The journey through immigration policies can seem like a maze of information at times, especially for those eyeing opportunities within Alberta’s sectors. In this blog, we will focus on a vital development in Alberta’s permanent residency pathway program: The newly introduced Tourism and Hospitality Stream. This new stream emerges as a strategic solution to the ongoing labor shortages currently challenging the province’s flourishing tourism and hospitality sectors. In this guide, our experts at immigration nation break down this new program, its eligibility requirements and more. With the goal of aiming to enrich Alberta’s economy by integrating skilled individuals into these essential industries, this new stream offers new opportunities to those looking to venture into the Albertan tourism and hospitality industry in Canada. Join us as we unravel the details of this significant opportunity and illustrate how our support can be instrumental at every phase of your journey.
AAIP: Tourism and Hospitality Program Overview
Effective March 1, 2024, the AAIP has launched a new stream specifically targeting the tourism and hospitality sectors. This move comes as a strategic response to the paused applications for the Alberta Opportunity Stream, allowing the province to concentrate on reducing existing backlogs and prioritizing sectors facing significant labor shortages. The Tourism and Hospitality Stream aims to attract individuals already employed within this sector in Alberta for at least six months. By focusing on these areas, the AAIP intends to alleviate workforce deficits and assist businesses across the province, particularly those in rural locales, by enabling them to retain valuable employees, thereby strengthening the local economy.
Eligibility Requirements Overview:
For the Alberta hospitality and tourism stream, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- Availability: Limited to 500 spots for the current year, expanding to 659 in 2024.
- Work Permit: Must be working in Alberta with an LMIA-based work permit. The permit must be valid both at the time of application and when being assessed.
- Work Experience: Six consecutive months of required work experience with the same Alberta employer.
- Job Offer: Must have a permanent job offer from the same employer for at least 30 hours per week.
- Employer Association: Employer must be associated with designated industry associations.
- Language Skills: Minimum of CLB 4 in English or French, with a valid language test less than 2 years old.
- Educational Level: Must be equivalent to a Canadian High School diploma, validated by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) less than 5 years old or Canadian education.
- Eligible Occupation: Must be working in an eligible occupation, Sector and in an eligible industry.
- Salary Requirements: Must meet LMIA standards.
Eligible Industries Overview:
The Alberta hospitality and tourism stream targets specific sectors to address labor shortages and support provincial economic goals. This includes industries pivotal to the region’s tourism such as museums, ski resorts, and restaurants. Below is a table of eligible industries along with their WCB industry codes and sample activities:
| Eligible WCB Industries and Exempt Activities | WCB Industry Code | Sample Activities |
| Museums/Art Galleries | 80701 | Art Galleries, Art Museums, Interpretive Centres, Museums |
| Zoos/Game Farms | 80703 | Game Farms, Zoos |
| Bowling Alleys/Billiard Parlours | 85300 | Billiard Parlours, Bowling Alleys, Pool Halls |
| Golf Clubs/Ranges | 85900 | Operation of Driving Ranges, Golf Courses |
| Ski Resorts/Gondolas | 85904 | Operation of Chairlifts, Gondolas, Ski Instruction, Ski Resorts |
| Casinos/Dance Halls | 85916 | Casino Halls, Dance Halls |
| Arenas/Stadiums | 85919 | Arenas, Stadiums, Race Tracks |
| Travel Agency/Motor Association | 85925 | Operation of Wildlife and Wilderness Associations, Tour Guides, Tourist Promotion, Park Associations |
| Restaurants/Catering | 87501 | Operation of Coffee Shops, Drive-In Restaurants, Restaurants, Take-Out Services, Bartending Services |
| Hotels/Convention Centres | 87503 | Operation of Bed and Breakfast, Cabins and Motels, Convention Centres |
| Sports and Recreation | 87600 | Operation of Amusement Parks and Rec Resorts, Hot Air Ballooning, Boats, Pleasure and Water Tours, Campsites |
| Property Management/Hostels | 89702 | Operation of Hostels, Bingo Halls, Airports |
| Private Clubs | 87508 | Private Clubs, Sporting Clubs, Fitness Clubs and Gun Clubs |
| Operation of a Curling Rink | Multiple | Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries/codes |
| Operation of an Ice Skating Rink | Multiple | Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries/codes |
| Operation of a Cricket Field | Multiple | Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries/codes |
| Operation of a Convention Bureau | Multiple | Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries/codes |
| Operation of an Information Bureau | Multiple | Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries/codes |
| Promotions, sports and entertainment | Multiple | Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries/codes |
| Professional sports | Multiple | Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries/codes |
Eligible Occupations Overview:
To address acute labor needs, the Alberta hospitality and tourism stream has identified specific occupations eligible for the program. Here is a list of these occupations, showcasing the diversity and scope aimed at enriching Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sectors:
| 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 |
Sector Association and Travel Alberta Membership Requirements Overview:
The Alberta tourism and hospitality stream emphasizes the importance of industry association membership to ensure businesses are well-integrated into the province’s tourism framework. Below is a summary of the sector associations related to the eligible industries:
| 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) |
Update on Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream Intake:
- Intake Closure: The initial intake for the Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream concluded on March 2, 2024.
- Guidance for Ongoing Applications: Applicants who initiated their application process prior to the closing date are advised to proceed with finalizing their submissions.
- Anticipation of Future Intakes: The AAIP has indicated that new intake periods will be scheduled. Prospective applicants are encouraged to stay informed and prepare necessary documentation in anticipation of these openings.
- Preparation for Next Intake: Individuals interested in applying should prepare their application materials in advance to ensure they are ready when the next intake period is announced, emphasizing the importance of quick action due to the expected high demand.
Conclusion:
The AAIP Tourism and Hospitality Stream goes beyond addressing labor shortages; it’s a gateway for foreign workers eyeing permanent residency in Canada, providing them with unique opportunities in Alberta’s growing sectors. By understanding and meeting the eligibility requirements such as language proficiency, work experience and more, those looking to expand and achieve their own dreams and aspirations in the Canadian work force can begin to create and forge their path ahead. At Immigration Nation, we stand ready to assist you with your application process. If you seek further guidance, please feel free to contact us and our team of Experts will ensure your application is prepared for success!
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