round.
