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.
Centre for Business Insights of Immigration
Tourism HR Canada is a founding funder of this leading research collective designed to strengthen employer engagement in immigration and effective management of immigrant talent.
Federal Immigration News
Canada improves fairness for applicants by ending post-graduation work permit “flagpoling”
June 21, 2024—Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, effective immediately.
Community applications now open for new rural and Francophone immigration pilots
May 21, 2024—Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, launched the community application process for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.
New measure to support skilled temporary workers in Manitoba
May 8, 2024—Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved Manitoba’s request to extend temporary resident status for potential nominees identified under the province’s Provincial Nominee Program who have work permits that will expire in 2024.
Canada to introduce new rules around off-campus work hours for international students
April 29, 2024—Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced reforms to the International Student Program, to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.
Update on public-private college partnership programs for international students
March 22, 2024—International graduates of college programs delivered through a public-private curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit as of May 15, 2024. The change in criteria does not prevent a graduate of one of these programs from applying for a different type of work permit upon graduation.
Government of Canada to adjust temporary measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Workforce Solutions Road Map
March 21, 2024—With changing labour market conditions and declining job vacancies, the Government is adjusting the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to ensure the program continues to only be used in cases where there are no workers here in Canada that can fill the necessary role.
Canada announces the launch of the Canada–Finland Youth Mobility Agreement
March 1, 2024—The Canada–Finland Youth Mobility Agreement is now in effect. This agreement will allow Canadians and Finns aged 18 to 35 to work and travel in each other’s country through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program or the Finnish equivalent.
Canada to stabilize growth and decrease number of new international student permits issued
January 22, 2024—The Government of Canada will set an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023.
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.
Service Provider Organizations
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) works with and funds a variety of organizations across Canada to ensure range of services for newcomers, available both before and after arrival in Canada.
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
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funds a range of services for those who are newcomers to Canada. Access this online database to search for free settlement programs across the country.
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.
