While federal draws target general scores, Alberta is playing a different game. The province is holding targeted draws for specific professions with scores that seem impossibly low. On November 24, 2025, Alberta invited 39 healthcare workers through Dedicated Health Care Pathway with scores as low as 49.
For U.S.-based tech workers, nurses, and construction managers feeling stuck, Alberta isn't just an option; it's a strategic "golden ticket." This guide breaks down the 2025 draws and shows you the massive opportunity coming in 2026.
Alberta has been one of Canada's most active provinces, issuing over 1,100 invitations in a single week in late October 2025. Here is a look at the most recent activity:
| Draw Date | Stream / Pathway | Minimum Score | # of Invites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 24, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry | 49 | 39 |
| Nov 14, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Health Care) | 52 | 80 |
| Nov 10, 2025 | Alberta Opportunity Stream | 55 | 1045 |
| Oct 29, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway | 46 | <10 |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Construction) | 60 | 60 |
| Oct 24, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Non-Express Entry) | 42 | 142 |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Alberta Opportunity Stream | 60 | 900 |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway | 60 | 89 |
| Oct 16, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Aviation) | 46 | 13 |
| Oct 15, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Agriculture) | 67 | 10 |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Non-Express Entry) | 45 | 41 |
| Oct 8, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) | 52 | 46 |
| Oct 3, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway | 52 | 230 |
| Oct 1, 2025 | Alberta Opportunity Stream | 61 | 1,003 |
Source: Official AAIP Data
This data tells a very clear story. Here are our key insights for U.S. applicants.
This is the most important thing to understand. That score of 42 is not a federal Express Entry CRS score .
Alberta runs several streams. Some, like the Alberta Opportunity Stream and the non-Express Entry Healthcare Pathway, use their own points calculator, where the score is based on factors like your Alberta job offer, work experience, and language skills. Because these streams require you to already have a job offer or be working in Alberta, the competition is lower, and so are the scores.

If your U.S. profession is on this list, you are a prime target for Alberta.
The most powerful streams—the ones with the lowest scores and fastest processing—are built around a single requirement: a valid job offer from an Alberta employer. This is where U.S.-based professionals have an edge. Your U.S. experience is highly valued by Alberta employers, making it easier to secure that all-important job offer.
This is the most critical update for your 2026 planning.
In 2025, Alberta's initial nomination allocation from the federal government was 4,875. This was later increased to 6,603 due to high demand.
But the big news is for 2026. The new federal 2026-2028 immigration plan shows a massive 66% rebound for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada. After a temporary dip, PNP admissions are set to jump from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026. The total federal target for PNPs in 2026 is 120,000.
What this means: Alberta's allocation for 2026 will be significantly larger. This will lead to:
How can you use this information? Focus on these three streams.
This is the " H-1B killer ." It's designed for tech professionals with a job offer in one of 38 eligible tech occupations.
This is Alberta's "red carpet" for medical professionals.
This is the best "Phase 2" option.
As a U.S. professional, your path is clear: get a job offer in a priority sector. This is where we come in.