Immigration Corner | Hotel manager wants to live in Alberta

Dear Miss Powell,

I am currently a manager at a hotel in Jamaica and I am planning to visit a friend in Alberta this summer. She says that hotel workers are in demand in Alberta. Is this true? If I get a job in a hotel there, will this qualify me to get permanent residence? Thank you in advance for your response.

KE

Dear KE,

There are several sectors that have a high demand for workers in Canada. This includes the tourism, healthcare, technology, construction and finance sectors. If you are fortunate enough to receive a valid job offer from an authorised employer in Alberta, then this would increase your chances of getting an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Your first step would be to obtain a valid work permit. Then you can seek to qualify, based on one of the existing programmes. The most common pathway to receiving permanent residence is via the Express Entry System, under one of the categories such as Federal Skilled Worker Programme, Provincial Nominee Programme, or Canadian Experience Class. Alberta has a Tourism and Hospitality Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Programme that you may be able to utilise when the portal is open.

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY STREAM

To be eligible under the Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream, you need to have been working in the tourism and hospitality sector in Alberta for a minimum of six months and have a valid full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible employer. This job offer must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment report. You will be required to provide proof that you have the required paid work experience, must be with the same employer, and have a valid work permit.

Your job offer must be from an approved Alberta tourism and hospitality employer such as airports, arenas, stadiums, racetracks, bed and breakfasts, cabins, motels, convention centres, amusement parks and recreational resorts, hotels, hostels, bingo halls, coffee shops, restaurants, game farms, zoos, golf courses, casino halls, dance halls, bowling alleys, ski resorts and fitness clubs, to name a few.

Additionally, at the time of applying, your job offer must also be eligible occupation or fall under the required National Occupational Classification. Some eligible occupations are accommodations and service managers, restaurant and food service managers, programme leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness, food service supervisors, outdoor sport and recreational guides, food and beverage servers, janitors, food and beverage servers, maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses, bartenders, hotel front desk clerks, cooks, and chefs, to name a few.

The Tourism and Hospitality Stream is very competitive and is currently closed, and so you will need to wait until the next round of selection. The key is having your documents ready to apply at the next opportunity.

EXPRESS ENTRY SYSTEM

You ay be able to qualify under the Express Entry System and may not need to wait on a provincial nominee to apply. The Express Entry System manages the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, Federal Skilled Trade Programme, Canadian Experience Class and some Provincial Nominee Programmes. Under this system, you will be able to qualify to live in any province (except Quebec), such as Ontario, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia.

Keep in mind that you need to have proof of your language ability and education before you can apply to most Canadian immigration programmes. If you require additional assistance, request a telephone or Zoom consultation with an authorised Canadian lawyer.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public in Canada. Submit your questions and comments send your questions or comments via Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp 613.695.8777