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Alberta Issues 915 Permanent Residence Invitations in First AAIP Draw of February 2026
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) kicked off February 2026 with a significant draw, issuing 915 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Alberta Opportunity Stream on February 2, 2026.
With a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 57, this draw highlights Alberta’s ongoing need for skilled workers and reflects the province’s proactive approach in addressing labour shortages in key economic sectors.
🧾 Key Highlights of the AAIP Draw
This February draw was the fourth AAIP draw of 2026, following three other draws held between January 26 and January 29 under other pathways — including the Dedicated Health Care Pathway and the Alberta Express Entry Stream’s Accelerated Tech Pathway.
Together, these four draws issued a total of 1,169 invitations in just seven days, demonstrating the province’s high immigration activity and momentum.
📊 Alberta’s Nomination Allocation and Draw Context
Alberta has a total nomination allocation of 6,403 for 2026 from the federal government. So far, only 405 nominations have been issued, leaving 5,964 nomination spaces still available, which indicates that Alberta still has significant capacity to invite more candidates throughout the year.
📌 How the Alberta Opportunity Stream Works
The Alberta Opportunity Stream is AAIP’s main non‑Express Entry pathway for skilled foreign workers who are already living and working in Alberta on a valid work permit. Unlike streams linked to the federal Express Entry system, candidates in this stream do not require an Express Entry profile.
Instead, applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) directly through the AAIP system. Invitations are issued based on multiple factors including EOI score, occupation, work experience, and alignment with Alberta’s priority sectors.
It’s important to note that while the published minimum score (57) sets a baseline, the AAIP considers multiple selection criteria and a score above the minimum does not guarantee an invitation.
📈 AAIP Draw Breakdown – January & February 2026
| Date | Stream | Minimum Score | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2, 2026 | Alberta Opportunity Stream | 57 | 915 |
| January 29, 2026 | Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech | 63 | 148 |
| January 27, 2026 | Dedicated Health Care – Non‑EE | 45 | 43 |
| January 26, 2026 | Dedicated Health Care – Express Entry | 61 | 63 |
This pattern shows Alberta drawing frequently from multiple streams instead of spacing draws out, signalling the province’s active immigration stance.
🎯 Priority Sectors for 2026
Alberta has identified key sectors where it expects to prioritize candidates:
- Health Care
- Technology
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Aviation
- Agriculture
- Rural community development (Rural Renewal Stream)
Candidates working in these areas, particularly in designated priority occupations, may have improved chances of being selected.
📌 Current EOI Pool Overview
As of the latest data, the total EOI pool across all AAIP streams stands at 45,276 profiles, with the largest share belonging to the Alberta Opportunity Stream (28,412 EOIs).
This means the recent draw of 915 invitations represents only a small proportion (approx. 3.2%) of the total pool — highlighting both the high competition and the need for strong profiles.
🕒 Processing Times & Backlogs
Each AAIP stream has its own processing timeline based on the current queue:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: Processing EOIs received on or before October 21, 2025
- Dedicated Health Care Pathways: Processing as of January 26, 2026
- Express Entry – Accelerated Tech: Processing as of October 31, 2025
- Tourism & Hospitality Stream: Longest queue, processing EOIs from January 10, 2025
These timelines help candidates gauge how far the system has advanced and what to expect in terms of wait times.
📌 What This Means for Aspiring Immigrants
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program continues to demonstrate an aggressive and dynamic approach in issuing invitations. With most of the nomination allocation still available, additional draws are likely throughout 2026. However, competition remains strong due to the high number of EOIs.
Success in the AAIP system depends on a strong profile, relevant occupation, experience, and alignment with provincial priorities rather than only securing a high EOI score.
📝 Final Takeaway
If you are planning to pursue immigration to Alberta in 2026, make sure your Expression of Interest is complete, up‑to‑date, and aligned with Alberta’s priority labour needs. Even if you do not receive an invitation immediately, having a competitive profile increases your chances in future draws.
