Alberta issues 380 provincial nomination invitations

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program draws (Sept. 10–23, 2026): sector-focused invitations and what candidates should watch

Mid‑September update — why it matters
Between Sept. 10 and Sept. 23, 2026, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) issued at least 380 invitations to apply for provincial nomination, focusing on workers in health care, technology, manufacturing and agriculture. A provincial nomination lets successful candidates move on to the federal permanent residence application. The rounds also show how Alberta is using sector-specific pathways to respond to labour demand and how a temporary federal measure can speed up bridging work‑permit access for some nominees.

How this fits Alberta’s 2026 approach
Most draws in this period aligned with Alberta’s announced 2026 priorities (which also include construction, aviation and rural settlement). The AAIP held multiple Alberta Express Entry Stream draws targeting specific occupations and draws under the Alberta Opportunity Stream. As of Sept. 23 the province had held 80 draws in 2026 and issued at least 13,089 invitations.

Draw details (Sept. 10–23)
– Sept. 23 — Alberta Opportunity Stream: 113 invitations; minimum score 58.
– Sept. 22 — Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway: 100 invitations; minimum score 59.
– Sept. 21 — Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway: 49 invitations (minimum score not listed).
– Sept. 18 — Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Health Care): 100 invitations; minimum score 62.
– Sept. 15 — Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Agriculture): 18 invitations; minimum score 60.
– Sept. 10 — Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Manufacturing): 48 invitations; minimum score 60.

Notable 2026 records from these rounds
– Sept. 23 — Alberta Opportunity Stream: lowest invitation total for this stream in 2026.
– Sept. 18 — Health care priority sector: largest health‑care invitation round of 2026.
– Sept. 15 — Agriculture draw: highest cutoff score for that sector so far in 2026.
– Sept. 10 — Manufacturing draw: highest cutoff score for that sector so far in 2026.

Active WEOI profiles vs. invitations issued (figures current to Sept. 23, 2026)
– Alberta Opportunity Stream — 22,315 active profiles; 8,296 invitations issued in 2026.
– Rural Renewal Stream — 1,736 active profiles; 1,043 invitations issued in 2026.
– Tourism and Hospitality Stream — 3,275 active profiles; 227 invitations issued in 2026.
– Dedicated Health Care Pathways (EE + non‑EE) — 1,222 active profiles; 895 invitations issued in 2026.
– Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway — 1,992 active profiles; 1,466 invitations issued in 2026.
– Alberta Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway — 45 active profiles (invitations: 49).
– Alberta Express Entry – Priority sector draws/initiatives — 5,011 active profiles; more than 1,156 invitations issued in 2026.

What this means for applicants and employers
– Sector prioritization: Alberta is selectively targeting professions in health care, tech, manufacturing and agriculture. Applicants with relevant experience aligned to these pathways may have better selection chances.
– Cutoff variability: Minimum scores varied across draws (58, 59, 62, 60). Expect fluctuations by sector and draw. Higher cutoffs in agriculture and manufacturing in this window signal stronger competition or selective targeting.
– WEOI depth vs. invitations: The Alberta Opportunity Stream’s large active pool suggests longer waits there unless the province increases invitation volumes. Tech and health care show relatively higher conversion of profiles to invitations.
– Alignment with priorities: Most draws matched Alberta’s 2026 priorities; two draws (Sept. 21 and Sept. 23) did not. Candidates tied to announced priority areas may see more consistent activity.

Temporary federal measure affecting BOWP access
After submitting a permanent residence application, provincial nominees can apply for a bridging open work permit (BOWP). Since June 9, 2026, a temporary federal measure allows qualifying Alberta Opportunity Stream base PNP applicants to apply for a BOWP months sooner. This can reduce gaps in work authorization for eligible nominees while their federal PR applications are processed.

Who is most directly affected
– Workers in health care, technology (Accelerated Tech), manufacturing and agriculture.
– Express Entry candidates aligned with Alberta‑specific pathways.
– Alberta Opportunity Stream applicants, given the large WEOI pool and the earlier BOWP access measure.
– Employers in priority sectors monitoring nomination activity to support foreign hires.

Practical takeaways
– Monitor sector‑specific draws and cutoff trends to gauge competitiveness.
– Check invitation volumes for your stream—large WEOI pools may mean longer waits.
– If nominated under Alberta Opportunity Stream, verify eligibility for the temporary BOWP measure to preserve or regain work authorization.
– Remember: an invitation leads to a nomination application; only an approved provincial nomination lets you apply to the federal government for PR.

Key numbers to keep on your checklist
– Draw window: Sept. 10–23, 2026 — at least 380 invitations issued.
– Specific draws and cutoffs: see list above.
– WEOI vs. invitations figures current to Sept. 23, 2026 (see list above).
– Aggregate 2026 activity (as of Sept. 23): 80 draws and at least 13,089 invitations.
– Temporary BOWP measure start date for Alberta Opportunity Stream nominees: June 9, 2026.

For personalized support with your Canadian immigration pathway, contact GTR Immigration. Call us: +91-8810-686-447

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