Alberta just sent out over 1,100 invitations to candidates interested in provincial nomination. If you are in the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) pool, this is a significant round worth paying attention to. Here is what happened, who was invited, and what you should do next.
The province issued these invitations through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), which is the umbrella program that includes several streams for workers, graduates, and rural candidates. Receiving a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) means you are eligible to submit a full application for a provincial nomination certificate.
What the Draw Included
Alberta invited more than 1,100 candidates in this round. That is a large draw, and it signals that the AAIP is actively processing its applicant pool. Alberta does not always publish detailed breakdowns by stream for every draw, but the volume here suggests invitations went out across multiple streams within the AAIP, potentially including the Alberta Opportunity Stream and the AAIP Rural Renewal Stream.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream targets workers already employed in Alberta who are in qualifying occupations. The Rural Renewal Stream focuses on candidates with a valid job offer in a designated rural community. Both streams pull from active candidate pools and issue invitations when space is available. A draw of over 1,100 candidates in a single round is one of the larger ones the province has run, and it reflects Alberta's continued push to attract and retain skilled workers who are already contributing to its economy.
If you submitted an expression of interest or an application to any AAIP stream, check your email and your AAIP online profile immediately. Invitations are time-sensitive. Missing a deadline after receiving an LAA can mean losing your place in the queue entirely.
How Alberta's Nomination Process Works
Getting a provincial nomination from Alberta is a two-step process. First, Alberta invites you and issues a Letter of Advice to Apply. Second, you submit your full application package and wait for Alberta to review it. If approved, you receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate (PNC). You can then apply to IRCC for permanent residence through either the Express Entry system or the non-Express Entry paper-based route, depending on which stream you were nominated through.
For candidates in Express Entry-linked streams, a provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. That is effectively a guaranteed Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence at the federal level. For candidates in non-Express Entry AAIP streams, the path is through the paper-based PR application, which is slower but still leads to permanent residence.
Alberta processes nomination applications on a rolling basis. Once you submit your full application after receiving your LAA, typical processing times through the AAIP can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the stream and application volume. Check the IRCC website for the most current federal processing timelines once you have your PNC in hand.
What to Do If You Were Invited
If you received an LAA in this draw, act quickly. Alberta will specify a deadline in your invitation, and that deadline is firm. Gather all your supporting documents before you start the online application. These typically include your valid job offer letter, proof of work experience, language test results, educational credentials, and identity documents. Missing even one document can delay or reject your application.
If you were not invited in this round, do not remove yourself from the pool. Alberta runs multiple draws throughout the year, and a larger draw like this one often signals more activity ahead. Keep your profile updated, make sure your contact information is current, and respond to any communications from AAIP promptly. Profiles with outdated information are sometimes bypassed or flagged during processing.
Alberta remains one of Canada's most active provinces for immigration. Its economy has grown steadily, and demand for skilled workers in sectors like energy, construction, healthcare, and technology continues to drive high nomination volumes. Staying engaged with the AAIP pool gives you a real shot at nomination in upcoming rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many candidates did Alberta invite in this draw?
Alberta invited over 1,100 candidates in this round through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
What is a Letter of Advice to Apply?
It is an invitation from Alberta telling you that you are eligible to submit a full application for a Provincial Nomination Certificate. It is not a nomination itself.
Does a provincial nomination guarantee permanent residence?
Not automatically. After Alberta nominates you, you still need to apply to IRCC for permanent residence. However, for Express Entry-linked streams, a nomination adds 600 CRS points, which makes an ITA from the federal draw virtually certain.
What if I was not invited this time?
Stay in the pool. Keep your AAIP profile updated and watch for future draw announcements. Alberta holds draws regularly, and volumes like this one suggest continued activity ahead.
Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre. Last verified: July 19, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.
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