Alberta introduces new fee for worker applications in 2026
New Fee Introduced for Alberta Worker Applications
Starting April 7, 2026, Alberta has introduced a new fee for foreign workers applying under its immigration program. Now, candidates must pay $135 to submit a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI).
Earlier, candidates could submit this profile for free. However, the government has now added this fee, while keeping all other charges unchanged.
Who Will Be Affected
This change affects most worker pathways under Alberta’s immigration program. For example, candidates applying through the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Express Entry pathways, health care pathways, Rural Renewal Stream, and Tourism and Hospitality Stream must now pay this fee.
In short, almost all worker applicants need to pay before they enter the selection pool.
How the WEOI System Works
First, candidates create an online profile by filling out the WEOI form. They provide details such as work experience, education, and language ability.
Next, the system assigns a score to each profile and places it in a pool of candidates. Then, Alberta conducts draws and selects candidates based on labour market needs, priority sectors, and available nomination spaces.
As a result, only selected candidates move forward.
What Happens After You Get Selected
When Alberta selects a candidate, it sends an invitation to apply for provincial nomination. At this stage, the candidate submits a complete application and pays a $1,500 application fee.
If the authorities approve the application, the candidate receives a provincial nomination. After that, they can apply for Canada Permanent Residency (PR).
Keep in mind that the new $135 fee is separate and must be paid before entering the pool.
Recent Updates to the Application Form
Along with the new fee, Alberta has also updated its WEOI form. From February 25, 2026, candidates must now include details such as their wages and working hours, especially if they have a job offer in Alberta.
Because of this update, Alberta may not consider older profiles that do not include this information in future draws.
Current Situation in 2026
Alberta has received 6,403 nomination spots for 2026. As of April 1, it has already issued 1,475 nominations, while 4,928 spots are still available.
At the same time, more than 44,000 profiles remain in the pool, and over 1,400 applications are under process.
This clearly shows that competition is quite high.
Additional Opportunities for Some Candidates
Apart from the regular quota, Alberta can also nominate certain candidates under special federal programs. These include practice-ready doctors and French-speaking applicants.
Since these nominations do not count toward the main allocation, they give some candidates an extra opportunity.
Priority Sectors for 2026
Finally, Alberta plans to focus on candidates working in key sectors. These include health care, technology, construction, manufacturing, aviation, agriculture, and rural communities.
Therefore, candidates in these fields have better chances of getting selected in upcoming draws.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your immigration questions. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
