Maple News reports that Alberta has officially announced its 2026 nomination allocation under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), receiving 6,403 nomination spaces from the federal government. This marks a 31% increase from the province’s initial 2025 allocation of 4,875, signaling a stronger provincial commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants.
The updated allocation, released on January 13, 2026, outlines how Alberta intends to distribute nominations across its various AAIP streams. Notably, Alberta continues to lead in transparency among Canadian provinces by publishing nomination targets and intake data for each stream.
More than half of Alberta’s 2026 nominations (53%) are allocated to the Alberta Opportunity Stream, which supports skilled workers already employed in the province. Of the 3,425 nominations set aside for this stream, 70 had already been issued as of January 13.
The Rural Renewal Stream has been designated 1,000 nomination spaces, aimed at revitalizing smaller communities across Alberta. Additionally, 500 nominations are reserved for health professionals under Alberta’s Dedicated Health Care Pathways, reflecting an ongoing need for qualified medical staff.
Alberta is also investing in high-demand sectors through its Express Entry-affiliated pathways. The Accelerated Tech Pathway and the Law Enforcement Pathway received 600 and 38 spaces respectively—catering to tech professionals and police officers seeking permanent residence. Another 600 nomination spaces support priority sectors outside of these specified categories, with 16 already awarded.
The tourism and hospitality sector, a critical part of Alberta’s economy, has been allocated 150 nominations. Meanwhile, Entrepreneur Streams—targeting business-minded immigrants—have been allocated 90 spaces.
With 111 nominations already issued in 2026 across all streams, Alberta joins British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Yukon in disclosing its provincial targets early, providing potential applicants and employers with clear guidance. This transparency is especially helpful for prospective newcomers evaluating their eligibility and preparing documentation.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration strategies, Alberta’s detailed approach in balancing economic growth and community development puts the province in a strong position to attract global talent through its growing Provincial Nominee Program.