Between September 1 and 9 2026, Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) issued 722 invitations to workers who already have job offers in the province. The invitations were part of the province’s regular draws for the Alberta Opportunity Stream and related pathways.
- Tech sector: 96 invitations
- Health‑care sector: 51 invitations
Invited candidates may submit an application for provincial nomination. If they receive a nomination, they can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence (PR). While their PR application is being processed, applicants who are already in Canada may be eligible for a bridging open work permit (BOWP), allowing them to continue working without a job‑specific permit.
Note: As of June 9 2026, nominees from the Alberta Opportunity Stream can use the faster “base PNP” process to apply for a BOWP before receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for their PR application — a temporary federal measure aimed at reducing gaps in work authorization.
Draw details (September 2026)
| Draw date | Stream / pathway | Invitations issued | Minimum score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2026 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry | 51 | 516 |
| September 3, 2026 | Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway | 96 | 966 |
| September 1, 2026 | Alberta Opportunity Stream | 575 | 56 |
Active Worker Expressions of Interest vs. invitations issued (as of September 9, 2026)
| Stream / pathway | Workers with active profiles | Invitations issued |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 22,381 | 8,183 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 1,750 | 1,043 |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | 3,372 | 227 |
| Dedicated Health Care Pathways (EE + non‑EE) | 1,302 | 895 |
| Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway | 2,039 | 1,366 |
| Alberta Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway | 464 | 0 |
| Alberta Express Entry – Priority sector draws/initiatives | 5,067 | >1,821 |
The September 3 and 9 draws align with Alberta’s 2026 immigration priorities, which focus on health‑care, technology, construction, aviation, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Since the start of 2026, the AAIP has conducted 74 draws. Candidates interested in applying for provincial nomination should ensure they meet the specific pathway criteria and maintain an active expression of interest in the relevant stream.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
