Having a hard time hiring and retaining hospitality industry staff in Nova Scotia?

To address this critical labour shortage, the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia and Brij Rathi Consultancy have partnered to offer HireSkilledWorkers.ca, an industry-first program for restaurants to recruit culinary talent, managers and support staff in Nova Scotia.

As demand for skilled foreign workers grows to meet regional and provincial government targets in the Maritimes, our  experienced team is ready to assist hospitality industry businesses meet their hiring goals. 

What is the Atlantic Canada Skilled Foreign Worker Program?

The Atlantic Canada Skilled Foreign Worker Program allows NS restaurants to fill job roles which require experienced individuals, that operators are having difficulties retaining staff for locally. 

Working together with the team at the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia, our new program is optimized for restaurants, hotels and tourism operators, and is based on the proven success of our sister program operating currently in British Columbia and Alberta. in 2023, we placed over 2500 skilled culinary professionals in British Columbia restaurants in partnership with the BC Restaurants and Foodservice Association.

Following Federal immigration regulations all foreign workers enrolled in our program must have a culinary diploma or hospitality management education in their field of work and at least 4 to 5 years specific experience in the job role they are applying for in Canada.  In addition, the foreign worker is required to demonstrate English language proficiency by undergoing the IELTS exam and pass a criminal background check.

We supply qualified staff to fill your critical roles.

Our team pre-screens all applicants to verify that the foreign worker has all the necessary training, qualifications and experience to perform the work in Canada.Successful ACSWF applicants arrive in Canada with a visa to work for a specific employer. A key benefit of the program is that after completing a two-year work term, the foreign worker can, with the support of their employer and BRC, pursue the permanent residency status change.  

What positions can you hire for?

- Guaranteed a minimum of 30 hours per week
- Pay the median wage in your area.
- No need to provide tickets for flights
- No need to provide accommodation
- Applicants are required to complete a full two year work term with your business in order to achieve their permanent residency status

- Line Cooks
- First Cooks & Second Cooks
- Bakers
- Pastry Cooks
- Restaurant Supervisors & Managers
- Banquet Supervisors & Managers
- Housekeepers & Housekeeping Managers
- Event Co-ordinators
- Other hospitality supervisory and support roles

This program makes staffing simple.

Our experienced team will handle the details from start to finish.

  • Explain and provide advice on the Atlantic Canada Skilled Foreign Worker program

  • Advertise and recruit any available positions required by your business

  • Coordinate the interview process for the employer and applicants

  • Complete and submit the application form and all required documents

  • Communicate with ESDC/Service Canada on the employer’s behalf

  • Represent the employer during the application process Housekeepers & Housekeeping Managers

  • Have local staff available in Nova Scotia to coordinate with staff and employers

  • Maintain a relationship with staff and employers for the full two year term, to support the entire process 

The number of applications you can make through this program is not capped.  You can apply for as many workers as you require. All our candidates have at least 5 years experience in high volume restaurants or hotels.  This allows you to focus on orientation and training for your specific position and workplace, rather than basic job training. 

My company has greatly benefited from working with Brij Rathi and his team for the past few years on all types of immigration employment-based matters. Approved by the BC Restaurant Association, I had the confidence that Mr. Rathi would provide responsive, thorough and quality results based on his expertise in the restaurant industry. Their team has represented our company and employees with the utmost personal care and professionalism. Their sense of integrity to the employment concerns of the industry, attention to detail, knowledge and competence are second to none. When I have questions or concerns, Brij is always available to listen and trouble-shoot, providing sound guidance. I am extremely grateful to have him as our immigration partner and continue to promote him to my local and regional industry members whenever possible.

KRISTI FARRELL, PRESIDENT OF OPA SUSHI LTD.

Testimonials

My company has greatly benefited from working with Brij Rathi and his team for the past few years on all types of immigration employment-based matters. Approved by the BC Restaurant Association, I had the confidence that Mr. Rathi would provide responsive, thorough and quality results based on his expertise in the restaurant industry. Their team has represented our company and employees with the utmost personal care and professionalism. Their sense of integrity to the employment concerns of the industry, attention to detail, knowledge and competence are second to none. When I have questions or concerns, Brij is always available to listen and trouble-shoot, providing sound guidance. I am extremely grateful to have him as our immigration partner and continue to promote him to my local and regional industry members whenever possible.

LOGAN SMITH, HR MANAGER BIN 4 BURGER LOUNGE

My company has greatly benefited from working with Brij Rathi and his team for the past few years on all types of immigration employment-based matters. Approved by the BC Restaurant Association, I had the confidence that Mr. Rathi would provide responsive, thorough and quality results based on his expertise in the restaurant industry. Their team has represented our company and employees with the utmost personal care and professionalism. Their sense of integrity to the employment concerns of the industry, attention to detail, knowledge and competence are second to none. When I have questions or concerns, Brij is always available to listen and trouble-shoot, providing sound guidance. I am extremely grateful to have him as our immigration partner and continue to promote him to my local and regional industry members whenever possible.

MATT RISSLING  OWNER AND CHEF ROCK SALTRESTAURANT

Let’s Talk!

The first step to participating in the Atlantic Canada Skilled Foreign Workers Program, is a brief consultation with our team to understand your hiring needs. We'll explain the differences between the Federal and Provincial programs, and answer any questions you have about program fees, staff experience or ongoing support.