The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) introduces a new initiative, the Tourism and Hospitality Stream, catering to temporary foreign workers engaged in the Alberta tourism and hospitality sector. This program is specifically designed for those holding a full-time job offer from a qualifying Alberta employer in an eligible occupation, supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). To shed light on this opportunity, we break down the program details for a clearer understanding.
The Tourism and Hospitality Stream come with specific criteria that may apply during the application submission or assessment process. It’s crucial for applicants to thoroughly review these criteria to meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the AAIP.
1. Approved Employer Requirements:
To qualify for the program, applicants must ensure their current employment and job offer come from a single, approved Tourism and Hospitality employer. Additionally, the employer’s primary business activities should align with eligible industries defined by the WCB – Alberta industry code or exempt activities.
Table 1. List of eligible WCB industries:
| Eligible WCB Industries | 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 |
2. Sector Association and Travel Alberta Membership:
Applicants must ensure their Alberta employer is a member of an eligible sector association, as outlined in Table 2. Failure to meet this requirement can be addressed by including the employer as an Experience Provider on the Travel Alberta website.
Table 2. List of eligible sector associations:
| 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) |
3. Occupation and Employment Requirements:
Eligible occupations, current employment conditions, work experience criteria, and job offer details are critical considerations for applicants.
Table 3. List of 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 |
4. Current Employment Conditions:
At the point of submitting and assessing applications, individuals must both reside and work in Alberta within an eligible occupation for an approved Tourism and Hospitality employer. It is mandatory to hold a valid work permit based on a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for an eligible occupation. It is crucial to note that maintaining status alone does not serve as a substitute for a valid work permit.
5. Work Experience Criteria:
Applicants are required to have engaged in full-time employment (a minimum of 30 hours per week) with an approved Tourism and Hospitality employer for at least six consecutive months (or a minimum of 780 hours) at the time of submitting their application. The work experience must be with the same employer offering the current Alberta job, must be remunerated, and authorized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. Valid temporary resident status is imperative if the work experience occurred in Alberta or Canada.
6. Job Offer and Employment Contract Details:
At the submission and assessment phases of the application process, individuals must possess a genuine full-time job offer or employment contract for an eligible occupation. This offer must originate from the identical Alberta employer for the stipulated six consecutive months (780 hours) of work experience and ongoing employment.
The job offer or employment contract should be endorsed by a legitimate, established, and verifiable Alberta employer, guaranteeing continuous paid work within an employer-employee relationship. The terms should specify full-time employment as a minimum of 30 hours per week, ensuring a commitment for a duration of 12 months or more. Wages and benefits must align with provincial minimum wage standards, meeting or exceeding LMIA requirements (if applicable) or the lowest starting wage for the occupation across all industries in Alberta, as outlined on the Alis website. Non-wage compensation, such as benefits from company ownership, is not considered part of the applicant’s base monetary wage or salary.
By diligently adhering to these criteria, applicants not only bolster their eligibility for the program but also contribute to upholding the integrity and success of AAIP’s Tourism and Hospitality Stream. This pathway not only opens doors to career opportunities but also fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between the workforce and Alberta’s thriving industries.
7. Ineligible Applicants and Job Offer Considerations:
Certain individuals, such as part-time or seasonal employees, independent contractors, and those working in non-commercial or non-industrial zones, are ineligible. It is crucial for applicants to work closely with their Alberta employers to meet all requirements.
8. Language Requirements:
When submitting your application, you must demonstrate language proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 4 for each English language skill or a minimum score of 4 for each French language skill. Official test results from accepted language tests, including the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Test, Test d’évaluation de français Canada (TEF Canada), or Test de connaissance du français Canada (TCF Canada), are required. Ensure that your test results are dated within the last 2 years from the submission of your application. It’s important to note that the test result age is determined by the date you took the test, not the date the results were released. The AAIP strictly requires official test results and does not accept confirmation of registration as a substitute.
9. Education Requirements:
Applicants need to have completed a minimum of high school education equivalent to Canadian standards. You must provide a copy of an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) issued by an organization designated by IRCC for your highest level of education.
You do not need to provide an ECA if:
- You have a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate from a Canadian post-secondary, technical college, or secondary institution listed as:
- A recognized institution in the Directory of Educational Institutions in Canada, or
- An authorized, registered, or licensed institution in the Directory of Educational Institutions in Canada, and the institution was authorized by Advanced Education to grant your degree, diploma, or certificate. Contact your educational institution or Advanced Education to confirm if your institution had the authority to grant your credential.
- You have a valid Alberta Qualification Certificate or a trade certificate recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). The AAIP reserves the right to request an ECA from any candidate and/or to seek an internal educational assessment from the International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS) or Advanced Education to confirm a candidate meets the minimum Canadian high school equivalent requirement.”
In conclusion, the launch of AAIP’s Tourism and Hospitality Stream opens new avenues for foreign workers in Alberta’s dynamic sector. This program not only simplifies the immigration process but also fosters collaboration with eligible employers, ensuring a seamless integration into the province’s thriving tourism and hospitality industry. As applicants explore this opportunity, the comprehensive guidelines provided by AAIP serve as a roadmap for success. Embrace the chance to contribute to Alberta’s vibrant cultural landscape while enjoying the benefits of a streamlined immigration process. Discover your path to professional growth and cultural exchange through AAIP’s innovative Tourism and Hospitality Stream.
