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Are You Eligible for the Tourism and Hospitality Stream?

Post by : Admin on Mar 04,2024

The Tourism and Hospitality Stream under AAIP gives people already working in this sector an easy opportunity to apply for PR or extend their work permits. This blog is going to highlight the eligibility criteria for you to apply under this stream. 

Eligibility Criteria for Employers in the Tourism and Hospitality Stream

Qualified candidates should have a full-time job offer from a qualified employer in Alberta in an eligible occupation. The question is what qualifies an employer in this Tourism and Hospitality Stream. 

So, let’s check out the requirements that approve the employers in this sector. 

Eligible Industry and WCB Coverage 

The employer you are currently working with should belong to an eligible industry. Their nature of business should resonate with Alberta industry codes in WCB or Worker’s Compensation Board. 

Here are the examples of eligible WCB industries. 

The employer also needs to have valid WCB coverage. If they don’t, a WCB clearance letter will do in that case. 

Eligible sector associations 

Your current employer in Alberta should be a part of an eligible sector association. 

However, you may find in some cases that employers are qualified and yet not a member of the eligible sector associations. Your application will be rejected in that scenario. 

Examples of eligible sector associations 

Occupation and Employment Requirements 

Your current job should and the job offer should belong to an eligible occupation. 

Examples of occupations eligible for the Tourism and Hospitality Stream:

Are you still not sure about your occupation’s eligibility? Click here to find all occupations under NOC 2021. 

Current employment criteria 

• You should have a valid work permit for an eligible occupation with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 
• You must live and work in Alberta presently for an approved employer in the Tourism and Hospitality sector 

Work experience criteria 

• Full-time employment with an approved Tourism and Hospitality employer for at least six months 
• The work should be paid. 
• It should be authorized by IRCC. 
• The work experience should be for the same employer who you mentioned under the current Alberta job offer 

Job offer criteria 

You should have a full-time job offer or employment contract while applying for the stream. Make sure the contract has its verifiable employer’s signatures. 

The contract needs to provide you with

• Employment for at least 12 months 
• Paid and continuous work under an employer-employee relationship 
• Benefits and wages as per the provincial minimum wage 
• Full-time work of at least 30 hours per week 

Which job offers are not eligible?

• You cannot apply even if you have a job offer in the following scenarios. 
• The offer makes you a casual, seasonal or part-time employee. 
• You work in Alberta but at a place that’s not suitable for running commercial operations. 
• Temporary agency workers, independent contractors or business owners listed on the Corporate Registry System (CORES) are not eligible.  

Language Requirements 

The following language tests are available for you to get through and apply under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream. 

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test 
• Test d'évaluation de français Canada (TEF CanaInternational English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Testda)
• Test de connaissance du français Canada (TCF Canada)

You can take any one of these tests and need to score at least 4 in each English Language skill or each French language skill. Test results that are two years old at the time you are submitting the application are valid 

Education Requirements 

The basic criterion is to complete at least a high school education that’s equivalent to academic standards in Canada. IRCC uses ECA or Educational Credential Assessment reports to validate the international student’s credentials and whether it is an equivalent to Canadian credentials. So, you must submit your copy of the ECA lest you will be disqualified. 

When don’t you need an ECA?

• You do not submit ECA if you meet the following requirements: 
• A diploma, degree or certificate from a Canadian institution (post-secondary, secondary or technical college)
• A valid Alberta trade certificate or Qualification certificate validated by AIT or Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. 

The AAIP is quite serious about cross-checking the educational credentials before processing a student’s application. Thus, they may request you to provide an ECA if you haven’t already to ensure that you meet the minimum high school education requirements in Canada. 

Wrapping Up, 

Working in the tourism and hospitality sector is one of the criteria that you can apply under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream in AAIP. Once you meet all the requirements, applying for permanent residence becomes easier. It can be daunting for most to keep the ever-increasing piles of information in mind. This is where professional consultants come into play. They can guide you through the process and help you submit the application without any chances of rejection or delay.