Launched in 2020, the Agri-food Immigration Pilot Program is a part of the Immigration Pilot Programs. It is a common initiative to welcome full-time, non-seasonal skilled foreign workers to fill the increasing labour gap in the agri-food sector of Canada.
This pilot acts as a pathway for agricultural workers in Canada to get their permanent residence permits. As it is a 3 year, industry-specific Canadian immigration pilot program.
As per the intake cap, a maximum of 2750 applications will be accepted every year. This accumulates to 16500 applications in total over the course of 3 years.
Agri-Food Pilot Program Requirements
To be able to apply under this pilot, a candidate must fulfil the following criteria:
1. Qualifying Work Experience
The candidate must have a minimum of 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience or 1560 hours in the last three years. This work experience will be considered if:
It is an eligible occupation within an eligible industry.
List of Eligible Industries
meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)
animal production, excluding aquaculture
cattle ranching and farming (NAICS 1121)
hog and pig farming (NAICS 1122)
poultry and egg production (NAICS 1123)
sheep and goat farming (NAICS 1124)
other animal production (NAICS 1129)
List of Eligible Occupations
NOC Code
Occupation
Meat product manufacturing industry
(NOC B 6331)
(NOC C 9462)
(NOC B 8252)
(NOC D 9617)
retail butchers
industrial butchers
farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
food processing labourers
Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production industries
(NOC B 8252)
(NOC C 8431)
(NOC D 8611)
farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
general farmworkers
harvesting labourers
Animal production industry
(NOC B 8252)
(NOC C 8431)
farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
general farmworkers
Within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program i.e. it must have been performed under an LMIA with a minimum of one-year duration.
2. Valid Job Offer
The candidate must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. This job offer must:
Be from one of the eligible occupations in an eligible industry
Be full-time, non-seasonal, and permanent;
The wage must be in compliance with the minimum wage rate as per the provincial occupation-specific wage rate in the Job Bank.
Be present in Canada except for the province of Quebec.
3. Language Requirements
Have achieved a level of proficiency of a minimum score of 4 in one of the official languages of Canada (English or French). The score is to be attained in every skill area of the language test as outlined in the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
The candidate must have completed a level of education that is equivalent to at least a Canadian high school diploma. For any international education, the candidate must submit a valid Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA).
5. Settlement Funds Required
The candidate must be able to demonstrate that he/she has sufficient funds to support themselves and their accompanying family members in Canada. However, those already working in Canada on a work permit are exempted from this requirement. For others the settlement funds required are as follows:
Number of family members
Required funds (in CAD)
1
$12,960
2
$16,135
3
$19,836
4
$24,083
5
$27,315
6
$30,806
7
$34,299
For each additional family member
$3,492
Agri-Food Pilot: LMIA (2 years) for employers
As a complement to this pilot, Employment and Social Development Canada introduced changes for the meat processing sector. Under this pilot, the eligible employers within the meat processing industry will be granted a 2-year LMIA.
To be eligible to apply for LMIA, the employers will have to submit their plans showing how they will support the temporary foreign workers in getting a permanent residency.
However, the unionized meat processors will have to submit an additional letter of support from their union and non-unionized meat processors. This will demonstrate their fulfilment of additional requirements to ensure the protection of both the labour market and migrant workers.
Start and End Dates
The IRCC is accepting applications under this pilot from May 15, 2020, to May 14, 2023. But due to the imposed travel restrictions as a result of COVID, applications from the people already present in Canada are primarily considered.
Planning to Apply under the Agri-food Immigration Pilot Program
Our team of immigration experts at CanOz Visa Services is here to simplify your immigration process. The regulated consultants at our office assist you with the easier and flawless route to Canada.
So, what are you waiting for! Give yourself a chance to realize your dreams.