Maple News reports that Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) carried out six provincial draws between February 6 and February 19, 2026, spanning Rural Renewal and multiple Express Entry streams, plus dedicated priority-sector pathways. The period yielded at least 441 invitations across the six draws, reflecting a broad push across tech, rural communities, and targeted industries.
Draw details show invitations distributed across the following streams: February 19 — Alberta Express Entry Stream: Priority Sectors (Construction) with a minimum score of 61 and 50 invitations; February 17 — Priority Sectors (Agriculture) with a minimum score of 49 and fewer than 10 invitations; February 12 — Priority Sectors (Manufacturing) with a minimum score of 50 and 32 invitations; February 11 — Accelerated Tech Pathway with a minimum score of 59 and 147 invitations; February 10 — Rural Renewal Stream with a minimum score of 54 and 212 invitations; February 6 — Alberta Express Entry Stream: Law Enforcement Pathway with a minimum score of 50 and fewer than 10 invitations.
A notable development is the February 19 draw marking the first manufacturing occupations draw under the Alberta Express Entry stream, following the sector’s designation as a priority for invitations earlier in January. The Rural Renewal draw on February 10 was the largest of the period and came after the AAIP tightened eligibility rules on January 1, requiring in-Canada candidates to hold a valid work permit and limiting the number of annual community endorsements per designated community, as well as introducing other restrictions.
Looking at 2026 overall, the AAIP was allocated 6,403 provincial nomination spaces by Canada’s federal government. As of February 18, the AAIP’s processing update shows: nominations issued 612; spaces remaining 5,791; applications to be processed 1,032. Across all streams, the AAIP reports 45,698 total worker Expressions of Interest in the selection pool.
Maple News will continue monitoring AAIP activity and how these draws align with Alberta’s labor market needs and immigration priorities.