Alberta invited 767 candidates in its August 2026 Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) draws. On August 14, the Alberta Opportunity Stream invited 743 candidates with a minimum score of 58. On August 19, the Dedicated Health Care Pathway invited 24 non-Express Entry candidates with a minimum score of 60. Alberta has now invited 11,585 candidates through AAIP in 2026.
August 2026 AAIP Draw Results
| Draw Date | Stream / Pathway | Minimum Score | Invitations Issued |
| August 14, 2026 | Alberta Opportunity Stream | 58 | 743 |
| August 19, 2026 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry) | 60 | 24 |
What Streams Did Alberta Use in the August 2026 AAIP Draws?
Alberta ran two separate invitation rounds under AAIP in August 2026. The first targeted the Alberta Opportunity Stream. This stream serves foreign workers already employed in Alberta on a valid work permit, in an eligible occupation, with an existing job offer from an Alberta employer.
The second targeted the Dedicated Health Care Pathway. This pathway sits outside the Express Entry system. It is built for internationally trained health care workers who want to settle in Alberta permanently and fill gaps in the province’s health sector.
Running both streams in the same week signals two things. Alberta wants steady flow through its worker-based stream, and it wants a faster, targeted route for health care talent specifically.
What Was the Minimum Score for the Alberta Opportunity Stream Draw?
The August 14 draw set a minimum score of 58 out of 100 on Alberta’s own Expression of Interest grid. This score is different from the CRS score used in Express Entry. Alberta scores candidates on factors like current employment in Alberta, occupation demand, language ability, education, and adaptability.
A score of 58 sits on the lower end of recent AOS cut-offs. That is good news. It suggests Alberta is inviting a wider pool of workers rather than only the highest-scoring profiles. Candidates who assumed their score was too low for AOS may want to check again.
Source: Latest Alberta PNP Draw Updata August 2026
Who Qualifies for the Dedicated Health Care Pathway?
The Dedicated Health Care Pathway is open to candidates working in designated health occupations in Alberta, including nursing, allied health, and other in-demand clinical roles. Because it operates outside Express Entry, candidates do not need an Express Entry profile or a CRS score to apply.
The cut-off score of 60 for this round is a useful benchmark for health care workers currently in Alberta on a work permit. If your occupation appears on Alberta’s designated list and your current role matches it, this pathway is often faster and more predictable than waiting for an Express Entry-aligned draw.
How Many Candidates Has Alberta Invited Through AAIP in 2026?
With this round, Alberta has invited 11,585 candidates through AAIP streams so far in 2026. That is a substantial pace, and it puts Alberta among the more active provinces for economic immigration this year.
The consistent cadence of AOS and Dedicated Health Care Pathway draws through the year tells applicants something practical: Alberta is not pausing its programs, and candidates who build a strong profile now have a realistic shot at an invitation within the year rather than an open-ended wait.
What Does This Mean for Your Alberta Immigration Application?
If you are working in Alberta already, this draw is a reminder to keep your Expression of Interest profile current. Scores move with every round, and a profile that missed the cut-off in June may qualify in August.
If you work in health care anywhere in Canada and are considering Alberta, the Dedicated Health Care Pathway is worth a serious look. It does not require an Express Entry profile, which removes one of the biggest bottlenecks candidates usually face.
ImmigCanada works with AAIP applicants at every stage, from checking eligibility against the current grid to preparing a complete provincial nomination file. A short conversation with one of our advisors can tell you where you stand before the next draw.
Frequently Asked Questions
AAIP is Alberta’s provincial nominee program. It lets the province nominate skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and health care professionals for Canadian permanent residence based on Alberta’s own labour market needs.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream is for workers already employed in Alberta with a valid job offer. Candidates are scored on Alberta’s own grid, not the federal CRS, and do not need an Express Entry profile to apply.
No. The Dedicated Health Care Pathway operates outside Express Entry. It is designed for health care workers already in Alberta who want a direct route to a provincial nomination.