As of 26 May 2026, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has revised its Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) system. Candidates can now modify their submitted WEOI without cancelling the original profile, and they may decline an invitation and return to the pool before the 15‑day invitation window closes.
Key policy updates
- Editable WEOI – Applicants can edit their existing WEOI entry directly; the previous requirement to cancel and resubmit (and pay the $135 fee again) has been removed.
- Invitation decline – Candidates who receive an invitation under a particular stream can now reject it and re‑enter the WEOI pool within the 15‑day invitation period, allowing consideration for other eligible streams.
- Immediate effect – The changes were published on the Government of Alberta’s AAIP Updates page on 26 May 2026 and took effect that same day.
Limited fee refunds
- The AAIP will refund the $135 WEOI submission fee for applicants who submitted a WEOI between 7 April 2026 and 26 May 2026 and subsequently cancelled it to make edits under the old rules.
- Refunds are not automatic; applicants must request a refund through the Opportunity Alberta contact form.
- Ineligible for refunds are candidates who cancelled because of an Express Entry profile update or who resubmitted a WEOI while an invitation was active.
- Updating a WEOI does not extend its validity; all WEOIs remain valid for one year from the date of submission, regardless of edits.
Background on the WEOI system
- The $135 submission fee was introduced on 7 April 2026 for all candidates applying under AAIP worker streams or pathways.
- On 25 February 2024, new fields were added to capture wage and hour details for candidates with an in‑province job offer; missing information could lead to exclusion from future draws.
- The current WEOI model has been in use since 30 September 2024.
- To be considered, foreign nationals must complete the WEOI form, providing work experience, education, language proficiency, family ties in Alberta, and other details, then pay the $135 fee.
- Submitted WEOIs are scored on a 100‑point grid covering human‑capital and economic factors. Periodic draws select candidates for provincial nomination based on scores, labour‑market needs, available nomination slots, and application volume.
- Successful nominees pay a $1,500 AAIP application fee and can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Current statistics (as of 14 May 2026)
- Federal allocation for Alberta in 2026: 6,403 nomination spaces.
- Nominations issued to date: 2,191.
- Total WEOIs in the pool: 40,161, with the majority (≈ 63.7 %) under the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
- Provincial nomination applications awaiting processing: 1,289.
- 2026 draw priorities include occupations in healthcare, technology, construction, manufacturing, aviation, agriculture, and communities designated under the Rural Renewal Stream.
These updates aim to reduce administrative barriers for prospective immigrants and to correct the fee burden imposed by the earlier policy. Applicants should review the AAIP Updates page for full details and submit any refund requests promptly through the official contact form.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
