Everything You Need to Know About the New Tourism and Hospitality Stream!
Are you currently working in the Tourism and Hospitality industry? Are you looking to make Alberta your home? Today, we’ve got some exciting news for those looking to make your stay in Alberta, Canada, more permanent, especially if you’re in the tourism and hospitality sector. So, let’s dive right in and break down everything you need to know, keeping it straightforward!
Who can apply for this program?
The Tourism and Hospitality Stream is designed explicitly for temporary foreign workers already contributing full-time to Alberta’s vibrant tourism and hospitality sector. You’re in the right place if you’ve got a full-time job offer from a qualifying Alberta employer in an eligible occupation and a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Plus, you’ll need to meet other criteria like language skills, education, and work experience.
Eligible Industries and WCB Requirements for the Employer
Your employment and the job offer should be with a single, approved employer in the Tourism and Hospitality sector. These employers must belong to an eligible industry defined by Alberta’s Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), covering various activities from art galleries to ski resorts and restaurants.
Moreover, your employer needs to be a member of an eligible sector association or listed as an Experience Provider on the Travel Alberta website. It ensures they are recognized and meet the standards required for the program.
Table 1. List of eligible WCB industries
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 |
Which Occupations are eligible under this program?
Many eligible occupations exist, from chefs and cooks to front desk clerks and tour guides. Make sure your job title and duties match those listed to qualify. List of eligible occupations
NOC code (2021) | Occupation | NOC TEER category |
---|---|---|
54100 | Program coordinators and teachers in sports, fitness, and recreation* | 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 | Kitchen assistants, food counter attendants, and other related support positions* | 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 |
What other requirements must you meet when applying for the program?
When applying, ensure that you:
- Are living and working in Alberta in an eligible occupation for an approved employer.
- Possess a current work permit obtained through a favorable LMIA.
- Have at least six months (or 780 hours) of full-time work experience with your current employer in an eligible occupation.
- Your job offer or employment contract must meet specific criteria, like being full-time, offering continuous paid work, and matching or exceeding provincial minimum wage standards.
What are the language requirements?
You’ll need to meet minimum language requirements in English or French and at least a high school education equivalent to Canadian standards.
- For every English language competency, at least 4, or
- For every proficiency level in French, at least 4
You must provide official test results for one of these accepted language tests:
- General Test for the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Test of General Training for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test d’évaluation de français Canada (TEF Canada)
- Test de connaissance du français Canada (TCF Canada)
Are applications being accepted under this stream?
The intake process has been separated into phases to guarantee that every applicant has an equal opportunity to apply.
Stage 1: The first stage has already reached its threshold due to the overwhelming response, but don’t worry if you still need to apply.
Stage 2: The next stage will open after reviewing the current applications. So, watch for updates on when the second phase kicks in.
Also, if you’ve started your application but still need to complete it, you’re still considered part of the first intake. Completion will secure your spot, and it’s heartwarming to see such great interest in this program!
So, there you have it! If you’re part of Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector and dream of extending your journey here, this program could be your ticket. Review all the requirements carefully and look for the next intake phase if you still need to complete the first one.