Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Introduction to the Agri-Food Pilot Program
The Agri-Food Pilot is a specialized immigration pathway designed to address the unique labor needs of Canada's agri-food sector. Launched by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this pilot program aims to attract and retain skilled workers in agricultural and food processing industries across Canada.
Key Objectives of the Agri-Food Pilot Program
- Addressing Labor Shortages: The pilot program targets specific occupations within the agri-food sector that are experiencing shortages of skilled workers, such as farm supervisors, food processing laborers, and butchers.
- Supporting Permanent Residency: Successful applicants under the Agri-Food Pilot are eligible for permanent residency in Canada, providing a pathway for them and their families to settle and integrate into Canadian communities.
- Promoting Regional Development: By supporting the growth and sustainability of Canada's agricultural and food processing industries, the pilot program contributes to economic development in rural and agricultural communities.
Key Features of the Agri-Food Pilot Program
- Occupational Focus: The pilot program focuses on specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes related to agriculture and food processing, ensuring that applicants have relevant skills and experience.
- Employer-driven: Employers in the agri-food sector must demonstrate a genuine need for skilled workers by offering job opportunities that align with the pilot program's criteria.
- Pathway to Permanent Residence: Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including language proficiency, education, work experience, and a valid job offer in an eligible occupation within the agri-food sector.
- Community and Settlement Support: Successful applicants and their families receive support to integrate into Canadian communities, including access to settlement services and resources.
Who Can Apply
The Agri-Food Pilot Program is designed for individuals who meet specific criteria and wish to contribute their skills to Canada's agricultural and food processing industries. Eligible candidates include:
- Temporary Foreign Workers: Individuals currently working in Canada under one of the eligible occupations within the agri-food sector.
- Workers Outside Canada: Skilled workers with experience in eligible occupations who are interested in immigrating to Canada to work in the agri-food industry.
Eligibility to Apply for the Agri-Food Pilot Program
To qualify for the Agri-Food Pilot Program, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Job Offer Requirement:
- Obtain a valid job offer for full-time, non-seasonal employment from an eligible employer in Canada. The job must be in one of the designated occupations within the agricultural or food processing sectors.
- Work Experience:
- Have at least one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Canada within the past three years in an eligible occupation. This experience must be in a role that meets the pilot program's requirements.
- Language Proficiency:
- Demonstrate proficiency in either English or French through standardized language test results. The test results must meet the minimum requirements specified by the Agri-Food Pilot Program.
- Education:
- Meet the educational requirements specified for the occupation, which may include obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was obtained outside Canada.
- Health and Security Clearances:
- Meet the health and character requirements set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This includes undergoing medical examinations and obtaining police certificates as part of the application process.
- Intent to Reside Outside Quebec:
- Express the intention to reside outside the province of Quebec, as the Agri-Food Pilot Program does not apply to Quebec. Quebec has its own immigration programs and regulations.
- Other Requirements:
- Comply with any additional requirements specified by IRCC or the provincial authorities involved in the processing of your application.
Meeting these eligibility criteria ensures that applicants are well-positioned to apply for permanent residence through the Agri-Food Pilot Program, contributing their skills and experience to Canada's agricultural and food processing industries.
Eligible Industries and Occupations
The pilot program focuses on occupations within the agricultural and food processing sectors that are essential for Canada's food supply chain and economic growth. Eligible industries and occupations include:
- Primary Agriculture: Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers, including those involved in dairy, poultry, and livestock farming.
- Food Processing: Food processing laborers, including meat cutters and butchers, as well as industrial butchers.
The industries eligible under the pilot program include:
- Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
- Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)
- Animal production, excluding aquaculture, encompassing:
- 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)
Apply for Permanent Residence
To apply for permanent residence through the Agri-Food Pilot Program, follow these steps:
- Job Offer Requirement: Obtain a valid job offer from an employer in Canada in one of the eligible occupations listed under the pilot program.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English or French by providing language test results from a designated testing organization.
- Work Experience: Have at least one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Canada within the past three years in an eligible occupation.
- Education: Meet minimum education requirements specified by the pilot program, which may include obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was obtained outside Canada.
- Meet Health and Security Requirements: Undergo medical examinations and provide police certificates to meet health and security standards set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
After You Apply
After submitting your application for permanent residence through the Agri-Food Pilot Program:
- Application Processing: IRCC will process your application and may request additional documents or information as needed.
- Receive Permanent Residence: If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applicable).
- Settle in Canada: Upon arrival, take advantage of settlement services to help you and your family adjust to life in Canada, including finding housing, healthcare, and employment resources.
- Contribute to the Agri-Food Sector: Begin working in your designated occupation, contributing your skills and expertise to Canada's agricultural and food processing industries.
Check processing times
Processing times are updated regularly. Check back periodically to stay informed about any changes or updates to your application status.