First Alberta AAIP Draw of February 2026 Issues 915 PR Invitations

Alberta has started February 2026 with a major immigration push, issuing 915 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in the first Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) draw of the month. The draw, held on February 2, 2026, targeted candidates under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, making it the largest single AAIP draw so far this year.

This latest Alberta immigration draw highlights the province’s strong demand for skilled workers and signals an aggressive start to Alberta’s nomination strategy for 2026. According to official updates from the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, the minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score for this draw was 57, opening the door for a wide range of eligible workers already living and working in Alberta.

915 Invitations Issued in Alberta Opportunity Stream Draw

The Alberta Opportunity Stream is the province’s largest non-Express Entry pathway under the AAIP. It is designed for foreign workers who are already employed in Alberta on valid work permits and want to transition to permanent residence.

Key highlights of the February 2, 2026, AAIP draw

1. Total invitations issued: 915
2. Stream targeted: Alberta Opportunity Stream
3. Minimum EOI score: 57
4. AAIP draw number: Fourth draw of 2026

This single draw accounts for nearly 80 per cent of all AAIP invitations issued in 2026 so far, underlining Alberta’s reliance on the Opportunity Stream to meet labour market needs.

AAIP Draw Momentum Builds in Early 2026

The February 2 draw follows three AAIP draws conducted between January 26 and January 29, 2026, across multiple immigration pathways. In just seven days, Alberta issued 1,169 invitations, showing a fast-paced and highly targeted approach.

All AAIP Draws in 2026 So Far

These AAIP draws confirm that health care, technology, and in-province workers are central to Alberta’s immigration priorities in 2026.

Inside the Alberta Opportunity Stream EOI Pool

The Alberta Opportunity Stream currently has the largest EOI pool of any AAIP stream, making competition intense.

EOI pool snapshot

1. Total EOIs in pool: 28,412
2. 2026 nomination allocation: 3,425
3. Nominations issued so far: 255
4. Remaining nomination spaces: 3,170

This means only about 1 in 9 candidates in the Opportunity Stream pool will receive a nomination in 2026, assuming no major policy changes.

AAIP has also clarified that the EOI score alone does not guarantee selection. The program considers:

1. Occupation and sector
2. Alberta work experience
3. Labour market demand
4. Program integrity factors

As a result, candidates working in priority sectors have a clear advantage, even if their score is close to the cutoff.

Alberta Immigration Priority Sectors for 2026

Alberta has openly stated that the AAIP draws in 2026 will focus on occupations facing critical labour shortages.

AAIP priority sectors

1. Health care
2. Technology and IT
3. Construction and skilled trades
4. Manufacturing
5. Agriculture
6. Aviation
7. Rural and regional communities

Dedicated pathways such as the Health Care Pathway and the Accelerated Tech Pathway show how Alberta is using targeted immigration tools instead of relying only on general draws.

EOI Pool Sizes Across All AAIP Streams

The competition becomes clearer when looking at all AAIP pools combined.

Current AAIP EOI Pool Breakdown

With more than 45,000 EOIs competing for 6,403 nominations, Alberta immigration in 2026 is clearly competitive.

Check your eligibility for Alberta immigration with our Alberta PNP Points Calculator. Get instant CRS score insights and improve your chances to apply successfully.

2026 Alberta Nomination Allocation: Plenty of Room Left

Alberta has been allocated 6,403 nominations for 2026 by the federal government, coordinated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

AAIP nomination status (early February 2026)

With over 93 per cent of nominations still available, Alberta is expected to conduct many more AAIP draws in 2026.

Processing Times and Backlogs: What Applicants Should Know

Processing times vary widely by stream.

1. Alberta Opportunity Stream:

Applications assessed up to October 21, 2025

2. Health Care Pathways:

Fastest processing, assessing late January 2026 files

3. Tourism & Hospitality:

Longest backlog, assessing January 2025 files

This means health care candidates are moving much faster, while general Opportunity Stream applicants should expect several months of waiting.

What This AAIP Draw Means for Candidates

This first Alberta AAIP draw of February 2026 sends a clear message:

1. Alberta is actively using its nomination quota
2. In-province workers remain the top priority
3. Sector alignment matters more than ever

Candidates are strongly advised to keep EOIs updated and accurate, as AAIP draws are not scheduled and can happen with little notice.

Conclusion: Alberta Immigration Off to a Strong Start in 2026

With 915 PR invitations in a single draw, Alberta has set a powerful tone for the year. The AAIP remains one of the most active provincial nominee programs in Canada, offering real opportunities for workers who match Alberta’s labour needs.

However, rising EOI pool sizes mean competition will only intensify as 2026 progresses.

Stay updated on Alberta PNP Draws with latest CRS scores, occupations invited, draw dates, and pathways to Canadian PR through Alberta programs.

How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help

Visa Solutions 4u assists Alberta immigration applicants by:

1. Evaluating AAIP and Express Entry eligibility
2. Identifying the best AAIP stream for your profile
3. Strengthening EOI scores and documentation
4. Guiding employer-supported applications
5. Providing end-to-end PR application support

With Alberta immigration rules changing quickly, expert guidance can significantly improve your chances of receiving an AAIP invitation in 2026.