Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): Streams and Priorities in 2026
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) nominates people for permanent residence based on Alberta's economic needs. Alberta's total nomination allocation for 2026 is 6,603, after the federal government added 200 spaces in August.
Worker streams
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: for candidates who live and work in Alberta and have a job offer from an Alberta employer. It is the program's busiest stream.
- Alberta Express Entry Stream: for people in the Express Entry pool who match Alberta's priorities. Dedicated pathways include health care and tech.
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: for candidates working in Alberta's tourism and hospitality sector with a full-time offer to continue.
- Rural Renewal Stream: for communities designated under the stream.
Entrepreneur streams
Alberta also runs entrepreneur streams for people who plan to start or buy a business, including rural, graduate, foreign graduate, and farm options. Alberta updated some of these pages on August 12, 2026, so check the current criteria before you plan around them. Our business immigration guide will cover them.
Priorities in 2026
Alberta says it is prioritizing worker draws for sectors such as health care, technology, construction, manufacturing, aviation, agriculture, and Rural Renewal communities.
How it works
Candidates submit a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI), which now carries a $135 fee, and Alberta invites selected candidates to apply. Competition is high: the Alberta Opportunity Stream has a very large pool, so an entry does not mean an invitation.
Get help from a licensed consultant
I can check whether your job, occupation and work permit fit an Alberta stream and prepare a strong application. No one can guarantee an invitation or a nomination.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to live in Alberta? Most worker streams are for people already living and working in Alberta. The Express Entry stream is open to candidates who may be elsewhere.
Is there a fee to enter the pool? Yes, Alberta introduced a $135 fee for Worker Expressions of Interest in April 2026.
Does Alberta prioritize certain jobs? Yes, health care, technology, construction, manufacturing, aviation and agriculture, among others.
Sources: Alberta.ca, Alberta Advantage Immigration Program pages and updates (2026); CIC News summary of the August 2026 allocation increase.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.