On this page you will find
- Details of the new $135 WEOI fee
- Full AAIP fee schedule as of April 7, 2026
- Recent changes to Expression of Interest requirements
- What the changes mean for candidates
- Frequently asked questions
Alberta has introduced a new upfront cost for immigration candidates, marking a notable shift in how the province manages demand.
Effective April 7, 2026, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) now charges a $135 fee to submit a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI). The change applies immediately, with all other program fees remaining unchanged.
The move comes alongside recent updates to how Alberta assesses candidates, signalling a more data-driven and selective approach to invitations.
New $135 Fee for Worker Expression of Interest
From April 7, 2026, candidates must pay $135 to submit a Worker Expression of Interest under the AAIP.
Previously, submitting an EOI was free. The introduction of a fee aligns Alberta more closely with other immigration systems that charge for entry into candidate pools.
Importantly, the province has confirmed that all other AAIP service fees remain unchanged.
Full Alberta Immigration Fee Schedule
Below is the complete AAIP fee schedule effective April 7, 2026:
| Service | Fee |
| Submission of Worker Expression of Interest | $135 |
| Applications for Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Rural Renewal Stream, Tourism and Hospitality Stream | $1,500 |
| Applications for Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Rural Entrepreneur Stream, Farm Stream | $3,500 |
| Entrepreneur Expression of Interest (Graduate Entrepreneur, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur, Rural Entrepreneur) | $200 |
| Request for Nomination Extension | $150 |
| Request for 204(c) Letter of Support (work permit) | $150 |
| Request for 205(a) Letter of Support (work permit) | $150 |
| Request for Reconsideration | $250 |
| Request for Business Performance Agreement changes | $150 |
Additional Changes to Expression of Interest System
The fee introduction follows earlier updates to the WEOI system.
On February 25, 2026, Alberta added new mandatory fields requiring candidates with job offers to provide:
- Wage information
- Hours of work
WEOIs submitted after this date must include these details. Older submissions without this information will not be considered in future draws where these factors are used.
This suggests Alberta is placing greater emphasis on job quality and labour market alignment when selecting candidates.
What This Means for Candidates
The introduction of a WEOI fee and expanded data requirements reflects a broader trend in Canadian immigration systems:
- Provinces are becoming more selective in invitations
- Authorities are prioritising candidates with strong employment conditions
- Administrative costs are increasingly being passed on to applicants
For candidates, this means careful preparation is now more important than ever. Submitting a complete and competitive profile is essential, particularly when a fee is involved.
Small But Meaningful Change
Alberta’s new $135 WEOI fee represents a small but meaningful change in the immigration process.
Combined with enhanced data requirements, it points to a more structured and targeted selection system. Candidates should expect continued refinement as provinces adapt their programs to labour market needs.
FAQ
What is the new Alberta Expression of Interest fee?
Alberta now charges $135 to submit a Worker Expression of Interest under the AAIP. The fee took effect on April 7, 2026 and applies to all new submissions. It marks a shift from the previous system, where candidates could enter the pool without paying a fee.
Do other Alberta immigration fees change?
No. The province has confirmed that all other AAIP fees remain unchanged. Application fees for worker streams stay at $1,500, while entrepreneur stream applications continue to cost $3,500. Only the Expression of Interest submission now carries a new fee.
Why did Alberta introduce this fee?
While Alberta has not explicitly stated the reason, such fees typically help manage application volumes and cover administrative costs. It may also encourage more serious and prepared candidates to apply, improving the overall quality of the candidate pool.
What new information is required in the Expression of Interest?
Since February 25, 2026, candidates with job offers must include wage details and hours of work in their EOI. These factors may influence future draws. Submissions missing this information will not be considered in draws where these criteria apply.
Will older EOIs still be valid?
Older EOIs submitted before February 25, 2026 remain in the system. However, if they do not include wage and hours information, they may not be considered in future draws that prioritise these factors. Candidates may need to update or resubmit their profiles.
