New Tourism & Hospitality Stream in Alberta

Excited about the chance to settle in Alberta, Canada through the Tourism and Hospitality Stream? This newly introduced stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) provides exciting opportunities for individuals with work experience in Alberta's tourism and hospitality sector. 


Eligibility Requirements Explained

The Tourism and Hospitality Stream is a new option under Alberta's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows nominees to apply for permanent residence in Canada. As with any immigration program, understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial before applying. 

Approved Employer Requirements:

To qualify under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream, candidates need a job offer from an eligible Tourism and Hospitality employer in Alberta. Employers' primary business activities must belong to an eligible industry as defined by the Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) – Alberta industry code or exempt activities:

  • Museums/Art Galleries: WCB industry code 80701
  • Zoos/Game Farms: WCB industry code 80703
  • Bowling Alleys/Billiard Parlours: WCB industry code 85300
  • Golf Clubs/Ranges: WCB industry code 85900
  • Ski Resorts/Gondolas: WCB industry code 85904
  • Casinos/Dance Halls: WCB industry code 85916
  • Arenas/Stadiums: WCB industry code 85919
  • Travel Agency/Motor Association: WCB industry code 85925
  • Restaurants/Catering: WCB industry code 87501
  • Hotels/Convention Centres: WCB industry code 87503
  • Sports and Recreation: WCB industry code 87600
  • Property Management/Hostels: WCB industry code 89702
  • Private Clubs: WCB industry code 87508
  • Operation of a Curling Rink: Multiple WCB industries
  • Operation of an Ice Skating Rink: Multiple WCB industries
  • Operation of a Cricket Field: Multiple WCB industries
  • Operation of a Convention Bureau: Multiple WCB industries
  • Operation of an Information Bureau: Multiple WCB industries
  • Promotions, sports, and entertainment: Multiple WCB industries
  • Professional sports: Multiple WCB industries

Eligible employers must also have valid WCB coverage or be exempt from coverage and must be a member of a sector association, if applicable, such as the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association or the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta. Employers who cannot qualify for membership must be included as an Experience Provider on the Travel Alberta website.

Occupation and Employment Requirements:

At the time of application, candidates must be living and working in Alberta on a valid work permit based on a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for an eligible occupation. To be eligible, the job offer must be for continuous, paid work under an employer-employee relationship, offering full-time employment for at least 12 months with wages and benefits meeting provincial standards. Only occupations in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes are eligible:

  • 54100: Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness
  • 60030: Restaurant and food services managers
  • 60031: Accommodation service managers
  • 62020: Food service supervisors
  • 62200: Chefs
  • 63200: Cooks
  • 64300: Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses
  • 64301: Bartenders
  • 64314: Hotel front desk clerks
  • 64320: Tour and travel guides
  • 64322: Outdoor sport and recreational guides
  • 65200: Food and beverage servers
  • 65201: Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations
  • 65210: Support occupations in accommodation, travel, and facilities set-up services
  • 65310: Light duty cleaners
  • 65311: Specialized cleaners
  • 65312: Janitors, caretakers, and heavy-duty cleaners
  • 65320: Dry cleaning, laundry, and related occupations

Work Experience:

At the time of application, candidates must have been working full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) for an approved Tourism and Hospitality employer in one of the eligible occupations for a minimum of six consecutive months (or minimum of 780 hours).Work experience must have been for the same employer as the job offer, paid, and while authorized to work in Canada.

Language Proficiency:

Candidates must demonstrate language proficiency by achieving a minimum score of CLB 4 in each English or French language skill on an accepted language test, such as CELPIP or IELTS.

Education Requirements:

At minimum, completion of high school education equivalent to Canadian standards must be demonstrated, or a valid Alberta Qualification Certificate or trade certificate. For education completed outside of Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required.


How to Apply

Applicants must use the AAIP portal to apply online. The portal will provide a personalized document checklist as well as instruction on how to pay the AAIP application fee of $500 CAD. Applications under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream cannot be combined with an Express Entry application or profile. 

Staged Intake Process

This specialized immigration pathway has garnered significant interest, prompting a staged intake process to manage the influx of applications effectively. At least 659 nomination certificates are targeted under this stream for 2024. With the initial phase reaching its threshold of 500 sooner than expected, the first intake is temporarily closed. However, prospective applicants can anticipate an additional intake stage to meet the 2024 nomination target. Applications that are currently in progress will still be considered part of the first intake. Stream limits are based on economic priority needs in the province.


Understanding and meeting the eligibility requirements outlined above are crucial steps towards a successful application under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. For any questions or assistance navigating the application process, contact us! 

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