Alberta Introduces $135 WEOI Fee in 2026: What It Means for Immigration Applicants

Starting April 7, 2026, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has introduced a significant update: foreign nationals must now pay a $135 fee to submit a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI).

While this may seem like a minor administrative change, it signals a much bigger shift in how Alberta manages immigration. For candidates planning to apply through Alberta’s provincial pathways, understanding this update is critical to avoiding costly mistakes and improving your chances of success.

What Is a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI)?

A Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) is not a full immigration application. Instead, it is:

• A candidate profile submitted online
• A way to enter a selection pool
• A system used to rank applicants based on key factors

When you submit a WEOI, you self-declare details such as:

• Work experience
• Education
• Language ability
• Job offer (if applicable)

Your profile is then scored and placed into a pool of candidates.

How the AAIP WEOI System Works

Since September 30, 2024, Alberta has used an Expression of Interest system to manage applications across its worker streams.

Here’s how the process works step by step:

1. Submit Your WEOI (Now $135)

Candidates create a profile in the AAIP portal and pay the new $135 submission fee.

2. Enter the Candidate Pool

Profiles are scored based on Alberta’s points grid and placed into a pool with over 44,000 candidates.

3. Wait for a Draw

The AAIP conducts draws based on:

• Labour market needs
• Priority sectors
• Available nomination spaces

4. Receive an Invitation to Apply

If selected, candidates receive an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination.

5. Submit Full Application

At this stage, applicants must:

• Submit full documentation
• Pay the $1,500 application fee

6. Apply for Permanent Residence

Successful applicants receive a nomination and can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Which Streams Are Affected?

The new $135 WEOI fee applies to all AAIP worker streams, including:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Alberta Express Entry Stream (including Accelerated Tech Pathway and Law Enforcement Pathway)
• Dedicated Health Care Pathways (Express Entry and non-Express Entry)
• Rural Renewal Stream
• Tourism and Hospitality Stream

This means every worker applicant must now pay before entering the pool.

Why Alberta Introduced the $135 Fee

Although the AAIP has not stated a single reason, the policy direction is clear. The fee is designed to:

1. Reduce Low-Quality Applications

Previously, candidates could submit profiles freely—even if they were not competitive.

Now, the fee discourages:

• Random or speculative submissions
• Multiple low-effort profiles

2. Improve Processing Efficiency

With over 44,000 WEOIs in the pool, Alberta needs a way to manage demand more effectively.

A paid entry system helps:

• Reduce system congestion
• Improve draw quality

3. Shift Toward Selective Immigration

• Canada is increasingly moving toward:
• Targeted, employer-driven, and sector-based immigration systems

This fee aligns Alberta with that broader strategy.

Important 2026 Updates to WEOI Profiles

In addition to the fee, another important change was introduced on February 25, 2026:

New Required Information:

• Wages
• Hours of work (for candidates with Alberta job offers)

Why This Matters:

• These factors may be used in future draws
• Higher wages and full-time roles may increase selection chances

⚠️ Important:
WEOIs submitted before February 25, 2026 without this information may not be considered in certain draws.

AAIP 2026 Numbers: What Your Chances Look Like

Understanding the numbers is key to setting realistic expectations:

• Total nominations for 2026: 6,403
• Issued as of April 1: 1,475
• Remaining spots: 4,928
• Applications in queue: 1,418
• WEOIs in pool: 44,000+

What This Means:

Even under ideal conditions, only a small percentage of candidates will receive nominations.

👉 Simply submitting a WEOI is no longer enough—you need a competitive strategy.

Priority Sectors for 2026

The AAIP has clearly identified priority sectors for 2026 draws:

• Health care
• Technology
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Aviation
• Agriculture
• Rural communities (Rural Renewal Stream)

Candidates working in these industries have a significantly higher chance of selection.

What This Means for Applicants

The introduction of a WEOI fee fundamentally changes how candidates should approach Alberta immigration.

Before:

• Submit freely
• Wait and hope

Now:

• Pay to enter
• Compete strategically
• Optimize your profile before submission

How to Improve Your Chances

To maximize your success under the new system:

• Increase your language test scores
• Gain relevant work experience
• Secure a valid Alberta job offer
• Target priority industries
• Ensure your WEOI is accurate and complete 

We’re Here to Help You Succeed

Navigating Alberta’s evolving immigration system can be complex—especially with new fees and stricter selection criteria.

Foothills Immigration specializes in helping applicants:

• Assess their eligibility before submitting a WEOI
• Optimize profiles for higher selection chances
• Align applications with Alberta’s priority sectors
• Avoid costly mistakes under the new paid system

With competition at an all-time high, working with experienced professionals can make a significant difference in your outcome.