Alberta Launches New Immigration Program

If you’re considering immigrating to Alberta, exciting news awaits: a fresh avenue has just been unveiled specifically tailored for professionals in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

On February 13, Alberta made public the Tourism and Hospitality Stream as part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

This latest addition to Alberta’s immigration offerings targets individuals with valid full-time, non-seasonal job offers from approved employers within the respective industries.

Scheduled for an official launch on March 1, 2024, further specifics regarding eligibility criteria for the Tourism and Hospitality Stream will be forthcoming in due course.

This initiative arrives amidst a backdrop of labor shortages within Alberta’s tourism industry.

“The sustainability of Alberta’s visitor economy hinges on a vibrant tourism and hospitality sector capable of meeting the escalating demands of visitors across the province,” remarked Muhammad Yassen, Alberta’s Minister of Immigration, in a press release. “In response to concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding persistent labor shortages, this new stream has been introduced.”

Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector not only serves as a pivotal driver of economic advancement throughout the province but also facilitates job creation in rural locales and communities beyond urban centers, simultaneously showcasing the splendor of Canada’s westernmost Prairie Province and enriching the lives of Albertans.

Mark von Schellwitz, Vice-President of Western Canada at Restaurants Canada, highlighted the significance of governmental support: “We extend our gratitude to the Alberta government for its efforts in addressing these challenges through the dedicated Tourism and Hospitality Stream, providing assistance to rejuvenate restaurants and enabling access to the labor force required for flourishing community establishments.”

Alberta’s tourism industry, having fully rebounded from pandemic-induced downturns, witnessed robust spending of $10.7 billion in 2022, signifying a $600 million increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Furthermore, 32 million person-visits were recorded in 2022, contributing to the expenditure and supporting over 80,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Remarkably, Alberta is home to 11% of Canada’s tourism-related businesses, underscoring the pressing need for skilled talent within the province’s tourism sector.

The newly introduced Tourism and Hospitality Stream extends opportunities to individuals with at least six months of prior employment in the tourism and hospitality domain, offering a pathway to permanent residency for eligible candidates.

Josef Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport emphasized the significance of this development: “The tourism and hospitality immigration stream will unlock fresh opportunities province-wide while attracting skilled professionals to lucrative positions that sustain their families. As Alberta’s visitor economy continues to flourish, it is imperative that we equip our tourism and destination operators with the workforce essential for their success.”

Exploring Work Opportunities in Alberta through IEC

Did you know that youth from over 30 countries may qualify for an open work permit in Canada under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program? This means they could potentially arrive in Canada without a job offer and seek employment with any employer nationwide!

Youth aged 18-35 (or 18-30 for certain countries) can apply for a working holiday in Canada through the IEC program. The duration of their stay in Canada varies depending on their country of origin.

Discover if your country participates in the IEC program and whether you meet the eligibility criteria by taking Moving2Canada’s free Canada Immigration Quiz and creating an account.