Alberta Targets tech, health, rural, and trade Workers in New Immigration Draws

Alberta continues to focus on filling job gaps across key sectors as it held four immigration draws between April 8 and April 14, 2026. Through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, the province invited 332 candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Officials selected candidates from several streams, including the Alberta Express Entry Stream, the Dedicated Health Care Pathway, and the Rural Renewal Stream. These draws aimed to attract workers in technology, construction, skilled trades, health care, and rural communities.

Focus on Key Sectors

Alberta placed strong emphasis on industries facing labour shortages. The province targeted workers who can quickly join the workforce and support economic growth.

The largest number of invitations came from the Accelerated Tech Pathway draw on April 8. This single draw accounted for nearly half of all invitations issued during the week.

Construction and skilled trades workers also received attention through a separate draw on April 14. Health care professionals and candidates willing to settle in rural areas made up the rest of the selected applicants.

Draw Results and Scores

Each draw had its own score cut-off and number of invitations. The province issued 146 invitations through the tech pathway with a minimum score of 59. The Rural Renewal Stream followed with 74 invitations and a lower cut-off score of 50.

Health care candidates received 62 invitations with a minimum score of 59. Meanwhile, construction and skilled trades applicants saw 50 invitations with a cut-off score of 60.

These draws followed another round held in late March, which issued more than 290 invitations.

Remaining Spaces for 2026

The federal government has given Alberta 6,403 nomination spots for 2026. As of mid-April, the province has already used 1,634 of those spaces. This leaves 4,769 spots still available for the rest of the year.

At the same time, 1,535 applications remain under review across all streams.

How Invitations Are Distributed

Most invitations this year have gone through the Alberta Opportunity Stream, which holds the largest share of nomination spaces. Other streams, including tech, health care, and rural pathways, continue to receive a steady portion of invitations.

The province has also set aside spaces for tourism, law enforcement, and entrepreneur programs, though these make up a smaller share.

High Interest from Applicants

Interest in Alberta immigration remains strong. As of April 15, more than 42,000 candidates have submitted Expressions of Interest across various worker streams.

A large majority of these candidates fall under the Alberta Opportunity Stream. Thousands more applicants are spread across tech, rural, and priority sector pathways.

Ongoing Priorities for Alberta

Earlier this year, Alberta announced its plan to focus on sectors such as health care, technology, construction, manufacturing, aviation, and agriculture.

Rural communities also remain a key priority. The province continues to invite candidates who hold job offers in smaller communities to help meet local labour needs.

With thousands of nomination spaces still open, Alberta is expected to continue inviting workers who can support its growing economy.