Alberta invites 1,169 candidates in early 2026 (Alberta AAIP Draws). Express Entry competition eases as high-scoring profiles drop. Plus, major changes in Manitoba and Nova Scotia PNP.
Strategic Shifts in Canada’s 2026 Immigration: Alberta’s Surge and Easing Express Entry Competition
The first week of February 2026 has delivered a massive wave of activity across Canada’s provincial and federal immigration pathways. While Alberta has intensified its recruitment efforts with over a thousand invitations, the federal Express Entry pool is showing a rare and welcoming trend: a significant reduction in high-scoring competition.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Invites 1,169 Candidates
On February 5, 2026, Alberta released a comprehensive summary of its recent invitation rounds. In a bold start to the year, the province has already issued 1,169 invitations across its diverse streams.
The Draw Breakdown (Jan/Feb 2026):
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Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS): 915 invitations (Feb 2 draw) – targeting workers already in Alberta.
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Accelerated Tech Pathway (Express Entry): 148 invitations (Jan 29 draw).
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Dedicated Health Care Pathway: 106 invitations total (63 for Express Entry and 43 for non-Express Entry candidates).
With an initial federal allocation of 6,403 nominations for 2026, Alberta is moving swiftly to secure talent in priority sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction.
Express Entry Trends: Competition Eases for Mid-Range Candidates
New statistics from the Express Entry pool (as of February 2, 2026) reveal a promising shift for candidates who have struggled with high CRS scores. For the second month in a row, the “top tier” of the pool is shrinking.
Key Pool Insights:
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High-Score Drop: Profiles in the 501–600 range decreased by 29% (over 6,200 profiles exited the system).
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Opportunity Knocks: As high-scoring candidates are invited through large CEC and PNP draws, the “refill” rate of the pool is not keeping pace, creating more room for candidates with mid-range scores to receive ITAs in upcoming rounds.
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Total Pool Size: Currently stands at 238,920 profiles, with a high concentration of candidates now positioned between 450 and 500 points.
Manitoba Updates: Changes to the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot (TRRP)
Effective February 4, 2026, Manitoba has recalibrated its Temporary Resident Retention Pilot (TRRP) to align with current economic demands.
Major Adjustments:
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Sector Removal: The Hospitality and Food Services sector is no longer eligible under the TRRP.
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New Additions: 16 new Skilled Trades occupations have been added to the eligibility list, targeting automotive, heavy equipment, and transportation industries.
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Objective: These changes ensure that the province’s limited resources are directed toward sectors facing the most critical and persistent labor shortages.
Nova Scotia (NSNP): Portal Closure and Stream Consolidation
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program has announced a temporary pause to modernize its systems.
Critical Deadlines for February 2026:
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Portal Closure: February 13 to February 18, 2026.
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Mandatory Submission: All in-progress Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions must be completed by Feb 13 at 4:00 PM (AST), or they will be automatically cancelled.
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Stream Consolidation: The province is consolidating its 10 existing streams into 4 streamlined categories to improve efficiency.
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Priorities: Eligibility for Healthcare, Construction, and Manufacturing remains the top priority throughout this transition.
Why Choose Go Canada Services?
Go Canada Services (est. 2004) is the only Canadian Incorporation providing holistic Academic, Immigration, Integration, and Legal Services. We help you stay ahead of provincial closures and score trends with 20 years of expertise.
Our Core Services:
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Permanent Residence Canada: Strategic and legal support for the latest AAIP and NSNP updates.
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Study Permits: Placing students in high-demand trades to leverage Manitoba’s new TRRP criteria.
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Family Sponsorship: Expert legal help for reuniting families in high-growth provinces.
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Free Immigration Assessment: Evaluate your 2026 CRS points under the easing competition trends.
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Contact Our Experts: Personalized consultation for the newest Alberta draws and Nova Scotia portal updates.
Useful Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many invitations has Alberta issued in 2026 so far? As of February 5, 2026, Alberta has issued 1,169 invitations through various AAIP streams.
2. Is competition in the Express Entry pool decreasing? Yes, high-scoring profiles (501+) have dropped by nearly 30% in the last month, easing competition for those in the 450–500 score range.
3. What sectors were removed from Manitoba’s TRRP pilot? The Hospitality and Food Services sector was removed effective February 4, 2026.
4. When will the Nova Scotia Nominee Program portal be closed? The portal will be closed from February 13 to February 18, 2026, for modernization and stream consolidation.
5. What happens to my in-progress EOI in Nova Scotia if I don’t submit it by Feb 13? It will be automatically cancelled and all progress will be lost. You must submit before 4:00 PM AST on February 13.
6. Which sectors are prioritized in Nova Scotia’s new consolidated streams? Healthcare, Construction, and Manufacturing remain the primary priority sectors.
7. How can I apply for the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)? You must be currently working in Alberta in an eligible occupation. You should Contact Our Experts for a detailed review of your eligibility under the newest Feb 2026 draw criteria.
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Maximize Your Opportunity in 2026
With high-scoring profiles dropping in Express Entry and provinces like Alberta moving fast on allocations, your window of opportunity is wide open. Let Go Canada Services help you secure your future.