Alberta, renowned for its stunning landscapes and dynamic cities, offers a unique opportunity for individuals aspiring to build careers in the vibrant Tourism and Hospitality sector. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has introduced the Tourism and Hospitality Stream, providing a pathway for skilled workers to contribute to the province’s thriving industry.
Let’s delve into the eligibility criteria for this stream, ensuring potential applicants are well-informed about the requirements set forth by the AAIP.
Overview of the Tourism and Hospitality Stream
The Tourism and Hospitality Stream is a specialized pathway within the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) designed to attract skilled workers for Alberta’s tourism and hospitality industry. This stream provides a framework for individuals seeking employment opportunities in various sectors related to tourism and hospitality. The program outlines specific eligibility criteria, including requirements for approved employers, eligible industries, sector association membership, job offers, language proficiency, and education standards. By offering a dedicated stream tailored to the unique needs of the tourism and hospitality sector, the AAIP aims to facilitate the immigration process for individuals who want to make a meaningful contribution to Alberta’s vibrant and growing industry.
Approved Employer Requirements
One of the fundamental eligibility criteria is that your current employment and the Alberta job offer must be with a single approved Tourism and Hospitality employer. This emphasizes the importance of a strong and stable employment connection with an employer in the specified sector
Eligible Industries and Workers / Compensation Board (WCB) Coverage
At both the time of application submission and assessment by the AAIP, the Alberta employer’s primary business activities must belong to an eligible industry, as defined by the WCB – Alberta industry code or exempt activities. It is imperative to demonstrate valid WCB coverage or exemption through a clearance letter at the time of application submission.
Table 1 provides a list of eligible WCB industries, aiding applicants in determining their employer’s eligibility.
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 |
Sector Association and Travel Alberta Membership Requirements
The Alberta employer must be a member of an eligible sector association at the time of application submission. Alternatively, if the employer does not qualify for membership in any listed associations, they must be included as an Experience Provider on the Travel Alberta website.
Table 2 outlines the sector associations that meet the eligibility criteria.
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) |
Occupation and Employment Requirements
Following are the occupation and employment requirements:
Eligible Occupations
Your current employment and job offer in Alberta must align with specific eligible occupations to qualify for the Tourism and Hospitality Stream.
Table 3 lists these occupations under the NOC TEER (National Occupational Classification – Talent Employment and Education Resource) category.
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 and Work Experience
Applicants must be living and working in Alberta in an eligible occupation for an approved Tourism and Hospitality employer at the time of application submission and assessment. A valid work permit based on Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is essential, and maintained status is not considered a substitute for a valid work permit. Additionally, a minimum of six consecutive months (or 780 hours) of full-time work experience with the same employer is required.
Job Offer or Employment Contract
The job offer or employment contract, submitted at the time of application and assessment, must meet specific criteria. It must be for work in an eligible occupation with the same Alberta employer as the required six consecutive months of work experience. The offer should encompass continuous, paid work under an employer-employee relationship, full-time work (at least 30 hours per week), 12 months of employment, and wages and benefits meeting provincial minimum requirements.
Ineligible Applicants Based on Job Offer
Part-time or seasonal employees, independent contractors, business owners, or temporary agency workers, are deemed ineligible, even with a job offer to work 30 hours a week or more in 12 months. Applicants should carefully review and ensure their eligibility under the job offer criteria.
Language Requirements
Following are the language requirements you need to fulfill:
– Demonstrate proficiency in English or French with a minimum score of 4 for each language skill.
– Provide official test results from accepted language assessments: CELPIP General Test, IELTS General Training Test, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada.
– Test results must be less than 2 years from the test date.
– The AAIP only accepts test results, not confirmation of registration for language tests.
– Check federal guidelines for CLB/NCLC equivalency for each test.
Education Requirements
Following are the education requirements you need to fulfill:
- A minimum high school education equivalent to Canadian standards is mandatory.
– Provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an IRCC-designated organization for your highest level of education.
– If the ECA indicates your credential is not equivalent to a Canadian high school or your foreign educational institution is unrecognized, you do not meet the education requirement.
– No ECA is needed if you have a Canadian diploma, degree or certificate from a recognized institution or an authorized, registered, or licensed institution in Canada.
– A valid Alberta Qualification Certificate or recognized trade certificate by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) exempts you from the ECA requirements.
Final Words
The AAIP’s Tourism and Hospitality Stream offers a promising pathway for skilled individuals seeking to contribute to Alberta’s dynamic and thriving industry. Understanding and fulfilling the eligibility criteria is crucial for a successful application. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the outlined requirements thoroughly and seek guidance from the AAIP or relevant authorities if needed. By navigating the eligibility criteria effectively, aspiring immigrants can embark on a rewarding journey in Alberta’s Tourism and Hospitality sector.