The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has issued 111 nominations so far from its 2026 provincial allocation of 6,403 spaces, signaling an early but strategic start to Alberta’s immigration planning for the year. With 6,292 nomination spaces still available and 1,386 applications currently under review, Alberta continues to position itself as a key destination for skilled workers and entrepreneurs seeking permanent residence in Canada.

According to certified Canadian immigration consultants at ImmigCanada, early-year nomination activity often reflects provincial priorities and processing capacity rather than final selection volumes. Alberta’s measured pace highlights its focus on quality selection, sector alignment, and long-term labour market planning.

Alberta Opportunity Stream Leads Early 2026 Nominations

The Alberta Opportunity Stream remains the backbone of the program, accounting for 70 of the 111 nominations issued to date. This stream currently has 741 applications under assessment, with AAIP processing files submitted as early as October 3, 2025.

This stream primarily targets temporary foreign workers already employed in Alberta, reinforcing the province’s preference for candidates with proven local labour market attachment. As Regulated Immigration Consultants often emphasize, candidates already working in Alberta typically benefit from stronger settlement outcomes and employer continuity.

Tourism Health Care, and Priority Sectors Continue to Receive Focus

Beyond the Alberta Opportunity Stream, AAIP has also issued:

• 10 nominations under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream
• 16 nominations under the Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sector draws
• Fewer than 10 nominations under the Dedicated Health Care Pathways

Priority sectors for 2026 include health care, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, aviation, and technology. These priorities closely align with federal immigration objectives and workforce shortages across Western Canada.

According to ImmigCanada immigration consulting services, applicants targeting Alberta should ensure their work experience, job offers, and employer documentation clearly align with these sector-based priorities.

Large EOI Pool Signals Continued Competition

As of mid-January, 45,659 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) remain in Alberta’s worker selection pool. The largest concentration is under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, followed by Tourism and Hospitality and the Rural Renewal Stream.

Experienced Regulated Immigration Consultants, including Eivy Joy Quito, note that a large EOI pool does not mean all candidates face equal competition. Selection depends on sector alignment, employer stability, regional needs, and timing of draws.

What This Means for Immigration Candidates

Alberta’s early 2026 nomination activity reinforces a key trend: provincial immigration is increasingly strategic and employer-driven. Candidates relying solely on CRS scores without provincial alignment may struggle, while those building province-specific profiles remain well positioned.

Applicants are strongly advised to seek guidance from a certified Canadian immigration consultant to avoid errors that could delay or derail an application. If you are planning to apply through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, speaking with a Regulated Immigration Consultant at ImmigCanada immigration consulting services can help you build a nomination-ready profile and stay competitive as draws continue throughout 2026.