New Stream for Tourism and Hospitality Workers in Alberta

Author: Anamika Sharma

Good news! A new stream for Tourism and Hospitality workers is launching on March 1, 2024. Alberta has introduced this stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) to retain workers with a full-time employment offer from an Alberta employer.

The aim of launching the Tourism and Hospitality stream is to fulfil the labour market gaps in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality industry and boost the province’s economy. Remember, limited applications will be accepted.

Requirements to apply for Tourism and Hospitality stream

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is tied with the federal government - allowing the government of Alberta to address the labour shortages and hire skilled workers to fill in-demand jobs. If you wish to move to Canada as a PR, use the CRS tool Canada to check your eligibility.

To apply under the new stream, you must also fulfil these requirements:

  • Have at least 6 months of work experience in the tourism and hospitality industry.

  • Have a full-time, non-seasonal employment offer from an Alberta employer within the industry.

  • Must be settled in Alberta.

Alberta will release more details about the eligibility requirements and application process when it starts accepting applications.

Alberta’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector

You will be surprised to know that 11% of Canada’s tourism-related businesses in Canada are based in Alberta. No doubt, this province ranks among the top ones which invite visitors from around the world. More people coming into Alberta has resulted in more job creation and helped in economic growth. The rural areas and communities that are established outside of the large urban centres benefit the most from these many people entering Alberta.

Alberta has faced a huge difference in terms of tourism spending before and after the pandemic of 2022.

In 2022, 32 million people entered Alberta - which supported more than 80,00 full-time equivalent jobs in tourism and hospitality. When it comes to tourism spending, Alberta recorded $10.7 billion in 2022 - which was a significant increase of $600 million from 2019 levels.

The rapid growth in tourism and hospitality numbers has put the province back on track and is ready to welcome more people in the coming years. This new stream is to retain experienced and skilled workers to relieve labour challenges.

Immigration Pathway to Alberta

Wondering "how to migrate to Canada from India?", don’t worry as Alberta offers many streams under its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) for skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

Skilled Workers:

  • Alberta Opportunity Stream

  • Alberta Express Entry Stream

  • Rural Renewal Stream

Entrepreneurs:

  • Rural Entrepreneur Stream

  • Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

  • Farm Stream

  • Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The requirements, eligibility criteria, and application procedure are different for each of the above-listed streams. Therefore, you must check them before applying.

Atlantic Immigration Program Application Process

Two steps are involved in the Atlantic Immigration Program application process:

STEP 1: Endorsement

Once you receive a position with a designated AIP employer, you will be connected with the settlement services to get development of a detailed settlement plan. Thereafter, you will be required to submit this plan to your employer so that they can start the application for endorsement with the relevant department.

Once the application is processed, you will get a provincial endorsement certificate. If the work permit is required, you will be issued them as well as a part of the process.

STEP 2: Immigration Application

Go ahead and submit the application for permanent residency in Canada - in addition to the endorsement certificate and other documents - to the IRCC. They will verify your information and process your PR application. If required, you also have the option to apply for a work permit while your PR application is processed.

Once approved, you gain the freedom to live and work in Atlantic Canada as a permanent resident.

Processing time: 6 to 8 months.

Candidates applying for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program may find the process difficult, especially if it’s their first time. To ease the process, consult with the best immigration consultants in India, Nationwide Visas. More than 17 years in the industry have gained them a reputation for being the best in successfully helping thousands move to Canada. You could be one of them! Apply today.