Summary: The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) launched in February 2026 with a significant draw, granting 915 invitations for permanent residence through the Alberta Opportunity Stream on February 2, 2026.
Alberta Immigration News: AAIP Issues 915 Invitations Under Opportunity Stream (February 2026)
Alberta has started 2026 with continued activity under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). On February 2, 2026, the province issued 915 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
This draw is notable due to its size and timing, indicating that Alberta continues to use its provincial nomination allocation early in the year to address ongoing labour shortages.
Latest Alberta Opportunity Stream Draw Details
According to official program information published by the Government of Alberta:
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Date of draw: February 2, 2026
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Program: Alberta Opportunity Stream
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Invitations issued: 915
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Minimum EOI score: 57 points
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Express Entry profile required: No
The Opportunity Stream is designed for foreign workers already working in Alberta on a valid work permit. It operates outside Express Entry and uses Alberta’s own Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
Official AAIP page:
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-advantage-immigration-program.aspx
How Selection Works Under the Opportunity Stream
While the minimum EOI score for this draw was 57 points, Alberta has clarified that selection is not based on score alone.
Additional factors considered may include:
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Occupation and sector demand
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Length of employment in Alberta
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Education and training completed in Canada
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Regional labour needs
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Overall application balance
At the time of the draw, there were 28,412 EOIs in the Opportunity Stream pool, showing strong interest and competition.
Official stream details:
https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-opportunity-stream.aspx
2026 AAIP Draw Activity So Far
This February draw was the fourth AAIP draw of 2026, continuing a pattern of relatively frequent invitation rounds early in the year.
As of early February 2026:
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Annual AAIP nomination allocation: 6,403
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Nominations issued so far: 405
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Remaining nominations: Majority still available
This suggests Alberta has significant capacity remaining and may continue issuing invitations throughout 2026, depending on labour market needs and federal nomination limits.
AAIP nomination allocation reference:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/provincial-nominees/allocations.html
Why This Draw Matters for Foreign Workers in Alberta
The Opportunity Stream remains one of the most accessible provincial pathways for workers who:
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Are already employed in Alberta
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Hold a valid work permit
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Work in an eligible occupation
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Meet language, education, and work experience requirements
Unlike Express Entry–aligned streams, this pathway does not require CRS scores or federal ranking, making it particularly relevant for workers focused on provincial settlement.
If you are working in Alberta, you should review:
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Your occupation’s eligibility
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Your current EOI score factors
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Whether your employer and job meet AAIP conditions
Reality Check: Important Limits to Understand
This draw does not mean approval is guaranteed.
Important points to keep in mind:
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An invitation is not a nomination
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Applications are still assessed in full
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Processing times and refusal risks remain
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Annual nomination caps limit how many applicants can be approved
The Opportunity Stream favors stable, Alberta-based employment, not short-term or speculative job offers.
Official Government Sources
For accurate and current information, always refer to:
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Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-advantage-immigration-program.aspx -
Alberta Opportunity Stream details
https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-opportunity-stream.aspx -
IRCC – Provincial Nominee Program allocations
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/provincial-nominees.html
