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Canada has started accepting applications under the country’s new immigration program, Agri-Food Immigration Pilot. This three-year pilot program launched by Canada aims to test the feasibility of industry-specific approach to immigration. It endeavors to cater to the labor needs of farmers and processors. The program primarily targets those who have work experience in Canada and demonstrate the capacity to economically establish in the country.
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot was originally planned to launch in March 2020, but was postponed in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. The program is expected to address the labor shortages in the year-long mushroom and greenhouse crop production as well as livestock-rearing industries.
Industries eligible for Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
- Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
- Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)
- Animal production, excluding aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124 or 1129)
Occupations eligible for Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
1) Meat product manufacturing
- Retail butchers (NOC B 6331)
- Industrial butchers (NOC C 9462)
- Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers (NOC B 8252)
- Food processing laborers (NOC D 9617)
2) Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production
- Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers (NOC B 8252)
- General farm workers (NOC C 8431)
- Harvesting laborers (NOC D 8611)
3) Animal production, excluding aquaculture
- Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers (NOC B 8252)
- General farmworkers (NOC C 8431)
Application Limits
| Occupation | Annual Application Limit | |
|---|---|---|
| Farm supervisor or specialized livestock | 50 | |
| Industrial butcher/retail butcher | 1,470 | |
| Food processing laborer | 730 | |
| General farm worker | 200 | |
| Harvesting laborer | 300 |
Eligibility requirements
- 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation, acquired in the past 3 years under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
- Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 in English or French in all the four abilities (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
- Minimum education qualification equal to high-school level.
- Indeterminate job offer for a full-time, non-seasonal occupation in Canada(outside Quebec)
- Required settlement funds, unless already working in Canada.
Do you wish to migrate to Canada? Check your eligibility by filling our free online assessment form.
