The Agri-Food Pilot is a Canadian immigration initiative designed to address the labor needs of the Canadian agri-food sector. Launched in May 2020, this pilot program aims to attract and retain experienced, non-seasonal workers by providing them with an opportunity to become permanent residents.
Overview of the Agri-Food Pilot
The Agri-Food Pilot specifically targets temporary foreign workers in the agri-food industry, recognizing their contribution to the economy and the challenges of the sector in securing sustainable labor. The pilot provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible workers in specific industries and occupations.
Eligible Industries and Occupations
The pilot targets industries and occupations that have demonstrated labor needs that are not met by the domestic labor force. Eligible industries include meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse production, and livestock raising. Specific eligible occupations within these industries may include but are not limited to:
Meat product manufacturing (butchers, meat cutters, industrial butchers, food processing laborers)
Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production, including mushroom production (general farm workers, harvesting laborers)
Animal production, excluding aquaculture (farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Agri-Food Pilot, applicants must meet several criteria:
Work Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of full-time, non-seasonal work experience in Canada in an eligible occupation within the three years prior to applying.
Job Offer: Applicants must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in one of the eligible industries and occupations for a minimum duration of one year after the issuance of the permanent residence visa. The job must be outside of Quebec.
Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the minimum language requirements of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 in English or French.
Educational Requirement: Applicants must have the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
Settlement Funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves and their family members, even if they are not coming to Canada.
Application Process
The application process for the Agri-Food Pilot involves submitting a detailed application package that includes proof of meeting the eligibility requirements, such as work experience, job offer documentation, language test results, educational assessments, and proof of settlement funds. Applications are processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Cap and Duration
The pilot is capped at a limited number of applications each year and is scheduled to run until May 2023. Each eligible occupation has a maximum number of applications that are accepted annually.
Benefits of the Pilot
The Agri-Food Pilot helps Canadian agri-food sectors sustain production through stable access to skilled workers and supports economic immigration to rural communities. For immigrants, it provides a clear pathway to permanent residence in Canada, which can lead to Canadian citizenship.
For the most current information and detailed application procedures, potential applicants should refer to the official IRCC website or consult with an immigration professional. This ensures they receive guidance tailored to their specific situation and the latest program updates.