The Tourism and Hospitality Stream is the latest immigration stream launched by Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Temporary foreign workers already employed full-time in Alberta may be eligible for this stream. These workers should be employed in the tourism and hospitality industry in Alberta.
Since the number of applications AAIP received under this stream was much higher than expected, the first intake is closed now. Once all the applications are reviewed, the second intake phase will start. Keep visiting our website to get updated about the second intake phase as soon as it opens.
The eligibility criteria, how to apply for this stream, and what after you are nominated are discussed below.
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Tourism and Hospitality Stream of Alberta: Who can apply
There are eligibility criteria that both employers and candidates need to meet. These criteria could apply at the time of submitting an application and when AAIP processes the application, or both.
Employer Requirements
The candidate must be currently employed with the same employer with whom they have an Alberta job offer. This employer must be approved as a Tourism and Hospitality sector employer.
- Your employer’s primary business activities need to belong to one of the eligible industries, according to the Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB). In case your employer is exempt from needing coverage, you must do that through a WCB clearance letter.
| Eligible WCB industries | WCB industry code |
|---|---|
| Museums/Art Galleries | 80701 |
| Zoos/Game Farms | 80703 |
| Bowling Alleys/Billiard Parlours | 85300 |
| Golf Clubs/Ranges | 85900 |
| Ski Resorts/Gondolas | 85904 |
| Casinos/Dance Halls | 85916 |
| Arenas/Stadiums | 85919 |
| Travel Agency/Motor Association | 85925 |
| Restaurants/Catering | 87501 |
| Hotels/Convention Centres | 87503 |
| Sports and Recreation | 87600 |
| Property Management/Hostels | 89702 |
| Private Clubs | 87508 |
| Operation of a Curling Rink | Multiple |
| Operation of an Ice Skating Rink | Multiple |
| Operation of a Cricket Field | Multiple |
| Operation of a Convention Bureau | Multiple |
| Operation of an Information Bureau | Multiple |
| Promotions, sports and entertainment | Multiple |
| Professional sports | Multiple |
When you have submitted your application, your employer needs to be a member of an eligible sector association. In case the employer does not qualify to become a member, they must be listed as one of the Experience Providers.
| Sector | Sector association |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) |
| Accommodations | Alberta Bed and Breakfast Association (ABBA) |
| Food and Beverage | Restaurants Canada |
| Indigenous Tourism | Indigenous Tourism Alberta |
| Recreation and Entertainment | Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) |
| Recreation and Entertainment | Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) |
| Recreation and Entertainment | Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) |
| Recreation and Entertainment | Alberta Golf Association |
| Meetings, Conventions, and Incentive Tourism | Convention Centres Canada (CCC) |
| Tourism and Hospitality | Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (TIAA) |
| Tourism and Hospitality | Alberta Hospitality Association |
| Tourism and Hospitality | Tourism HR Canada |
| Tourism and Hospitality | Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) |
Eligible Occupations
It is very important that your current employment and job offer needs to be under one of the eligible occupations.
| NOC code (2021) | Occupation | NOC TEER category |
|---|---|---|
| 54100 | Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness | 4 |
| 60030 | Restaurant and food services managers | 0 |
| 60031 | Accommodation service managers | 0 |
| 62020 | Food service supervisors | 2 |
| 62200 | Chefs | 2 |
| 63200 | Cooks | 3 |
| 64300 | Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses | 4 |
| 64301 | Bartenders | 4 |
| 64314 | Hotel front desk clerks | 4 |
| 64320 | Tour and travel guides | 4 |
| 64322 | Outdoor sport and recreational guides | 4 |
| 65200 | Food and beverage servers | 5 |
| 65201 | Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations | 5 |
| 65210 | Support occupations in accommodation, travel, and facilities set-up services | 5 |
| 65310 | Light duty cleaners | 5 |
| 65311 | Specialized cleaners | 5 |
| 65312 | Janitors, caretakers, and heavy-duty cleaners | 5 |
| 65320 | Dry cleaning, laundry, and related occupations | 5 |
Current Employment
The candidates must meet these requirements both at the time of submitting the application and when AAIP is processing it.
- live and work in Alberta under an approved employer in an eligible occupation
- have a valid work permit which must be based on a positive LMIA
Work Experience
You must have been working full-time for at least 30 hours a week with an approved employer. The employment must be under one of the eligible occupations for at least 6 consecutive months/780 hours at the time of applying under this stream.
Job Offer
You must have a valid job offer in an eligible occupation and from the same employer you have been working for the past 6 months. The offer must be signed by the approved employer and meet other requirements.
Language Requirements
The candidate must have at least level 4 of English/French language proficiency. The test results must be less than 2 years old when the application is submitted. The date of the test is counted from the date the candidate took the test.
You may demonstrate proficiency by providing test results of one of the approved language tests:
- CELPIP General
- IELTS General Training
- TCF Canada
- TEF Canada
Education Requirements
When the application is submitted, the candidate needs to have at least completed their high school education which needs to be equivalent to the Canadian education system.
Provide an ECA issued by one of the designated organizations by IRCC.
How to Apply
Step 1: You must read the terms and conditions before applying
Step 2: Meet the eligibility requirements
Step 3: All applications under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream must be submitted online
Step 4: Pay CAN$500 for your application
Step 5: Wait for a decision from the provincial government of Alberta. Once approved, you will receive a provincial nomination with a package that will let you know how to apply for PR to IRCC.
After You Apply
Once you are nominated, you must apply for permanent residency to IRCC within the next 6 months.
This is how you can apply for PR:
Step 1: Review the provincial nomination package
Step 2: Prepare your application for submission
Step 3: Submit the PR application online
If your current work permit is set to expire while your PR application is in process, you must apply to get the permit extended.
To know more about when Alberta’s Tourism and Hospitality Stream is launching its second intake phase, keep visiting us!
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