News

Canadian 'Express Entry' program will remove caps on cooks, managers

Currently, cooks and foodservice managers are capped in the Canadian Federal Trades stream. Caps will be removed from all streams with Express Entry, which launches Jan. 1.

November 25, 2014

Restaurants Canada is looking to the federal government's new "Express Entry" program to alleviate labor shortages by lifting caps on foodservice workers allowed to legally work in Canada.

The program opens Jan. 1.

Express Entry is a new electronic system that manages applications for permanent residence in certain economic programs. Applicants fill out an online profile, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada then invites certain candidates to apply for permanent residence and processes their electronic applications within six months.

Currently, cooks and foodservice managers are not permitted in the Canadian Experience Class stream, and are capped in the Canadian Federal Trades stream. Caps will be removed from all streams with Express Entry. Candidates looking to enter Canada to work as cooks or chefs and foodservice managers will be evaluated by the government on their skills, education, experience and language ability.

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer almost guarantees a path to permanent residency.

Restaurants Canada plans to release a members-only guide to using Express Entry.

More information about the Express Entry Program is available on Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website.