Alberta Reveals 2026 Immigration Priorities and Nomination Strategy
Alberta has officially outlined its provincial immigration priorities for 2026, offering clarity to thousands of skilled workers, international graduates, and employers hoping to secure permanent residence through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
According to newly released provincial data, Alberta has been allocated 6,403 provincial nomination spaces for 2026, maintaining the increased level introduced last year. This represents a significant expansion compared to the program’s original 2025 allocation and signals Alberta’s continued reliance on immigration to address labour shortages and economic growth.
As of mid-January 2026, Alberta has already issued 111 nominations, indicating an early and active start to the year.
How Alberta Plans to Use Its 2026 Nomination Allocation
Alberta is currently the most transparent province when it comes to detailing how its nomination spaces are distributed across immigration streams. More than half of all nominations for 2026 are reserved for candidates already living and working in the province.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream remains the dominant pathway, accounting for approximately 53% of total nominations, reinforcing Alberta’s preference for temporary foreign workers with Alberta-based employment.
Other streams receiving allocations include rural pathways, healthcare-focused streams, tourism and hospitality, technology, law enforcement, and entrepreneur programs. However, Alberta has emphasized that these allocations may be adjusted throughout the year based on labour market needs.
Priority Occupations Alberta Is Targeting in 2026
For 2026, Alberta has identified several high-demand sectors where it intends to prioritize nominations:
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Aviation
- Agriculture
The inclusion of manufacturing as a priority sector highlights emerging workforce gaps in Alberta’s industrial economy. In addition, candidates with valid job offers in rural Alberta communities are expected to receive special consideration under the Rural Renewal Stream.
While these sectors are designated as top priorities, Alberta has clarified that invitations may still be issued outside these areas when program needs require it.
Additional Nomination Opportunities Beyond Alberta’s Allocation
In addition to Alberta’s 6,403 nomination spaces, the federal government has created 10,000 extra PNP spaces nationwide for two specific groups:
- Practice-ready physicians with qualifying job offers
- French-speaking candidates with eligible occupations
Nominations issued under these special federal initiatives will not count against Alberta’s regular allocation, allowing the province to potentially nominate more candidates than its base quota.
Eligible physicians must meet Alberta’s healthcare pathway standards, while French-speaking candidates must demonstrate intermediate French proficiency and employment in an eligible occupation.
Growing Competition in Alberta’s Immigration Pools
As of January 2026, Alberta’s Expression of Interest pool contains over 45,000 eligible profiles, with the largest concentration under the Alberta Opportunity Stream. This reflects both strong interest in Alberta and increasing competition for provincial nominations.
At the same time, the province reported 1,386 applications awaiting processing, suggesting relatively manageable processing volumes compared to applicant demand.
Looking Back at 2025 Trends
In 2025, Alberta issued more than 6,600 nominations, with over 85% granted to temporary foreign workers already living in the province. The majority of invitations were issued through the Alberta Opportunity Stream, despite frequent draws under the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
These trends confirm Alberta’s long-term strategy: prioritizing in-province workers who are already contributing to the local economy.
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