Agri-food Pilot
Table of Contents
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot was initiated by the Canadian federal government so as to meet the labor needs of the agri-food sector. The pilot provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations, with their families. Canada’s Agri-food pilot immigration program accepts up to 2750 applicants with their families each year.
The pilot will run now until May 14, 2025, after initially being set for March 2023. Also, the yearly cap has been removed for individual occupations so as to provide a wider opportunity for individuals to immigrate to Canada.
Specific Industries under Agri Food Pilot
- Meat product manufacturing
- Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production, -mushroom production
- Animal production (Livestock raising). Aquaculture is not included.
Agri Food Pilot Requirements
- Have 1 year of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in an eligible occupation in meat processing, greenhouse crop production, mushroom production and raising livestock.
- A valid job offer for full-time, non-seasonal employment in Canada (outside of Quebec), at or above the prevailing wage
- A Canadian Benchmark level 4 or above in English or French
- Have a foreign equivalent high school diploma or greater
- to have settlement funds (if applicable)
- to maintain temporary resident status (if already in Canada)
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot for Industry Employers
Eligible industry employers for this pilot will receive a 2-year Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) which allows them to hire temporary Foreign workers and help them in obtaining permanent residency.
For eligibility purposes, employers must a settlement plan for their employees. A letter of support from their union will be required for unionized employers. For Non-unionized employers additional requirements need to be met to ensure the labour market and migrant workers are protected.
What is the processing time for Agri Food Pilot?
The processing time for permanent residence through the pilot is almost 9 to 12 months. Processing time may vary depending on the applications received by IRCC, incomplete documents submitted by applicants, or delays in submitting required documents.
Questions? You’re covered.
Yes, Agri food immigration pilot has been extended to May 2025. Previously, the pilot program was supposed to send in March 2023.
Yes, certain immigration pathways like Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry System (EE) allow farm workers to apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada, if eligible.
Yes. Semi-skilled and skilled workers can apply for permanent residency through the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot.
No, the pilot program is not available in Quebec. However, if Quebec employers want to hire nonseasonal workers, then they can apply through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, are the provinces to get farm jobs mostly easily and according to Canada job bank the salary in theses provinces seem to be good.