Launched in 2020, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot aims to address labor shortages in Canada’s agricultural sectors by providing a pathway to permanent residence for eligible temporary foreign workers. Initially capped at 2,750 principal applicants per year, the program has been extended until May 2025, with this cap removed to allow more workers and their families to benefit.
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Key Features
The pilot targets specific industries, including meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse crop production, and livestock raising. It allows workers to transition from short-term, seasonal work permits to permanent residence, enabling them to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Agri-Food Pilot, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Work Experience
At least 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience in eligible occupations in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program within the past three years.
Language Proficiency
A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French across all four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Education
A high school diploma or higher, or the foreign equivalent.
Job Offer
This is an indeterminate job offer for full-time, non-seasonal work in Canada, outside of Quebec, at or above the prevailing wage.
Settlement Funds
Sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents, unless already working in Canada.
Eligible Industries and Occupations
The pilot includes specific industries and occupations classified by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS):
Industries
Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production, including Mushroom Production (NAICS 1114)
Meat cutters and fishmongers (retail and wholesale) (NOC 65202)
Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers (NOC 94141)
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)
Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators (NOC 84120)
Livestock labourers (NOC 85100)
Laborers in food and beverage processing (NOC 95106)
Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)
Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators (NOC 84120)
Livestock labourers (NOC 85100)
Harvesting labourers (NOC 85101)
Animal Production
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)
Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators (NOC 84120)
Livestock labourers (NOC 85100)
Harvesting labourers (NOC 85101)
Employer Benefits
The meat processing sector employers participating in the pilot are eligible for a two-year Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This assessment requires them to demonstrate plans to support the temporary foreign worker’s transition to permanent residence. Unionized meat processors need a letter of support from their union. In contrast, non-unionized processors must meet additional requirements to protect the labor market and migrant workers.
Conclusion
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is a significant initiative to fill critical labor shortages in Canada’s agricultural industry by offering essential workers a stable pathway to permanent residence. This program supports the economic stability of the agriculture sector. It provides valuable opportunities for workers to establish their lives in Canada.
Do you have questions or need additional assistance? Our Parsis Immigration Services team is here for you. Whether you’re looking to explore your options, start an application, or need personalized advice, we’re just a call or message away. Contact us today, and together, let’s make your journey to Canada a success.
