AAIP issues more than 100 nominations in early 2026

AAIP nominations have made a strong start to 2026, showing Alberta’s continued focus on attracting skilled workers and supporting the province’s workforce needs. Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has issued 111 nominations from a total 2026 allocation of 6,403 places. With more than 6,200 nomination places still available, Alberta is positioning itself as one of the most active provinces for provincial immigration in the months ahead.

This early movement highlights Alberta’s intention to act quickly in selecting candidates who can support economic growth, regional development and long-term labour stability. For candidates interested in provincial pathways, an AAIP nomination represents one of the most practical routes to permanent residence in Canada.

What the latest AAIP nominations mean for candidates

The early issuing of AAIP nominations shows that Alberta is actively processing applications and prioritising candidates who match the province’s workforce needs. With 1,386 applications currently under review, Alberta continues to handle a large volume of submissions across multiple streams.

This activity signals opportunity for candidates who meet Alberta’s labour market priorities. It also means that well-prepared applications, complete documentation and strong eligibility profiles are becoming more important as competition increases.

AAIP nominations not only support Alberta employers but also give selected candidates a stronger route to Canadian permanent residence.

The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) leads current AAIP nominations

Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) continues to lead AAIP nominations in early 2026. The stream has issued 70 nominations and is currently reviewing 741 applications. Alberta is assessing submissions from 10/2025, indicating steady progress in processing.

The stream remains popular among temporary foreign workers and international graduates already working in Alberta. It supports workers who are contributing to the provincial economy and are ready to move to permanent resident status.

For many candidates, the stream represents a practical and reliable route to securing long-term status in Canada through provincial selection.

The tourism and hospitality stream supports key sectors

The tourism and hospitality stream has also begun issuing AAIP nominations, with 10 granted so far and 73 applications under review. This reflects Alberta’s continued focus on supporting tourism, food service and related hospitality occupations.

These sectors play an important role in Alberta’s economy and in regional employment. By issuing nominations through this stream, Alberta is helping employers stabilise their workforces and giving workers a route to permanent residence.

For candidates in these industries, the stream can offer a valuable opportunity to secure long-term status while continuing to contribute to Alberta’s service economy.

The Express Entry stream’s priority sector focus

Stream Alberta Express Entry has issued 16 nominations through its Priority Sectors initiative. The stream is targeting candidates in construction, manufacturing, agriculture and other key industries supporting Alberta’s infrastructure and economic expansion.

Candidates selected through this stream benefit from both a provincial nomination and the federal Express Entry advantage. This combination can considerably improve the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

AAIP nominations through Express Entry also reflect Alberta’s strategy of attracting skilled workers who support long-term provincial development.

High interest reflected in the expression of interest pool

The AAIP expression of interest pool currently holds 45,659 profiles. This shows strong interest in Alberta as a destination for skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

A large pool also means increased competition. Candidates who match Alberta’s targeted occupations, have strong work experience and meet the specific stream criteria may stand a better chance of selection.

AAIP nominations from this pool will continue to be issued on the basis of provincial priorities, sector needs and available allocations.

Why Alberta remains a leading provincial immigration choice

Alberta continues to stand out as a leading province for immigration thanks to its strong economy, affordable cost of living in many areas and continued demand for skilled workers. AAIP nominations reflect Alberta’s strategy of attracting talent that supports long-term growth.

With thousands of nomination places still available in 2026, Alberta is expected to maintain a high level of activity in its provincial draws. This creates opportunities for candidates who are ready, well prepared and matched to Alberta’s labour needs.

For many candidates, Alberta offers a balanced combination of employment opportunity, regional growth and provincial support.

What candidates should do now

Candidates interested in AAIP nominations should make sure their profiles are accurate, up to date and aligned with Alberta’s priority sectors. Work experience, employer support and stream eligibility all play an important part in selection.

Candidates should also follow Alberta’s updates closely, as stream priorities and processing focus can change over the course of the year. Professional guidance can help candidates identify the best provincial pathway and improve their chances of success.

AAIP nominations in early 2026 show Alberta’s strong momentum in provincial immigration. With more than 100 nominations already issued and thousands of places still available, Alberta remains one of Canada’s most active provinces in selecting skilled workers. These early results confirm Alberta’s focus on workforce growth, regional development and long-term settlement. For candidates seeking a provincial route to permanent residence, AAIP nominations continue to offer meaningful opportunity.

Further information on the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is available on the government website at here.