Foreign workers hoping to settle in Alberta now face a new entry fee.
The province now requires applicants to pay $135 to submit a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) profile.
This profile forms the first step in Alberta’s immigration selection system.
Previously, officials offered this stage for free to all candidates entering the pool.
Now, authorities require payment before candidates can enter consideration.
The change takes effect immediately under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
It applies across multiple streams, including healthcare, construction, and hospitality pathways.
After submission, candidates enter a ranking pool where the system evaluates their skills and experience.
Alberta then selects top candidates who match labour market shortages and needs.
If successful, officials invite applicants to apply for provincial nomination.
At that stage, applicants must also pay a $1,500 application fee.
Therefore, the system now creates a two-stage cost structure for immigration applicants.
WEOI Submission Fee
The WEOI profile collects education, work history, and language proficiency details.
These details help determine each candidate’s ranking in Alberta’s competitive system.
The system prioritises candidates who match current labour market demand.
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In addition, the policy applies across several streams, including rural and express entry routes.
According to Travelbiz, officials apply the fee across all listed pathways.
Alberta introduced its Expression of Interest system in September 2024.
Since then, the province has used it to manage rising application volumes more efficiently.
Alberta Nomination Quotas And Demand
For 2026, Alberta received 6,403 provincial nomination slots from the federal government.
By early April, officials had already issued 1,475 nominations.
As a result, 4,928 nomination spaces remain available this year.
Meanwhile, authorities currently review 1,418 applications.
In addition, more than 44,000 profiles compete within the selection pool.
Furthermore, candidates must now provide detailed job offer information.
This includes wages and working hours for proper assessment.
If applicants submit incomplete information, authorities may disqualify them.
Sector Priorities And Outlook
Demand remains strong across healthcare, construction, and technology sectors.
Likewise, manufacturing, aviation, agriculture, and rural roles receive priority.
Overall, the system has become more competitive and structured.
Ultimately, the new fee helps authorities filter serious applicants more effectively.
