Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream

Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream

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:

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.

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