Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) roared into February with a massive Opportunity Stream draw that issued 915 invitations on 2 February, the details of which were published on 5 February. Candidates with an Expression-of-Interest (EOI) score as low as 57 were selected, making it one of the most accessible but competitive draws in recent memory.
The Opportunity Stream targets foreign workers already in Alberta on employer-specific work permits, many of whom are in sectors facing severe labour shortages such as construction, logistics and agri-food. By focusing on in-province talent, the province hopes to retain workers who have already demonstrated an ability to integrate into local communities and workplaces.
Immigration paperwork can be daunting, especially when timing is critical. VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers step-by-step guidance on work permits, visitor visas and status extensions, helping both employers and applicants assemble accurate documentation quickly. Their online tracking tools and personalised support can streamline the provincial nomination process so qualified workers don’t miss upcoming AAIP draws.
![Alberta Opportunity Stream Draw Sends 915 Invitations in One of Province’s Largest Rounds]()
This draw alone accounts for over 14 % of Alberta’s 2026 nomination quota of 6,403, signalling that the province intends to front-load selections to give candidates ample time to file complete applications before year-end. Employers should act quickly: once a nomination certificate is issued, federal permanent-residence processing can take as little as six months, locking in staff stability.
HR teams are advised to review foreign-worker rosters for employees meeting AAIP criteria—especially those whose work permits expire in 2026—and prepare documentation such as reference letters, pay stubs and settlement plans in advance of the next draw.
Because EOI scores alone do not guarantee selection, alignment with provincial priority occupations remains key; tech and health-care workers under the Accelerated Tech and Dedicated Health pathways may see separate draws with different cut-offs later this month.
The Opportunity Stream targets foreign workers already in Alberta on employer-specific work permits, many of whom are in sectors facing severe labour shortages such as construction, logistics and agri-food. By focusing on in-province talent, the province hopes to retain workers who have already demonstrated an ability to integrate into local communities and workplaces.
Immigration paperwork can be daunting, especially when timing is critical. VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers step-by-step guidance on work permits, visitor visas and status extensions, helping both employers and applicants assemble accurate documentation quickly. Their online tracking tools and personalised support can streamline the provincial nomination process so qualified workers don’t miss upcoming AAIP draws.
This draw alone accounts for over 14 % of Alberta’s 2026 nomination quota of 6,403, signalling that the province intends to front-load selections to give candidates ample time to file complete applications before year-end. Employers should act quickly: once a nomination certificate is issued, federal permanent-residence processing can take as little as six months, locking in staff stability.
HR teams are advised to review foreign-worker rosters for employees meeting AAIP criteria—especially those whose work permits expire in 2026—and prepare documentation such as reference letters, pay stubs and settlement plans in advance of the next draw.
Because EOI scores alone do not guarantee selection, alignment with provincial priority occupations remains key; tech and health-care workers under the Accelerated Tech and Dedicated Health pathways may see separate draws with different cut-offs later this month.
