Agri-food Pilot
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is a Canadian immigration program aimed at addressing the labor needs of the agri-food sector. It provides a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations.
Eligibility Requirements:
Work Experience: At least one year of non-seasonal, full-time work experience in Canada in one of the eligible industries and occupations within the past three years.
Job Offer: A full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in one of the eligible industries and occupations.
Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum language requirements (Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4) in English or French.
Education: A high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Settlement Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members.
Intent to Reside: Demonstrate an intention to live outside the province of Quebec.
Eligible Industries and Occupations:
Industries:
Meat product manufacturing
Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production, including mushroom production
Animal production, excluding aquaculture
Occupations:
Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers
General farm workers
Harvesting laborers
Food processing laborers
Application Process:
Obtain a full-time, non-seasonal job offer in one of the eligible industries and occupations.
Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including work experience, language proficiency, education, and settlement funds.
Submit a complete application for permanent residence, including all required documents and information.
Wait for processing. The processing time varies, but the goal is to process most applications within 12 months.
Program Duration:
The pilot is scheduled to run until May 2023. However, it may be extended or adjusted based on labor market needs and program performance.
Program benefits:
Permanent Residence: Provides a clear pathway to permanent residence for eligible workers.
Support for Employers: Helps Canadian employers in the agri-food sector address labor shortages.
Family Inclusion: Allows applicants to include their family members in the application for permanent residence.