Alberta and BC provincial draws issue 1,453 invitations mid-July
Between July 14 and 16, 2026, Alberta and British Columbia held multiple Provincial Nominee Program draws outside the Express Entry system, issuing 1,453 total invitations. Alberta targeted healthcare professionals and general skilled workers, while BC focused on the Innovate category.
From July 14 to 16, 2026, Alberta and British Columbia each conducted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws independent of the federal Express Entry system, collectively inviting 1,453 candidates to apply for provincial nomination.
Alberta held two separate draws. On July 14, it issued 833 invitations through its main worker stream, and on the same day conducted a smaller draw under the Dedicated Health Care Pathway—a non-Express Entry stream—issuing 51 invitations at a minimum score of 52. The healthcare draw prioritizes physicians, registered nurses, and other medical professionals with job offers from Alberta employers. British Columbia conducted two Innovate category draws on July 16, issuing 569 total invitations.
Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the Provincial Nominee Program intake target surged to 91,500 nationally (up 66% from 55,000 in 2025), with Alberta receiving 6,403 nomination spots and BC receiving 5,254. Alberta has historically maintained one of the highest draw frequencies among all Canadian PNPs, conducting 77 draws in 2025 alone.
What this means for provincial nominees
If you are targeting Alberta or BC, these recent draws demonstrate that both provinces continue to issue invitations at a steady pace throughout the year. Alberta's emphasis on healthcare reflects critical labour shortages in that sector. Check the official Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and BC PNP websites regularly for stream eligibility and cutoff scores—draws are announced with little advance notice. If you hold an Alberta or BC job offer in healthcare, trades, or skilled occupations, provincial nomination remains the most direct route to permanent residence.
Sources
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