Foreign workers eyeing Alberta need to be aware of an upcoming change. Effective April 7, 2026, the province will introduce a new $135 fee for submitting a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) profile under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
Historically, creating an AAIP profile was free. This new charge specifically applies to the WEOI profile submission, while all other existing immigration fees remain unchanged.
Here’s what this crucial update means for individuals planning to work and immigrate to Alberta.
Understanding the New $135 Alberta AAIP WEOI Fee
This new fee impacts foreign workers applying through various immigration pathways within the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). These include popular streams such as:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Dedicated Health Care Pathways
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
The WEOI profile serves as the initial step in Alberta’s provincial immigration process. Applicants must provide comprehensive details regarding their work experience, education, and language proficiency. Based on this information, profiles are evaluated and ranked within a pool of candidates.
Alberta then issues invitations to candidates whose profiles align with specific labour market demands and available provincial nomination allocations.
The $135 Profile Fee is Separate from the $1,500 Application Fee
It’s important to note that the new $135 WEOI profile fee is distinct and does not replace the primary application fee. Should a candidate be selected from the WEOI pool, they are still required to submit a full application for provincial nomination, which carries a separate fee of $1,500.
To summarize the fee structure:
- Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) Profile Submission: $135
- Full Provincial Nomination Application (if invited): $1,500
Key Updates to Alberta’s Expression of Interest (EOI) System
Alberta initially implemented the Expression of Interest system on September 30, 2024, to enhance the management of applications across its various worker streams.
Further updates were made to the WEOI form earlier in 2026. From February 25, 2026, candidates who hold a job offer must now explicitly include:
- Detailed wage information
- Specific working hours
Profiles that omit this required information will not be considered. Alberta may also utilize these details as a selection criterion in future invitation draws.
High Demand and Competitiveness for Alberta Immigration in 2026
Interest in immigrating to Alberta remains exceptionally strong. For the year 2026, the federal government has allocated 6,403 nomination spots to the province. As of April 1, 2026, the situation stands as follows:
- 1,475 nominations have already been issued.
- 4,928 nomination spots are still available.
- 1,418 applications are currently undergoing processing.
- Over 44,000 WEOI profiles are actively in the pool.
These figures underscore the increasingly competitive nature of securing provincial nominations in Alberta.
Priority Sectors for Alberta Immigration
Alberta continues to prioritize skilled workers who can effectively address critical labour shortages. Key priority sectors include:
- Health care
- Technology
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Aviation
- Agriculture
- Roles within rural communities under the Rural Renewal Stream
Candidates with experience in these high-demand fields are likely to have a stronger chance of receiving an invitation for provincial nomination.
Why Alberta Introduced the New WEOI Fee
Provincial immigration programs across Canada are experiencing unprecedented demand. Introducing a modest fee for WEOI profile submissions serves several purposes:
- It helps manage the large volume of applications received.
- It allows the province to focus resources on candidates who are genuinely committed to applying.
- It helps ensure candidates meet Alberta’s specific labour market needs.
For skilled workers considering Canada, this change does not significantly escalate overall immigration costs, but it does add an important planning step to the process.
Final Thoughts on Alberta’s AAIP Fee Update
The introduction of the $135 WEOI fee is a minor financial adjustment, yet it highlights the escalating competitiveness within Canadian immigration. For those targeting Alberta, meticulous planning and the submission of a compelling, well-prepared profile are now more critical than ever.
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