Canada Immigration Programs for Workers in Agriculture, Agri-Food and Related occupations

The Agriculture and Agri-Food sector is one of Canada’s most essential industries, contributing significantly to the country's economy. For workers with skills in these fields, Canada offers several pathways to permanent residency. In this article, we will explore active programs, provincial nominee streams that align with agricultural occupations, paused and cancelled programs. Additionally, we will provide actionable steps for immigrants planning to use these pathways.

Active Immigration Pathways for Agriculture and Agri-Food Workers

1. Agri-Food Pilot Program (AFIP)

The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP) is a federal program aimed at addressing labor shortages in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industries.

• Eligible Occupations: The program targets specific NOC codes, including general farm workers, harvesting laborers, butchers, food processing laborers and farm supervisors.
• Requirements: A full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in an eligible occupation, A minimum of 12 months of Canadian work experience in the same occupation, Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 4, High school diploma or equivalent and Settlement funds (if applicable). Contact us today and let us assist you meet the language requirement!
• Next Steps: Workers should identify eligible employers, ensure their job offer meets program requirements, and apply before the pilot concludes.

2. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

This federal program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for temporary roles in agriculture, with some opportunities leading to permanent residency through other programs.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Agriculture Workers

Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) enable provinces and territories to nominate workers based on regional labor market needs. Here are some PNPs aligned with agricultural occupations:

1. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

The SINP offers a category for workers with experience in agriculture:

• Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot: Targets general farm workers and laborers in food production.
• Farm Owner and Operator Category: Specifically designed for individuals who wish to start or buy a farm in Saskatchewan.

2. Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

The AINP’s Rural Renewal Stream supports agricultural workers in rural Alberta communities. Applicants must have a job offer and community endorsement.

3. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

Manitoba’s Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway targets workers in agri-food sectors who have a long-term job offer from a Manitoba employer.

4. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

The BC PNP offers pathways under its Skills Immigration category for agri-food workers, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Cancelled or Concluded Programs

1. Category-Based Agriculture and agri-food occupations

Initially to be eligible herein, candidates must;

• have accumulated, within the past 3?years, at least 6?months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience), in a single occupation and listed in the table below in Canada or abroad
• meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round

Full eligibility details will be available in the instructions for each round. As of November 26, 2024, an internal memo shared by an immigration lawyer from IRCC stated three (3) categories are cancelled including this particular Agriculture and agri-food occupations.

2. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

While not entirely cancelled, this program primarily focuses on temporary seasonal labor. Workers under SAWP often face barriers transitioning to permanent residency.

2. Pilot Programs in Provinces

Some provinces, like Nova Scotia and Ontario, briefly piloted agriculture-specific immigration streams that have since concluded. These cancellations highlight the importance of staying updated on active programs.

Next Steps for Immigrants in Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations

1. Identify the Right Program: Determine if your skills, experience and job offers align with programs like AFIP, PNPs, or the TFWP.
2. Secure a Job Offer: Use platforms like Job Bank and connect with Canadian employers in agriculture who are LMIA-compliant (Labor Market Impact Assessment).
3. Meet Eligibility Requirements: Ensure your language test, educational credentials and work experience align with program requirements.
4. Leverage Provincial Pathways: Research PNPs in provinces with significant agricultural industries. For example, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are known for their robust farming sectors.
5. Prepare for Permanent Residency Applications: If eligible for programs like the Agri-Food Pilot or PNPs, begin gathering documents early, including police certificates, proof of funds and reference letters.
6. Stay Updated on Policy Changes: Monitor federal and provincial websites for updates on program renewals, expansions or cancellations.

Conclusion

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector remains a cornerstone of its economy, offering lucrative opportunities for skilled workers and immigrants. Whether through federal pathways like the Agri-Food Pilot or provincial streams such as the SINP Farm Owner Category, immigrants have diverse options for building a future in Canada.

For aspiring migrants, the key is proactive planning, networking with employers and keeping abreast of changing policies. With the right steps, your journey to Canada can lead to not only career success but also a fulfilling life in one of still the world’s most welcoming countries.

What’s your next step? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments. Let’s navigate this exciting path together!

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To your international success,

A.O.S