Starting April 7, 2026, Alberta has introduced a new fee for foreign workers submitting a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). This marks a significant change, as submitting an EOI was previously free.
Key Update: $135 EOI Submission Fee
• Effective date: April 7, 2026
• Fee: CAD $135
• Applies to: Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) profiles
• Previous cost: Free
This fee is separate from the main AAIP application fee, which remains CAD $1,500 for worker streams.
Why Alberta Introduced This Fee
The Alberta government implemented this change to:
• Manage the growing number of immigration applications
• Improve system efficiency and processing capacity
• Allocate resources more effectively
With a large volume of EOIs already in the system, the province is aiming to better regulate intake and selection.
What Is a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI)?
A Worker Expression of Interest is the initial step for many AAIP pathways. Candidates create a profile that includes:
• Work experience
• Educational background
• Language proficiency
• Connections to Alberta
Based on these factors, candidates receive a score and may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination.
Impact on Applicants
1. Higher upfront cost
Applicants must now pay a fee before entering the selection pool.
2. More competitive pool
The fee may reduce non-serious applications, leading to:
• A stronger candidate pool
• Potentially higher selection cut-off scores
3. Additional financial planning
Candidates should now budget for:
• $135 EOI submission fee
• $1,500 AAIP application fee
• Federal permanent residence processing fees
What Remains the Same
• AAIP application fee for worker streams stays at $1,500
• Selection criteria and scoring system are unchanged
• Provincial nomination quotas remain limited
Strategic Insight
This update reflects a broader trend across Canada, where provinces are:
• Introducing fees to manage application volumes
• Strengthening control over candidate selection
• Prioritizing applicants in high-demand occupations
Conclusion
The introduction of a $135 EOI fee marks an important shift in Alberta’s immigration approach. While the cost is relatively modest, it signals a move toward a more selective and structured application process.
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