On February 13, 2024, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) unveiled plans for a new Tourism and Hospitality Stream, which is set to launch on March 1, 2024.
In 2022, Alberta experienced a notable surge in tourism spending, reaching $10.7 billion—a $600 million increase from 2019
. This growth marks a robust recovery from the pandemic-induced downturn and positions the province to surpass previous year-over-year visitor expenditure records.
\To foster further economic growth, the province is introducing this immigration stream dedicated to attracting skilled professionals to the tourism and hospitality industry.
The AAIP will prioritize a select number of applications, aiding businesses in attracting and retaining essential workers, thereby bolstering the economy. Comprehensive details on eligibility and application procedures will be accessible from March 1, 2024.
Alberta's tourism and hospitality sector significantly contributes to economic growth and job creation, particularly in rural areas and communities outside major urban centers.
#AAIP, #Tourism, #Hospitality, #tourism_and_Hospitality
Canada will retain the same Express Entry categories this year, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
These include French, Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Transport, Agriculture and agri-food categories, selected based on Canada's economic needs and in consultation with stakeholders.
In 2023, there were 17 category-based draws across these sectors. Changes to the frequency of draws have been observed since the introduction of category-based selection in June 2023.
The impact of these changes on Canadian immigration will become clearer once more data is available and more receive permanent residency in early 2024.
#IRCC< #Express_Entry, #category_based_EE_Draws
On February 12, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced further revisions to the Agri-Food Pilot Program.
These changes aim to make the program more accessible and beneficial to both workers and employers in the agri-food sector.
In line with the instructions announced on May 8, 2023, the Government of Canada updated the Agri-Food Pilot program to include the following changes: applicants in Canada now have the flexibility to meet either the job offer or education requirements and submit work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers.
#AFP, #agri_food_pilot_program, #IRCC, #agriculture_workers
On February 5, 2024, the Government of Ontario made an announcement regarding the Entrepreneur Stream under Ontario`s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
The Entrepreneur Stream has temporarily halted the acceptance of applications since December 4, 2023. No new expressions of interest or applications are currently being processed.
Despite the suspension, the ministry remains dedicated to supporting immigration efforts through the OINP. The focus is on actively assisting employers in finding talent solutions through immigration, anticipating continuous program growth to meet labour market needs across various sectors in the province.
Due to the Entrepreneur Stream application suspension, the Entrepreneur Success Initiative has also concluded. Services previously provided by the Toronto Business Development Centre under this initiative are no longer accessible.
#Ontario, #OINP, #Entrepreneur_Stream, #Entrepreneur_Success_Initiative, #business_immigration