Alberta Express Entry Stream: Pathways, Requirements and Draws

The Alberta Express Entry Stream is an enhanced stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Enhanced means it is linked to the federal Express Entry system.

Here is how it fits together:

1. You create a federal Express Entry profile.
2. You also submit a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) to Alberta.
3. If Alberta picks you and approves your application, it nominates you in your Express Entry profile.
4. The nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score. IRCC then invites you in a later Express Entry draw.
5. You submit your permanent residence application to IRCC.

Because the federal stage runs through Express Entry, it is usually much faster than a base provincial nominee application. For a side-by-side view, see Express Entry vs PNP.

Alberta's total allocation for 2026 is 6,603 nominations (6,403 at first, plus 200 added on August 10, 2026). As of mid-September 2026, AAIP had issued 974 nominations through this stream across its technology, law enforcement, and priority sector pathways, and was assessing applications received in June 2026.

Every candidate must meet these minimums:

• An active Express Entry profile in the federal pool
• A CRS score of at least 300
• Eligibility for one federal program: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program
• A primary occupation that is part of a specific Alberta Express Entry pathway, or that Alberta has identified as an economic, sector, or occupational priority
• A real intent to live and work permanently in Alberta

You cannot apply if you are a refugee claimant, if you are in a federal appeal or removal process, or if you already have an active nomination under any AAIP stream.

Being eligible does not mean you will be selected. Alberta invites only candidates who match the pathway or priority it is targeting in each draw.

A 2025 change to know about

On March 17, 2025, Alberta stopped selecting Express Entry candidates through its family connection and occupation-in-demand approaches. If you read older guides that mention these, they no longer apply.

Dedicated Health Care Pathway

For people with an Alberta health care job offer who are licensed, or able to be licensed, in an eligible profession. It has both an Express Entry option and a non-Express Entry option. See our full page on the Dedicated Health Care Pathway.

Accelerated Tech Pathway

You must work full-time in Alberta in an eligible tech occupation, for an employer whose main business is in Alberta's tech industry. Alberta publishes the eligible occupations and industry (NAICS) codes as downloadable lists. You must first complete an initial Accelerated Tech Pathway web form. On September 3, 2026, a draw for this pathway invited 96 candidates with a minimum score of 60.

Law Enforcement Pathway

For police officers recruited from abroad. The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) must identify you to AAIP, and your job offer must be in NOC 40040, 41310, or 42100.

Priority Sectors

For candidates whose occupation is in construction, agriculture, or aviation. In 2026, Alberta has also run priority sector draws aimed at health care occupations. Alberta says its selection priorities can change without notice.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream uses the same Worker Expression of Interest system as Alberta's other worker streams:

• You submit a WEOI and pay a $135 fee (since April 7, 2026). It is scored on a 100-point grid.
• The WEOI is valid for one year, and you can edit it (since May 26, 2026).
• AAIP runs targeted draws by pathway or sector. It considers WEOI scores, labor market needs, available nominations, and application volumes.
• If invited, you have 15 days to accept and 30 days to submit and pay the $1,500 application fee.

Your federal Express Entry profile must stay active and valid the whole time. If your profile expires, Alberta cannot nominate you through it.

Budget also for language tests, an ECA if you studied abroad, proof of funds if you apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, a medical exam, and police certificates.

The Dedicated Health Care, Accelerated Tech, and Law Enforcement pathways get expedited provincial processing. After nomination, the federal stage follows normal Express Entry timelines. See from ITA to COPR.

Employer fees are illegal in the AAIP. Nobody can sell you a job offer or a nomination. See our scam protection guide.

• Not in Express Entry? The Alberta Opportunity Stream is for people already working in Alberta, and the Dedicated Health Care Pathway has a non-Express Entry option.
• Federal draws without a nomination: check category-based draws, including healthcare and trades.
• Other provinces: compare options in our PNP overview.