1. Summary of Draws (October 1–7, 2025)

Highlights:

• Total of 1,324 invitations issued in one week, with AOS representing about 76% of all invitations.
• The Accelerated Tech and Construction draws had low cut-off scores (52–60), underscoring Alberta’s focus on filling immediate labor shortages.
• The AOS continues to serve as the backbone of Alberta’s PNP nominations, offering broad accessibility for in-province workers.

2. Year-to-Date Draw Frequency (as of October 2025)

• Priority Sectors (Construction): 6 draws
• Accelerated Tech Pathway: 7 draws
• Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS): 10 draws

Analysis:

The AOS primarily targets full-time temporary foreign workers already employed in Alberta, requiring a valid job offer from an eligible Alberta employer. In contrast, the Tech and Construction streams are highly targeted toward specific high-demand occupations, reflecting Alberta’s labor market priorities.

3. Overview of Key Streams and Eligibility Criteria

• Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS): Designed for temporary foreign workers currently employed full-time in Alberta who have a qualifying full-time job offer from an eligible Alberta employer.
• Accelerated Tech Pathway (Express Entry-aligned): Tailored for tech professionals who are either working in Alberta or have a valid job offer in an eligible tech occupation within the province.
• Priority Sectors (Construction) (Express Entry-aligned): Intended for qualified professionals in the construction industry whose primary occupation in their Express Entry profile is an eligible construction-related role and who may have an Alberta job offer.

Note: Both Express Entry-aligned streams require candidates to meet the federal Express Entry system’s eligibility criteria, including language proficiency, educational assessment, and CRS score thresholds.

4. Nomination Increase and Allocation Progress

• Increase Announced: September 9, 2025
• Additional Allocations: +1,528 nominations
• New 2025 Total Quota: 6,403 (up from 4,875)
• Nominations Issued as of Oct 10: 4,228
• Remaining Allocations: 2,175

Impact:

The expansion allows Alberta to respond more dynamically to regional labor shortages—especially in the construction and tech sectors. Reallocation across streams also indicates a strategic focus: the AOS will continue to absorb in-province workers, while targeted pathways will address specific skill shortages.

5. Applicant Guidance and Key Recommendations

• For In-Province Workers (AOS): Verify that your employer and job position are eligible under AOS criteria. Ensure work permits, employment records, and tax documentation are up to date.
• For Tech and Construction Professionals: Check whether your occupation appears on Alberta’s eligible list and ensure your Express Entry profile lists it as your primary occupation. Maintain a valid job offer consistent with your NOC designation.
• Timing and Strategy: With increased quota and strong remaining availability, Alberta is likely to sustain or even accelerate draw activity through the remainder of 2025. Updating Express Entry profiles and documentation promptly can improve selection prospects.

Conclusion

In early October, Alberta demonstrated a dual strategy—expanding the broad AOS stream while intensifying targeted draws for tech and construction professionals. Following the quota increase to 6,403, with over 2,000 spots still available, this period represents a favorable opportunity window for qualified applicants, particularly those already employed in Alberta or holding valid offers in priority sectors.