Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Canada’s agriculture industry is one of the main contributors to Canada’s economy. Throughout the years, Canada’s agriculture industry has gradually increased, especially for organic products. Currently, Canada’s main crops are barley, corn, potatoes, soybeans, sugar beets, wheat, and rice. With a growing agriculture industry, the demand for manual labour is bound to increase. Thus, the Agri-Food Immigration program was established.
The Agri-Food immigration pilot program is a pilot permanent residence pathway program for experienced, non-seasonal workers in the agriculture sector. This program is available until May 2023. If you are interested in living in Canada permanently and have experience in an eligible industry or organization, this may be the program for you!
In addition to having Canadian work experience in an eligible industry, you must also have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer and a temporary resident status. Similar to other immigration programs, you will also have to meet the language and educational requirements and have sufficient settlement funds to support your stay.
Eligible agriculture industries are classified by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Please go here for more information:
If you go to the website above, you will find the industry name and industry code. For example: sheep and goat farming = NAICS1124 or cattle ranching and farming = NAICS1121. When your employer gives you a job offer, it must include the industry code. Once you determine the industry you are interested in working in, you can see what occupations are listed under the industry.
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Meat Product Manufacturing:
- Retail butchers
- Industrial butchers
- Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- Food processing labourers
Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production
- Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- General farm workers
- Harvesting labourers
Animal production
- Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- General farm workers
Please go to the website below to check for each occupation’s NOC code and job tasks.
Even though the demand for the labour market is high, there is an annual limit on the number of applicants accepted each year. Starting on January 1st of each year from May 2020 until May 2023, the applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis. To give you an idea, there are only 50 positions for farm supervisor and more than 1000 positions for industrial butcher. If you meet the requirements and would like to apply, I highly recommend doing so as soon as possible. On a positive note, if you get rejected because the occupation you applied for has reached its intake limit, your application fee will be refunded!
Having met the industry/organization requirements, you will also have to make sure to have eligible work experience. You must have a minimum of one-year full-time experience within the past 3 years with a Canadian employer. Your job offer must be permanent.
If you meet all the requirements above, Congratulations!!
Now, you can apply for permanent residence. There are four steps you need to follow.
- Fill out the application forms and prepare supporting documents.
Make sure you submit a complete application package. Your agri-food immigration pilot program application will not be processed if it is incomplete (missing documents, wrong form, etc.). Luckily, they offer a complete instruction guide for you to follow, which can be found here:
In addition to their instruction guide, they also have a document checklist. Please make sure you provide the most recent information that is true. If you lie or present fake documentations, your application will be refused, and you may even be deemed inadmissible!
- Biometrics
Despite having valid biometrics, you will still be required to submit a new one for your permanent residence application. They will send you a letter with instructions and you are required to submit your fingerprints and photo within 30 days of receiving their letter.
- Pay your application fees.
To pay your fees online, please go here:
Always remember to keep a copy of the receipt for your own record.
- Submit your application.
You have to mail your complete application package to the centralized intake office.
Please go to the website and scroll down to the bottom of the page for the full address.
Make sure you print clearly to avoid any delays.
Once your application is approved, they will mail you a confirmation of permanent residence and permanent residence visa (if applicable). Starting anew in a different country is never easy. We want you to know that we are here to help. If you reach out to one of our licensed immigration consultants, we can answer any additional questions you may have or help you with your application. Do not hesitate to reach out to us!
Sincerely,
SmartImmigrant (Agri-Food Immigration Pilot)
