Immigration Hub

Home Immigration Hub

Access accurate, up-to-date information on immigration policies, procedures, and resources for the tourism sector in Canada.

New Canadians fill nearly a third of tourism jobs

Immigrants are significantly represented in Canada’s tourism workforce. In 2023, Labour Force Survey data showed there were 2 million people in the tourism workforce; landed immigrants accounted for 32%. Of note, the food & beverage services industry is a top employer of newcomers: landed immigrants made up more than 1/3 of its workforce.

Tourism Workforce Immigration Strategy

Tourism HR Canada works with national and provincial/territorial partners to provide decision and policy makers with the latest data and context required to inform strategies on immigration as it relates to the tourism sector. Priorities include optimizing existing federal, provincial, and territorial immigration streams, and implementing a new, dedicated tourism immigration stream.

Track policy changes and advise on policy impact

Secure a reliable supply of immigrant workers to fulfil sustainable demand

Provide guidance and advice on immigration-related enquiries

Create resources and tools to attract and retain qualified talent

Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion

Latest Research

Tourism HR Canada routinely conducts and contributes to targeted labour market research and analyses on immigrants and immigration in the tourism sector.

The Role of Immigration Policy in Addressing Labour Shortages in the Tourism Sector

Explore the impacts of the policy changes and initiatives to help employers hire foreign workers.

Small Business, Big Impact: Immigrant Hiring and Integration in Five Canadian Cities

Examine how the labour and skill shortages facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in small and mid-sized Canadian cities can be more easily filled by newcomers to Canada.

Centre for Business Insights of Immigration

Tourism HR Canada is a founding funder of this leading research collective designed to strengthen employer engagement

Federal Immigration News

Canada invests in Francophone communities and helps build their future by attracting top global talent

November 27, 2025—The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced an investment of approximately $3.6 million to support four new projects funded by the Francophone Immigration Support Program (FISP). Several of these initiatives aim to facilitate the immigration of Francophone and bilingual candidates to support the growth of Francophone minority communities.

Canada invests in services to support economic integration and fill labour market shortages

July 23, 2025—The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced more than $3.2 billion over three years across more than 520 organizations outside Quebec to improve the integration of newcomers, including into the job market and to reduce labour shortages. Funding will be provided to local organizations to deliver tailored services that recognize regional considerations and needs.

Update on field of study requirement for post-graduation work permits

July 4, 2025—To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), international students in non-degree programs (programs other than bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees) must complete a program in an eligible field of study linked to jobs in long-term shortages, such as those being prioritized under Express Entry.

Additional information about the Strong Borders Act

June 17, 2025—Further information is being provided to clarify the immigration‑related items in the Government of Canada’s announcement on strengthening border security. As stated in the Speech from the Throne, the Government is committed to rebuilding Canadians’ trust in the immigration system by prioritizing balance.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $9.3 million to support Francophone minority communities

March 20, 2025—On this International Francophonie Day, the Honourable Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced $9.3 million of funding for 12 new projects aimed at supporting the economic development and demographic growth of Francophone minority communities.

Canada extends some temporary measures for Ukrainians

February 27, 2025—Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) on or before March 31, 2024, will now have until March 31, 2026, to apply for a new open work permit valid for up to three years, renew an existing work permit, or apply for a new study permit, subject to standard fees.

Canada launches Rural and Francophone Community Immigration pilots

January 30, 2025—Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the launch of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, and the communities chosen to participate. These pilots will provide 18 communities with a permanent residence pathway to attract and retain newcomers who can fill key jobs and who want to live long-term in these areas.

New International Student Program regulations take effect

November 15, 2024—Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, confirmed that new regulations impacting the International Student Program have now taken effect, including the change to the number of hours international students may work off campus that was proposed earlier this year. With this change, eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session.

Government of Canada reduces immigration

October 24, 2024—Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan: a plan that will pause population growth in the short term to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth in the long term. For the first time ever, the levels plan includes controlled targets for temporary residents, specifically international students and foreign workers, as well as for permanent residents.

TFW Program Policies Now Available on Open Government Portal

October 9, 2024—The following Temporary Foreign Worker Program policies are now available on the Open Government portal: assessment of the effect on the labour market; Category B eligibility for Global Talent stream; development or transfer of skills and knowledge; employment agreement; recruitment fees; job creation and retention; and labour market benefits plan. Additional policies will be added soon.

Employer Resources and Toolkits

From navigating various immigration programs to tips on attracting and retaining internationally trained workers, these trusted resources will help employers at every stage of their journey to hire international talent.

Hiring International Talent
(Tourism HR Canada)

Tips for Recruiting International Talent (Conference Board of Canada)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Employer Portal User Guide (IRCC)

Services for Employers to Help Attract Global Talent (IRCC)

The Employer's Roadmap to Hiring and Retaining Internationally Trained Workers (IRCC)

Service Provider Organizations

Pre-Arrival Services

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers services to assist those preparing to move to Canada, from general information about life in Canada to settlement services to employment and mentoring services.

Newcomer Services in Canada

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot Partners

Through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) partners with select non-government organizations across Canada. These partners offer a range of services, including connecting skilled refugees and other qualified displaced people with Canadian employers interested in hiring them.