The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) made headlines on February 15 when it temporarily halted processing applications for the Alberta Opportunity Stream.

This pause is necessary to address the current backlog and strategically allocate immigration nominations, prioritizing sectors grappling with labor shortages, such as healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. Despite this pause, applications submitted before February 15 will continue to be assessed. Moreover, the province aims to regulate future application volumes according to program priorities while maintaining reasonable service standards across all streams.

The Alberta Opportunity Stream within the AAIP caters to full-time temporary foreign workers already employed in the province with a valid Canadian work permit and a full-time job offer from an Alberta-based employer. Post-graduation work permit holders may also qualify for this stream.

Introducing the Tourism and Hospitality Stream

As of March 1, the AAIP introduces a new stream tailored for individuals working in the tourism and hospitality sector for at least six months, meeting Alberta’s permanent residency criteria. Applicants must hold a valid full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an authorized employer in the industry.

The Alberta government highlights that this stream will address shortages in the sector and support businesses, including those in rural areas, in retaining workers and stimulating the economy. The province plans to cap the number of applications accepted for this stream while expediting their processing alongside other priority initiatives. More details are expected to be released on March 1.

Alberta’s Status as a Premier Tourist Destination

Alberta stands out as one of Canada’s top tourist destinations. Government data from 2022 indicates that the province welcomed 32 million visitors, generating $10.7 billion in expenditures.

About the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program operates as a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) utilized by the Government of Alberta to select economic immigration candidates likely to establish themselves economically within the province. Like other PNPs, it offers multiple streams targeting candidates with diverse in-demand skills and attributes, including those in healthcare, agriculture, rural communities, and entrepreneurship.

Under the PNP, provinces receive a set number of nominations annually. In 2023, Alberta issued 9,750 nominations to AAIP candidates. While the province has yet to confirm its allocation for 2024, the federal Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 outlines Canada’s goal of welcoming 110,000 newcomers through the PNP by year-end.

In conclusion, the introduction of the Tourism and Hospitality Stream within the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program marks a significant step in addressing labor shortages and supporting key sectors in the province. As Alberta continues to evolve as a premier tourist destination, initiatives like these play a crucial role in stimulating economic growth, retaining skilled workers, and contributing to the overall prosperity of the region.