Key Takeaways
- Alberta issued 82 invitations across two provincial immigration draws.
- The draws targeted agriculture and construction workers.
- Construction candidates received 53 invitations with a minimum score of 65.
- Agriculture candidates received 29 invitations with a minimum score of 56.
- A provincial nomination can provide an additional route toward Canadian permanent residence.
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation.
Alberta has held two targeted immigration draws for workers in industries that support the province’s workforce priorities.
Through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, the province issued 82 invitations to Express Entry candidates working in agriculture and construction. Both draws took place in July, with the results reported in August.
The latest selections demonstrate how provincial immigration programs can create opportunities for candidates whose occupations and experience align with regional needs.
What Happened in the Latest Alberta Immigration Draws?
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program held two draws through the priority sectors pathway of the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
The draw results were:
- July 16, 2026: 29 agriculture candidates invited with a minimum score of 56
- July 21, 2026: 53 construction candidates invited with a minimum score of 65
Construction workers received approximately 65% of the invitations issued across the two draws. The minimum scores were also the highest recorded for their respective draw categories in 2026 at the time of the update.
Alberta has now held five targeted construction draws and four targeted agriculture draws in 2026. However, past activity does not guarantee that the province will continue selecting the same occupations or use similar minimum scores.
Why Alberta Is Targeting Priority Sectors
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program allows the province to nominate eligible foreign nationals who may help address local economic and workforce needs.
Priority-sector draws focus on candidates with experience in industries identified by Alberta. Agriculture and construction have been recurring targets under the Alberta Express Entry Stream, but the occupations selected within these sectors may vary.
Candidates may need to meet requirements involving:
- An active federal Express Entry profile
- Work experience in an eligible occupation
- A qualifying Alberta job offer when required
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score
- A demonstrated intention to live and work in Alberta
- Valid immigration status if currently living in Canada
Selection through a priority-sector draw is not based solely on a candidate’s job title. Alberta may consider occupational duties, work experience, employment details and other program factors.
What the Latest AAIP Numbers Show
Alberta has continued to issue invitations through several worker and entrepreneur pathways in 2026. As of July 30, the province had invited at least 10,828 candidates to apply for nomination during the year.
The federal government allocated Alberta 6,403 provincial nomination spaces for 2026. By July 30, the province had issued 3,892 nominations.
Nomination activity included:
- 2,085 nominations through the Alberta Opportunity Stream
- 613 nominations through the Rural Renewal Stream
- 420 nominations through priority-sector draws and initiatives
- 388 nominations through the Accelerated Tech Pathway
- 220 nominations through the Dedicated Health Care Pathways
- 129 nominations through the Tourism and Hospitality Stream
The province also reported 36,948 profiles in its Worker Expression of Interest pool. More than 23,000 of those profiles were associated with the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
These numbers show that interest in Alberta immigration remains high. An Expression of Interest or Express Entry profile places a candidate under consideration but does not guarantee an invitation.
What Prospective Candidates Should Do Next
Candidates interested in immigrating through Alberta should first determine whether they qualify for the Alberta Express Entry Stream or another AAIP pathway.
Important preparation steps may include:
- Confirming that the correct National Occupational Classification code reflects their duties
- Keeping their Express Entry profile accurate and current
- Gathering detailed employment letters and supporting records
- Reviewing whether an Alberta job offer is required
- Monitoring AAIP draw results and eligibility updates
- Maintaining valid temporary status while living in Canada
- Exploring other federal and provincial immigration options
Candidates should not rely on a previous minimum score as a prediction of future selection. Draw scores, targeted occupations and invitation numbers can change according to the province’s priorities and available nomination spaces.
Receiving an invitation from Alberta is only one stage of the process. Candidates must submit a complete provincial application, receive a nomination and then satisfy federal permanent residence requirements.
Need Help Understanding Your Alberta Immigration Options?
Targeted draws may provide opportunities for eligible agriculture and construction workers, but determining whether your experience meets the program requirements can be complicated.
Pilkington Immigration can review your work experience, Express Entry profile and connections to Alberta. We can also help you explore suitable Canada immigration pathways, organize supporting documents and prepare your provincial nomination application.
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