New Alberta move option for tourism workers from March 1st.

Feb 17, 2024 / 2 min readspscanadaahd

Alberta Opens Doors for Tourism and Hospitality Jobs

Starting March 1, 2024, Alberta is creating new opportunities for foreign workers in tourism and hospitality. If you currently live and work in Alberta for an eligible employer, you can apply for permanent residency through the new Tourism and Hospitality Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). This initiative strengthens Alberta’s workforce while supporting one of its fastest-growing sectors.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Tourism and Hospitality Stream, candidates must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Work Experience: You must have worked in the tourism or hospitality industry for at least six months.
  • Job Offer: You need a valid, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an approved employer in the industry.
  • Establishment in Alberta: You must already be living and settled in Alberta when you apply.

Because the province will accept limited applications, candidates should apply as soon as the stream opens. Furthermore, Alberta plans to process applications quickly, so eligible individuals benefit sooner.

What Is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)?

The AAIP helps Alberta attract skilled workers and business owners who can support the province’s long-term economic growth. Through this program, the provincial government identifies individuals who fill urgent labour gaps and, in turn, nominates them for Canadian permanent residency.
Additionally, Alberta works with the federal government to ensure immigration aligns with current labour market needs and future workforce demands.

Why Alberta Created the Tourism and Hospitality Stream

Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector continues to drive both job creation and economic expansion. To support this growth, the province introduced a dedicated stream that helps employers retain qualified workers and attract new talent.

  • The goal is to build a strong, stable workforce that supports Alberta’s visitor economy.
  • The province recorded $10.7 billion in tourism spending in 2022, which reflects a $600 million increase from 2019.
  • As demand rises, businesses require more skilled workers in hotels, restaurants, recreation services, travel operations, and related fields.

By offering a clear pathway to permanent residency, Alberta encourages workers to build long-term careers in the province.

Temporary Pause on the Alberta Opportunity Stream

At the same time, Alberta has temporarily paused new applications to the Alberta Opportunity Stream. The province introduced this pause to manage the workload more effectively and address labour shortages in priority industries.

Here is what applicants should know:

  • Submitted applications will continue to be processed without delay.
  • Unsubmitted or draft applications, including those awaiting payment, will not be accepted after the pause.
  • The pause allows Alberta to focus resources on sectors with urgent labour needs, including tourism and hospitality.

Consequently, individuals with at least six months of industry experience can still pursue permanent residency through the relevant tourism or hospitality pathways under AAIP.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

 

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