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Guide to Canada's Agri-Food Pilot Program

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by Kathy Watkins

Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program

The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program is offering over 2,750 job openings for skilled individuals in farming and livestock sectors who wish to move to Canada and seek permanent residency. Given the time required to prepare immigration applications, it’s wise to start your application process early by understanding the prerequisites of this pilot program.

This program is tailored specifically for the agri-food sector, aiming to attract non-seasonal farm and livestock workers who plan to live and work in Canada throughout the year. It focuses on key areas such as meat processing, animal farming, greenhouse management, and mushroom cultivation. To qualify for this program, candidates must have a legitimate job offer in specific occupations along with relevant work experience.

For Canadian farmers and food processors, having a skilled workforce is essential for their success. Launched in May 2020, the Agri-Food Pilot assists experienced workers in the agriculture and food sectors in becoming permanent residents of Canada. Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, has announced the extension of the pilot until May 14, 2025.

Agri-Food Pilot Immigration to Canada

Permanent Residency via the Agri-Food Pilot Program

If you’re considering applying for permanent residency in Canada under the Agri-Food Pilot, here’s how you can proceed. You’ll need a valid job offer and a proven track record in specific roles within the meat production and agricultural sectors. Follow this comprehensive guide to successfully navigate the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot process.

Step 1: Identify Your Employer’s Industry

Industries in North America are organized under the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System). You’ll need your prospective employer to provide you with the appropriate NAICS industry code for the job you’re applying to. Eligible industries under the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot include:

Step 2: Verify Your Job Eligibility

Ensure your occupation aligns with the NOC (National Occupational Classification) codes outlined for the Agri-Food Pilot. Only specific jobs are eligible under this program.

Step 3: Assess Your General Eligibility

To qualify for the pilot, verify that you meet these essential criteria:

Meeting all these requirements and supplying the necessary documentation when applying is crucial to avoiding delays in processing your Canadian visa application.

If you’re ready to apply for the Canadian Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, Immigration to Canada can streamline your process. Our team, comprised of RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants), is authorized by the Canadian government to facilitate your application process. Working with an immigration expert like an RCIC increases your chances of success, as they ensure all documents are correctly completed and submitted promptly, providing you with a smooth, accurate pathway to Canada.

Updates to the Agri-Food Pilot Program

The Canadian government has recently implemented notable updates to the Agri-Food Pilot program to better assist employers and applicants in the agriculture and agri-food sectors. Originally launched in May 2020, this pilot program was designed to help experienced workers in these industries transition to permanent residency in Canada. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced the extension of the pilot until May 14, 2025.

In an effort to provide more application opportunities for eligible applicants, the Minister revealed the removal of the annual occupational caps, which previously restricted the number of applicants allowed for particular occupations within the program. Besides, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to introduce further adjustments incrementally by the end of this year.

Key changes include broadening open work permit eligibility to include family members of all Agri-Food Pilot participants, regardless of the participant’s job skill level. Another significant amendment allows unions to verify a candidate’s work experience, replacing the need for employment reference letters. Additionally, applicants already residing in Canada will have the option to satisfy either the job offer requirement (including meeting the median wage) or the education requirement (including educational credential assessment).

The program is also set to recognize work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers, thereby enabling more workers to qualify. These adjustments aim to address the persistent labor market demands in industries such as meat processing, mushroom production, greenhouse crop production, and livestock raising by employing full-time, year-round workers.

Moreover, these enhancements strive to offer greater support to applicants and their families, minimize barriers and vulnerabilities for participants, and expand the route to permanent residency for skilled workers in these fields. The Agri-Food Pilot program is part of Canada’s comprehensive economic immigration initiatives, which include the Atlantic Immigration Program, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, the caregiver programs, the Global Skills Strategy, Express Entry, and the Provincial Nominee Program. This pilot program supports the essential skills and labor required in the agriculture and agri-food sectors, while facilitating the settlement of these workers in Canada, contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

Agri-Food Pilot Immigration to Canada

Why Choose Farming in Canada?

If you’re thinking about a career in farming, Canada could be an excellent choice. Its expansive land, varying climate conditions, and rich natural resources make Canada a leading destination for agriculture. Here’s why farming in Canada can be a smart move:

Fertile and Productive Land
Canada boasts a large amount of fertile land, particularly in the prairie provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta. This land is perfect for growing key crops such as wheat, canola, and barley, which play a significant role in the nation’s economy.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
With its modern infrastructure, Canada ensures efficient transportation of goods nationwide. The government has invested heavily in roads, railways, and air transport systems, ensuring that products reach markets promptly.

Cutting-Edge Technology
Farmers in Canada have access to some of the most advanced agricultural technology available. These include precision farming instruments, automated farming machinery, and modern irrigation systems, allowing for better farm management.

Stable Political Climate
Canada offers a stable political environment that guarantees a predictable regulatory and business atmosphere for farmers. With a strong rule of law, property rights are respected, and all contracts and agreements are enforceable.

Government Support for Farmers
The Canadian government supports farmers through various programs and policies. These include tax breaks, financial support for new farmers, and funding for research and development to enhance agricultural practices.

Increasing Demand for Local Foods
A rising trend in Canada is the preference for locally grown produce. This creates opportunities for small-scale farmers to sell their products directly to consumers. This shift is fueled by concerns over food safety, environmental sustainability, and community support.

Immigration to Canada: Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

Immigration to Canada offers assistance under the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, providing a two-year Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for qualifying employers in the meat processing industry. This opportunity allows businesses to hire temporary foreign workers more easily.

To qualify for this pilot, meat processing companies must outline how they will support their foreign workers in their journey toward obtaining permanent residency in Canada. For unionized meat processors, acquiring a letter of support from their union is required. On the other hand, non-unionized processors must comply with additional measures to ensure the protection of the labor market and the rights of migrant workers, according to guidelines set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Immigration to Canada helps businesses navigate these requirements to effectively participate in the program and contribute to a more sustainable workforce.

FAQ
What is the Agri-Food Pilot in Canada?

The Agri-Food Pilot is a Canadian immigration program designed to address the labor needs of the agri-food sector by offering a pathway to permanent residency for eligible workers in specific agricultural and food processing industries.

Who is eligible to apply for the Agri-Food Pilot?

To be eligible, applicants must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible employer in the agri-food sector, and meet work experience, language, and education requirements as specified by the program.

Which industries are covered under the Agri-Food Pilot?

The program covers industries such as meat processing, mushroom production, greenhouse, nursery, floriculture production, and livestock raising, including sectors like cattle, hogs, poultry, and egg production.

What are the language requirements for the Agri-Food Pilot?

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 in each of the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

How long does the Agri-Food Pilot program operate?

The Agri-Food Pilot was launched as a three-year program starting in 2020 and is scheduled to continue until May 2023. It is designed to assess if this tailored approach helps meet labor shortages in agri-food industries.

Can family members of the applicant also come to Canada through the Agri-Food Pilot?

Yes, eligible family members, such as spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, can accompany the main applicant and may also have the opportunity to apply for work or study permits in Canada.

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