The Hospitality Route to Canada

Canada’s hospitality industry is booming, but many employers are struggling to find suitable staff locally. This shortage has created golden opportunities for international workers—especially in roles like chefs, cooks, food counter attendants, servers, supervisors, housekeepers, and front desk clerks.

However, moving to Canada for a hospitality job isn’t as simple as packing your bags. Each position falls under specific immigration pathways, and the program you choose will make a big difference in how quickly and easily you can work in Canada.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Which hospitality jobs are in demand
• The federal and provincial programs that make it possible to work in Canada
• When you need an LMIA and when you don’t
• How to bring your family along
• What applications need to prepare for a successful outcome

1. Why Hospitality Talent is in Demand in Canada

Canada’s tourism, food service, and accommodation sectors have been growing steadily. The post-pandemic rebound, combined with a shortage of domestic labour, has pushed many employers to look internationally.

According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), hospitality ranks among the top industries facing worker shortages—especially in smaller towns, rural areas, and tourist hubs.

2. Hospitality Roles in Demand

While many roles are needed, they don’t all fall under the same immigration streams.

Here’s a breakdown:

3. Choosing the Right Immigration Program

Not every hospitality worker qualifies under the same route. Here’s how it works:

A. Federal Programs

1. Francophone Mobility Program
   • Designed for French-speaking workers who have a job offer outside Quebec.
   • LMIA is not required.
   • Covers many hospitality roles including food counter attendants, servers, housekeepers, and front desk clerks.
2. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
   • Requires an LMIA from the employer.
   • Open to most hospitality roles where there’s a labour shortage.
3. International Mobility Program (IMP)
   • LMIA-exempt for certain roles under international agreements or special exemptions.

B. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Most provinces have streams for hospitality workers—often targeting rural or high-demand areas.
Examples:

• Saskatchewan Hospitality Sector Pilot – for food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and housekeeping staff.
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – for designated employers in Atlantic Canada hiring hospitality workers.

4. Understanding the LMIA Process

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that shows there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available.

When You Need an LMIA

• Most non-French-speaking hospitality roles.
• Skilled positions like chefs, cooks, and supervisors when applying for a work permit.

When You Don’t Need an LMIA

• Francophone Mobility Program
• Certain PNPs with employer designation
• Some international agreements

Important: Even when LMIA is not required, you still need a valid job offer that meets IRCC standards.

5. Work Permits for Hospitality Jobs

There are two main categories:

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit
   • Tied to one employer and one location.
   • Requires either LMIA approval or LMIA exemption.
2. Open Work Permit
   • Not tied to a specific employer.
   • Only available in limited situations (e.g., spouse of a skilled worker, post-graduation work permit).

6. Skilled Workers vs. Entry-Level Workers

Hospitality roles range from skilled trades (chefs, supervisors) to entry-level positions (servers, housekeepers).

• Skilled workers may qualify for permanent residence sooner under Express Entry or PNPs.
• Entry-level workers often need to start with a temporary work permit and may transition to PR later through provincial streams.

7. Bringing Your Family (Followers)

In many cases, your spouse and children can accompany you:

• Spouse: May be eligible for an open work permit.
• Dependent children: Can study in Canada with a study permit.

Eligibility depends on your job’s NOC category and the program under which you applied.

8. Tips for Applicants

• Improve your French skills if aiming for Francophone Mobility—it can eliminate LMIA and speed up the process. You don’t need to be from a French speaking country to qualify under the Francophone Mobility Program
• Get your documents ready: passport, proof of experience, reference letters, and education credentials.
• Work with a licensed consultant to match you with the right employer and program.

The hospitality route to Canada offers exciting opportunities for workers and a lifeline for employers facing shortages. But success depends on choosing the right immigration pathway and understanding the LMIA requirements.

Whether you’re a chef aiming for permanent residency or a server exploring the Francophone Mobility Program, the key is matching your job offer with the correct program—federal or provincial.

At Ann Arbour Consultants, we help Canadian employers and international candidates connect through pre-screened, compliant job offers. We guide you through LMIA applications, work permit processing, and even family reunification.

📞 Talk to our team today to explore your hospitality pathway to Canada.

Ready to explore your options? We’re here to help.

📧 Email: info@annarbour.com
🌍 Website: www.annarbour.com
📞 Call Us: +1 647 477 2197

Sharmila Perera

RCIC R417167

CEO and President of Ann Arbour Consultants Inc.

Disclaimer:
The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or professional advice. Ann Arbour Consultants Inc., including its directors, employees, and affiliates, assumes no liability for any decisions made or actions taken in reliance upon the content of this material. For personalized and accurate advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact Ann Arbour Consultants Inc. to schedule a formal consultation.