On April 1, 2026, Alberta introduced Bill 26, the Immigration Oversight Act, which establishes a provincial registry for employers accessing the temporary foreign workforce and requires licensing for immigration consultants and recruiters. The act targets fraudulent and exploitative practices, granting authorities powers to investigate and penalize violations, aiming to protect temporary foreign workers and enhance the integrity of Alberta's immigration system.

• Alberta's Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration introduced Bill 26, known as the Immigration Oversight Act, on April 1, 2026.
• This legislation aims to increase transparency and reduce mistreatment of newcomers by establishing a provincial registry for employers who wish to access the temporary foreign workforce.
• Under Bill 26, employers must register before applying for federal programs such as the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
• Additionally, immigration consultants and foreign worker recruiters will be required to obtain provincial licenses, ensuring they meet professional standards and adhere to ethical practices.
• The act defines prohibited practices including fraudulent job offers, unauthorized fee collection, and exploitation of vulnerable foreign workers.
• It grants authorities powers to investigate violations and impose administrative penalties such as fines, suspensions, bans, and in severe cases, imprisonment.
• A formal complaints and review process will be established to address alleged misconduct effectively.
• If passed, the act will come into force upon proclamation with further regulations to be developed.
• This legislative move is expected to protect temporary foreign workers from exploitation, improve employer accountability, and strengthen Alberta's immigration system integrity.

• Establishment of a provincial employer registry for accessing temporary foreign workers.
• Mandatory registration of employers before applying for federal programs like LMIA.
• Licensing requirements for immigration consultants and foreign worker recruiters.
• Definition and prohibition of fraudulent and exploitative practices.
• Enhanced enforcement powers including investigations and penalties such as fines, suspensions, bans, and imprisonment.
• Creation of a formal complaints and review process.

• Employers seeking to hire temporary foreign workers in Alberta.
• Immigration consultants and foreign worker recruiters operating in Alberta.
• Temporary foreign workers vulnerable to exploitation in Alberta.

• Employers must register with the provincial registry before applying for federal immigration programs such as the LMIA.
• Immigration consultants and recruiters must obtain provincial licenses to operate legally.

• Bill 26 introduced on April 1, 2026.
• The act will come into force upon proclamation, with further regulations to be developed.

• https://www.alberta.ca/strengthening-immigration-oversight